How to take Ingavirin for coronavirus
Ingavirin is taken orally, regardless of food intake. You need to take the medicine with a small amount of water at room temperature.
Important! You should not drink it with alcohol, tea, coffee or soda.
Water is a neutral medium, and any drink can become a catalyst and cause the drug to work incorrectly already at the stage of administration: for example, cause an allergic reaction.
Pills
Ingavirin is not available in tablets. The form of the original drug is capsules. If any pharmacy sells it in tablets, most likely it is a counterfeit.
Capsules
Capsule size – No. 2 or No. 3. The shell is red. On the cap of one capsule there is a logo in the form of a ring. The letter “I” is written inside the ring. Inside the capsules are white powder and granules. The formation of conglomerates is allowed, which easily crumble with light pressure.
Dosage of Ingavirin for coronavirus
Instructions for treatment:
- adults should take 1 capsule with a dosage of 90 mg 1 time/24 hours;
- Children 3-6 years old are prescribed a dosage of 30 mg. If children have difficulty swallowing the capsule, the contents can be diluted in water. To do this, you need to carefully open the capsule over ¼ cup of boiled water at room temperature, pour out the contents, mix and give to the child. He must drink the medicine within 20 seconds. Added sugar is allowed. The finished mixture cannot be stored;
- children from 7 years old. 1 capsule with a dosage of 60 mg 1 time/24 hours.
Ingavirin is not recommended for children under 3 years of age.
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Ingavirin 90
Ingavirin (pentanedioic acid imidazolylethanamide (vitaglutam)) is one of the most promising pharmaceutical drugs in domestic immunology and virology. Used for influenza and acute respiratory infections. Prevents the replication of viral DNA, suppressing the process of spreading viruses in the patient's body. It also has an anti-inflammatory effect, which consists in inhibiting the reproduction of inflammatory mediators. Currently, Ingavirin is one of the most prescribed drugs by domestic immunologists. It passed all the necessary laboratory and clinical studies (they were carried out only in the Russian Federation), which confirmed its effectiveness: the drug significantly reduced the duration of febrile symptoms, the severity of intoxication (cough, rhinorrhea, headache) and signs of inflammation of the respiratory tract and brought recovery closer. Normalization of body temperature is ensured within 36 hours. At the same time, the risk of bacterial damage to the body is significantly reduced.
The idea of creating Ingavirin has been nurtured since the early 80s of the last century. After many years of preclinical and clinical trials, in 2008 the drug was included in the State Register of Medicines and approved for use in medicine. Already in 2009, it passed the test of the H1N1 influenza pandemic with honor. At the same time, the drug had a favorable safety profile, good tolerability and ease of use.
It did not exhibit a mutagenic or carcinogenic effect, did not suppress fertility, did not cause allergies, and did not irritate the mucous membrane of the digestive tract. The convenience of using Ingavirin lies in the absence of the need to be tied to meals and the low frequency of administration: to create a therapeutic concentration of the active component in the body, it is enough to take the drug 1 capsule 1 time per day for a total duration of the drug course of 5-7 days. The pronounced immunomodulatory effect of Ingavirin eliminates the need for simultaneous administration of other drugs with a similar effect, which reduces the pharmacological load on the body and, first of all, on the liver. Particularly indicative was a multicenter placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial of the drug conducted in children and adolescents suffering from influenza and acute respiratory infections. In none of the cases were there any side effects that could be a reason to stop taking the drug, which confirmed its safety, good tolerability and effectiveness (a positive result of pharmacotherapy was achieved in 91% of cases).
The Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation included Ingavirin in the list of vital and essential drugs. It should be noted that in the USA and Western European countries no drugs with a similar active ingredient are registered. It is also not on the WHO lists.
Contraindications and side effects
What are the dangers of using this product? The manufacturer reports that Ingavirin does not cause serious side effects. But some people report a mild allergic reaction and headaches after use.
Important! Ingavirin does not have mutagenic, immunotoxic or allergenic properties. The product does not have a local irritating effect, does not affect reproductive function, and does not provoke slowdown or disruption of fetal development.
The use of the drug during pregnancy has not been studied. If the drug was prescribed to a nursing mother, breastfeeding should be stopped for the period of treatment.
Ingavirin 90 – instructions for use
Given the active advertising of this drug, most people have heard about Ingavirin, but only doctors have an idea about its real effect. The medicine is presented as an ideal option so that the treatment of influenza or other infectious viral disease does not drag on for weeks and is not accompanied by complications. According to marketers, taking Ingavirin:
- instantly eliminates the signs of a cold;
- helps overcome adenoviral infections;
- blocks symptoms of intoxication well;
- has an anti-inflammatory effect.
