Oxolinic ointment (3% and 0.25%) or oxolinka is a time-tested drug, the instructions for which regulate the indications for use - viral infections - influenza and herpes. The product is recommended for adults and children for treatment, and most importantly, for the prevention of infections. This is one of the first antiviral ointments, released back in the 70s of the last century and widely in demand in the territory of the former Union. From then until today, the ointment has been sold exclusively in pharmacies in post-Soviet countries and has a relatively affordable price.
Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics
Oxolin ointment, in its external and nasal form, is an antiviral therapeutic agent, the activity of which is aimed at blocking the connection of the cell membrane with the virus affecting it and protecting the cell itself from its penetration. Oxolin nasal ointment in the nasal mucous membranes is characterized by its virucidal effect, which prevents the reproduction of the virus. The effectiveness of the drug is manifested against influenza , adenoviruses zoster and herpes simplex viruses , molluscum contagiosum and viral warts .
Application of the drug to the nasal mucous membranes leads to partial absorption of its active ingredient into the systemic bloodstream. The volume of drug absorbed in this way can reach up to 20%. At the same time, it does not cause local effects or resorptive toxicity. Oxoline accumulate in the body.
Excretion is carried out mainly by the kidneys over a 24-hour period.
Oxolinic ointment for condylomas
Warts, papillomas and condylomas are manifestations of a viral disease called papillomatosis
.
It is formed when infected with the human papillomavirus (HPV). Doctors identify more than 100 types of different papillomaviruses. Oxolin shows some action against those of them that form common warts .
Treatment of papillomatosis comes down to controlling the virus. If you help your immune system limit the proliferation of viral particles, then new warts will not appear. In addition, old wart growths will begin to dissolve and disappear.
In order to quickly remove (remove) existing formations, local treatment with antiviral compounds (creams, ointments) is used. Ointment with oxoline is applied to the papilloma or wart several times a day .
Indications for use
The scope of application of the drug in its external (cutaneous) form covers strains of viruses sensitive to oxolin , for which the ointment is prescribed for the treatment of warts (including flat, common and genital warts ), as well as molluscum contagiosum , zoster , psoriasis and pemphigoid herpes (in complex therapy ).
The nasal form of the drug is intended for intranasal application (on the nasal mucous membranes), from which the ointment is indicated for the treatment of viral rhinitis and the prevention of influenza .
Oxolinic ointment for herpes
Herpes is a disease caused by a virus. It causes a blistering rash, which after a while turns into sores. Labial (facial) herpes forms rashes on a person’s face. They often start along the edges of the lips and near the mouth. With low immunity, herpes labialis spreads into the mouth, causing viral stomatitis or viral sore throat.
Genital herpes is transmitted through sexual intercourse. It forms rashes on the mucous surfaces of the genital organs and on the skin next to them.
There is a main rule in the treatment of any virus: the earlier therapy is started, the easier it is to overcome the infection.
.
Over a long period of time, viral particles have time to multiply and cause extensive inflammation. Which requires longer treatment. Therefore, it is most effective to treat herpes at the beginning of its manifestations, at the first sensation of discomfort, itching, burning .
Herpes is often a chronic infection. It infects a person in early childhood and after - with any decrease in immunity (colds, stress)
– forms rashes on the lips and face. The weaker the immune system, the more often colds (herpes) appear.
Other ointments for herpes
Before the appearance of a herpetic rash, some discomfort occurs - itching, soreness, burning. If you apply an antiviral agent at the first painful sensation, there may be no rashes at all . Or they will appear in small quantities.
Oxolinic ointment is a local external treatment for the lips. It does not solve the problem, does not act on the cause of the disease, but allows you to remove its visible manifestations (reduce the area of rashes or spots, accelerate the epithelization of tissues, their healing).
Important: in order to solve the issue radically, it is necessary to strengthen general and local immunity, to ensure a strong immune response. For this, vitamin and mineral complexes, natural stimulants (garlic, onions, bee products), pharmaceutical immunomodulators (preparations with interferon) are used.