According to the manufacturer, with this medicine it is even possible to prevent viral diseases, and all thanks to a unique active component that “can recognize sick and healthy cells.” However, it is not an antibiotic. However, the composition of Ingavirin forces doctors to express doubts about the effectiveness of the drug, which is confirmed by patient reviews: you can see that the medicine does not work for everyone even for a cold without complications.
Compound
The active component of the drug is pentanedioic acid imidazolylethanamide or vitaglutam, which appeared during the development of a drug for allergies. Along with antihistamine properties, the ability to act on interferon receptors, which are also associated with viral diseases, has been demonstrated. However, initially the active substance Ingavirin was used by doctors as a leukopoietic one: the key component had a hepatoprotective effect. A drug called Dicarbamine was produced and used in patients undergoing chemotherapy.
In addition to pentanedioic acid imidazolylethanamide, Ingavirin contains several auxiliary elements:
- the powder inside the capsule is formed by lactose, potato starch, aerosil, magnesium stearate;
- The capsule shell contains gelatin, titanium dioxide, and crimson dye.
Release form
In pharmacies, this medicine can only be found in the form of red capsules, each of which contains 90 mg of vitaglutam. There is also a children's version - Ingavirin 60 and 30, where, as can be seen from the digital console, there is only 60 or 30 mg of the active component. Packages made of cardboard contain a blister for 7 capsules, which are designed for exactly 1 course of administration. Ingavirin is produced by the Russian company Valenta Pharma, which previously produced Dicarbamine with a similar composition (but the dose of vitaglutam was higher - 100 mg), but it was in the form of tablets, so the components of the gelatin shell were excluded.
Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics
The effect of Ingavirin on the body causes controversy among doctors due to the difference in the instructions given for it and Dicarbamine, which have a similar composition. Vitaglutam itself:
- has anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects;
- belongs to the group of immunostimulants.
For Dicarbamine, the ability to reduce the negative effects of cytostatic drugs (used in oncology) is additionally indicated, but there is no such mark for Ingavirin. The manufacturer also provides different data on the pharmaceutical effect: the antiviral mechanism of Ingavirin is determined by the fact that:
- Vitaglutam suppresses the reproduction of the causative agent of a viral disease, which prevents it from migrating from the cytoplasm of the cell to the nucleus.
- The components of the drug give an impetus to leukocytes to produce interferon, which helps increase its level to levels where it can actively support the immune system.
- The formation of cytotoxic lymphocytes occurs.
- Special elements are produced that are characterized by high antiviral activity - they recognize infected cells and destroy them.
Additionally, the manufacturer clarifies in the official instructions that if the patient does not violate the prescribed doses, the safety of the drug will be absolute: the active substance will not even be detected in the blood. Studies have established that the maximum concentration of vitaglutam in internal organs and blood plasma will be within half an hour, but after 38 hours it is completely eliminated. Most of the components are excreted in the feces (different is said about Dicarbamine - it is excreted in the urine), and they are not metabolized.
According to the pharmacodynamics of the drug, 2 more nuances are noted:
- Long-term (5-7 days) treatment with Ingavirin with daily intake according to instructions leads to the accumulation of vitaglutam in tissues.
- Problems with kidney function do not have a particular effect on the excretion and concentration of the active substance.
Indications for use
The effectiveness of Ingavirin was noted against influenza (A and B, including “swine”, against the background of which the drug was actively advertised). Additionally, the medicine can be used against:
- respiratory syncytial infection and adenovirus;
- parainfluenza.
The manufacturer of the drug and some doctors claim that with the help of Ingavirin, not only treatment, but also prevention of influenza can be carried out. It can also be recommended to relieve cold symptoms (runny nose, fever), which indicates the safety of the medicine, but the course in such a situation is short. A number of experts, relying on the anti-inflammatory effect that this medicine has, recommend it for infectious diseases associated with inflammation of the musculoskeletal system, but the official instructions say nothing about this.
Contraindications
Even in the annotation for Ingavirin and on the manufacturer’s website, the data on contraindications for treatment with this drug varies: pregnancy is a “floating” moment - one source does not deny its use during this period, the other prohibits it. The only thing that is undeniable is that Ingavirin is contraindicated in case of individual intolerance to any of the components, including minor ones (especially lactose), and taking Ingavirin 90 is not allowed in persons under 18 years of age due to the high content of the active component. The contents of the capsule cannot be divided.
Directions for use and dosage
Doctors (and the manufacturer) advise starting to take this medicine orally when there is a flu epidemic in the city - for prevention, or at a time when the viral infection is just beginning to make itself felt with primary symptoms: runny nose, sore throat, weakness, etc. According to experts, it is possible to treat a cold even on the 2-3rd day of disease activity, but it will not be possible to cope with the flu and not get bacterial complications by taking the pill only at the height of the disease. Antiviral agents of this type are effective only at the initial stage.
The general rules for taking Ingavirin for treatment are simple:
- The daily dose for an adult is 1 capsule or 90 mg of the active substance.
- Ingestion is carried out at any time of the day, does not depend on food, but if you have a sensitive stomach, it is recommended to take capsules half an hour to an hour after eating and not in the morning.
- Take the capsule only with water, preferably warm.
In terms of dosage, there is no difference in whether you take the medicine to protect against bacterial infections or to treat a disease that has already taken hold of you: in both cases, the reproduction of the virus will be stopped. The differences in dosage regimens are only regarding the duration of the course of therapy: for treatment you need to drink the entire package - this is a week, but for prevention or after contact with patients you can limit it to 3 days.
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special instructions
The official instructions state that the medicine does not have a sedative effect, and therefore does not interfere with driving a car or performing other actions that are associated with increased concentration. The drug is safe for allergy sufferers, it does not have carcinogenic properties, it does not have a local irritant effect, since it is taken internally. Dispensing from pharmacies is over-the-counter, but it will not be possible to buy the medicine outside of Russia, because it is not sold there and is not among the Health Organization's approved medicines.
Ingavirin during pregnancy
Presumably this drug does not have mutagenic properties, does not have embryotoxic effects and does not affect uterine tone, so there is no strict ban on the use of Ingavirin during pregnancy. However, the official instructions recommend consulting with your doctor, since there is no scientifically proven data on the safety of taking this medicine in women carrying a child. It is recommended to suspend breastfeeding for the period of treatment, since the possible effect of the drug on the baby through milk is unknown.
For children
For persons under 18 years of age, doctors recommend taking 90 mg of vitaglutam per capsule with caution, and the final decision depends on the purpose of therapy:
- such a large dose cannot be used for prophylaxis;
- for the treatment of influenza it is possible if the child is aged 13-18 years.
Mostly in children, an option with a lower concentration of the active substance is used: 60 or 30 mg. The latest form of release is aimed at the smallest, but therapy is carried out only under medical supervision. Ingavirin tablets with a dosage of 60 mg of vitaglutam can be used to defeat influenza viruses in children over 6 years of age. Doctors do not recommend dividing the contents of the capsule, so if you couldn’t find the right dosage (only a higher one is on sale), you should look for a similar antiviral drug.
Interactions with drugs
Even taking into account the safety of this drug, the official instructions do not recommend combining it with other drugs aimed at treating respiratory viral diseases, since the chemical interaction of vitaglutam with other antiviral substances has not been fully studied. If you decide to adjust your treatment regimen, wait 37 hours between taking the old medication and the new one (the period during which vitaglutam is eliminated from the body).
Side effects
Due to the fact that Ingavirin is characterized by low toxicity, and it is completely eliminated within the first day after administration, according to the official instructions, the only reason for any negative reactions of the body to this medicine may be an allergy. However, in the reviews of patients undergoing a therapeutic course, one can see that among the side effects the following were noticed:
- nausea;
- stomach pain;
- hives.
Ingavirin or Arbidol
Arbidol has antiviral activity against viruses A and B, as well as against highly pathogenic subtypes H1N1 and H2N5. It has antiviral and weak immunomodulatory effects.
On a note! To a greater extent, Arbidol is a means for post-exposure prophylaxis.
The table compares Arbidol and Ingavirin:
Comparison criteria | Ingavirin | Arbidol |
Release form | Gelatin capsules | Capsules, suspensions, tablets |
Active substance | Vitaglutam | Umifenovir |
Mode of application | 1 capsule/24 hours | 2 tablets/24 hours, for 10 days |
Age restrictions | Take from 3 years of age (strictly as prescribed by a doctor) | Take from 2 years |
Dependence on the stage of COVID19 | Accepted within the first 2 days | Does not depend |
Efficacy of the drug | Helps activate the immune system | Affects viruses |
Price | Capsules 60 mg, 10 pcs: 633 RUR; capsules 90 mg, 10 pcs: 748 rub. | 534 rub. |
Analogs
Due to the high price of this drug, consumers are looking for cheap analogues of Ingavirin, which would help to overcome viral respiratory diseases with the same effectiveness, would be allowed during pregnancy and would not weaken the immune system. Doctors say that it is possible to select a medicine with a similar spectrum of action, but finding an analogue of Ingavirin in structure (working due to the same active substance) is unrealistic.
There are many similar antiviral agents based on the principle of their effects, but the most effective are:
- Arbidol - works on umifenovir, is available only in capsule form. Doctors often prescribe this drug to children because it is well accepted by the body. The price of 10 capsules is 190-250 rubles, but for the full course you will need more.