Instructions for use of Oxolin (Method and dosage)
External ointment Oxolin, instructions for use
In order to treat viral warts, it is recommended to apply 3% oxoline to their surface with a frequency of 2-3 times every 24 hours until the complete disappearance of condylomas (as a rule, the course of such therapy takes 14-60 days). To enhance the effectiveness of the treatment, it is recommended to apply occlusive dressings using wax paper to the site of application of the drug.
Oxolin nasal ointment, instructions for use
Therapy for viral rhinitis is carried out by lubricating the nasal mucosa with 0.25% oxolin 2-3 times a day for 3-4 days.
Prevention of influenza involves applying 0.25% ointment to the nasal mucous membranes 2-3 times a day. This procedure is recommended to be performed during a seasonal increase in influenza diseases or in case of contact with an already infected patient, for up to 25 days.
The above recommendations are relevant for the drug from any manufacturer, including Oxolin ointment “Darnitsa”, “Ternopharm”, “Lubnyfarm” (Ukraine);
“Synthesis”, “Altaivitamins”, “Biosynthesis”, “Green Dubrava”, “Ozone” (Russia), etc.
Viruses in the body
Viruses are special pathogens that are not independent cells. They need a “master” to live and reproduce. Therefore, viral particles are called intracellular parasites.
Viruses are classified into types and groups. Each species is adapted for life in certain conditions, in certain animal or human cells. Some viral particles multiply only on the mucous epithelium of the nasopharynx, others on the mucous membrane of the genital organs or stomach, and some on skin cells. Different types of viruses differ in localization and manifest themselves in different organs and tissues.
Adenovirus
Let's give an example of how one of the viruses spreads, which can be treated with oxolinic ointment. When infected with an adenovirus (any type or strain), the multiplication of viral particles occurs on the mucous epithelium of the respiratory tract. In this case, their primary penetration occurs in the nasal mucosa or nasopharynx. With further spread of infection, they penetrate deeper - into the trachea, bronchi, lungs
.
The use of oxolinic ointment allows you to:
- Prevent the introduction of adenovirus into healthy cells (at the prevention stage, before the disease).
- If infection has already occurred, prevent it from spreading into deeper tissues and organs.
Important: the infection process occurs through the cell membrane. The viral particle attaches to the cell membrane and stays on it for some time, trying to dissolve it and penetrate inside, to the nucleus. If the cell membranes are strong, the virus does not penetrate and infection does not occur. This condition is called strong cellular immunity.
What happens after infection
If the virus has penetrated the cell, then its fate is sealed. Viral DNA integrates into the nucleus and “reprograms” its operation. From now on, the human cell becomes a factory for the production and release of new viruses.
After penetration into the nasopharyngeal mucosa, the number of viruses increases exponentially . Instead of 1, dozens of new pathogens are formed that infect the neighboring epithelium.
In response to infection, the body forms an immune response . There is a synthesis of immune bodies that must fight (eat, destroy) the infection. In this case, the response can form quickly (if the immune system is already familiar with this virus) or slowly (if a similar virus has entered the body for the first time). In any case, the body’s reaction occurs sooner or later, the production of lymphocytes begins, and the fight against infection begins.
The time of the body's reaction to the penetration of the virus determines the development of inflammation. If the immune system responds quickly, the virus has infected a small number of cells, and there will be no inflammation. If the immune response has been formed for several days, the viral particles will have time to destroy a large number of mucosal epithelial cells, which becomes the cause of extensive inflammation.
What role does oxolinic ointment play in the process described above? At what stage of infection does oxolin come into play and prevent further infection?
What does oxolin do?