- Anaferon is an antiviral drug with immunostimulant functions that has proven itself in pediatrics. Available in tablets, it contains lactose, so it has more contraindications.
- Kagocel is a tablet with the active substance of the same name, which has a strong antiviral effect. Can be given to a child over 6 years old.
Alternative antiviral drugs against coronavirus
Alternatively, your doctor may prescribe the following:
- Kagotsela. Antiviral agent. Causes the formation in the human body of so-called late interferons, which are a mixture of alpha and beta interferons with high antiviral activity;
- Amiksina. Low molecular weight synthetic interferon inducer that stimulates the formation of alpha, beta, gamma interferons in the body;
- Amizona. Antiviral drug. It is a derivative of isonicotinic acid. It has a direct (inhibitory) effect on the process of penetration of viruses through the cell membrane. Helps suppress the action of influenza viruses and other pathogens of acute respiratory viral infections. Also has an interferonogenic effect;
- Trekrezana. Adaptogenic drug. Stimulates the production of α- and γ-interferons, affects the immune status of the body;
- Nobasita. Antiviral agent, derivative of isonicotinic acid. Suppresses the effect of influenza viruses and other pathogens of acute respiratory viral infections.
Unfortunately, all of the drugs listed do not have proven effectiveness against COVID-19. You cannot take them on your own.
Ingavirin after Covid
Ingavirin is effective only in the first 24–48 hours, against the background of a rise in temperature and the appearance of other symptoms of coronavirus. After Covid, you can take medicine if after some time the person gets sick again. There is no point in taking it “for immunity” immediately after the symptoms of the disease have subsided - there are other drugs for this.
If after coronavirus a person is diagnosed with ARVI or “regular” flu, you can take Ingavirin, but only under the supervision of a doctor.
Ingavirin for the prevention of coronavirus
Is it possible to take Ingavirin to prevent COVID-19? According to doctors, the active substance of the drug helps activate the work of leukocytes and interferon. Thanks to this, the body's resistance to the virus increases. If it does penetrate the body, it cannot reproduce there. In this case, the disease occurs in a milder form, and the risk of complications is reduced.
Price Ingavirin 90
In Moscow pharmacies this medicine can be found for both 410 rubles and 500 rubles. Some online stores (including online pharmacies) offer a more reasonable price, but taking into account delivery, especially to the regions, the same amount will be obtained. The children's version (30 mg of active substance) is slightly cheaper than an adult: 380-400 rubles. The general picture of prices is reflected in this table:
Pharmacy | Price |
EApteka | 451 rub. |
Rigla | 508 rub. |
AptekaRu | 464 rub. |
Reviews from doctors about ingavirin for Covid
The use of Ingavirin helps reduce the risk of contracting coronavirus infection.
I would recommend that doctors working in clinics also include this drug in their coronavirus prevention plan. A. Afanasyev, immunologist
The instructions for the drug say that it can be used against coronaviruses.
But it says nothing regarding the new coronavirus infection. Therefore, on a whim, I would not recommend taking this drug: to give a definite answer, additional research is required. O. Lavr, immunologist
Reviews from survivors about ingavirin for COVID-19
I started drinking Ingavirin as soon as the first symptoms appeared: my voice disappeared, I broke into a cold sweat.
The doctor said that if there is no temperature, antibiotics are not needed. Additionally, the doctor recommended gargling with rotokan, dissolving anti-angin, spraying cameton into the throat, and rinsing the nose with sodium chloride through a small enema. I also breathed Vietnamese starfish through my nose and drank a lot of tea with viburnum and raspberries. Perhaps there was a “collective” work of drugs and immunity, but the virus was suppressed almost immediately. Olga, 36 years old
At first my sense of smell disappeared, and then my temperature jumped to 38.4 degrees.
I drank Ingavirin together with Grippferon (naturally, on the recommendation of a doctor). The sense of smell gradually began to return, and the unpleasant sensation in the nose disappeared. Overall it became much easier. Perhaps the immune system coped with it, or maybe I helped him by taking Ingavirin and Grippferon. Now how do you find out? Valentin, 57 years old
I had a whole bunch of symptoms: a severe runny nose, fever, and my lungs hurt.
She was treated comprehensively: Ingavirin + Arpetol + painkillers + paracetamol. It became much easier. Does the drug help? The doctor says that it helps, but only if the disease is mild, or if you “catch” it immediately, when the first symptoms appear. Lyudmila, 62 years old
I took Ingavirin along with painkillers, and I also received Ceftriaxone injections every other day.
For cough (symptomatically) I took Bromhexine. I drank compotes and herbal teas. I believe that comprehensive measures helped me. Anatoly, 60 years old
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