Oxolin exhibits its effect both at the beginning of infection and during the further spread of infection. At first, when viral particles have just “settled” on cell membranes, oxolin neutralizes viruses “sticking” to the membranes. Later, when the infection spreads, it neutralizes the viral particles that are produced by infected cells . Also, during the infection spreading phase, oxolinic ointment reduces the area of inflammation and limits the penetration of the virus into deep tissues. What prevents the occurrence of complications - tracheitis, bronchitis, pulmonary inflammation
.
Oxolin is able to persist in mucosal epithelial cells for 3-4 hours. This makes it possible to use it not only for treatment, but also for prevention. If you apply the ointment to the nasal mucosa, it will protect against infection for the designated time.
Analogs
Level 4 ATC code matches:
Florenal
Oftalmoferon
Oxolinic ointment
Zirgan
Oftan I'm coming
Poludan
- Alpizarin;
- Acyclovir;
- Aldara;
- Acigerpin;
- Acyclostad;
- Vartek;
- Bonafton;
- Vivorax;
- Gervirax;
- Herpferon;
- Devirs;
- Imiquimod;
- Herperax;
- Zovirax;
- Fenistil Pencivir , etc.
special instructions
In order for the use of Oxolinic ointment to give positive results, the following nuances must be taken into account:
- the ointment is applied only to the mucous membrane of the nasal passages, and not under the nose or on its “wings”;
- in childhood, a minimal amount of the drug is used - this will avoid difficulty breathing;
- after 3-4 hours have passed from applying the ointment, you need to rinse your nasal passages, first with clean water, then with salt water.
To treat mucous surfaces, you can only use Oxolinic ointment in a 0.25% concentration of the main active ingredient. A 3% preparation can cause severe burns; it is used to treat the skin.
Reviews
Patients' opinions about the effectiveness of topically applied Oxolin were divided. Some consider this ointment to be quite effective, use it successfully and recommend it to all their friends, even for the treatment of pregnant, lactating women and infants. Others, on the contrary, are confident in the complete uselessness of this medicinal drug and provide examples from their own negative experience of using it as proof.
It is worth noting that there is practically no mention of the side effects of the ointment, with the exception of a temporary burning sensation, so even if Oksolin is ineffective, there will be no harm from its use.
Oxolinic ointment for prevention
Oxolin exhibits its effect upon direct contact with the virus. Therefore, when applied to the nose, oxolinic ointment prevents those infections that are spread by airborne droplets . It protects against regular flu and does not protect against intestinal infections, intestinal flu.
As for herpes infections, warts and molluscum contagiosum, they spread on human skin. The entry points for these types of infections are small cracks and wounds. To protect yourself from infection, you need to cover a sufficiently large surface of the skin with cream, which is not always possible. Therefore, oxolin is not used for the prevention of herpes and warts. But it treats herpetic rashes and warts after an infection has occurred.
Oxolinic ointment for children
The instructions for oxolinic ointment do not recommend its use for children under 2 years of age . Oxolin is one of the drugs for which the official recommendations of pharmacists are contrary to the recommendations of doctors. Doctors often prescribe oxolinic composition to infants, citing the harmlessness of ointments.
True, in the last decade, the recommendations of local pediatricians have become more diverse. Drugs with a similar effect have appeared - various interferons.
The use of interferon ointments for infants and newborns is also questionable. On the one hand, they have a more pronounced effect. On the other hand (according to the results of a number of studies) they disrupt the formation of their own immunity. So, is it possible to use antiviral ointments such as oxolinic or interferon for the prevention and treatment of viral diseases?
There is no clear answer to these questions. Yes, immunity must be formed, but this does not always happen painlessly. And private childhood infections reduce the immune response.
If a child has had a cold, then subsequent infections will be more difficult with more severe consequences (pleurisy instead of tracheitis, a widespread rash throughout the body instead of individual local rashes). Therefore, with low immunity, it is necessary to use antiviral agents.
Let's list when oxolinic ointment is used in young children:
- The use of oxolinic ointment is indicated during periods of mass infections , so-called epidemics.
- If you know for sure that the child will be in contact with the patient inside a limited space (indoors).
- If you do not have the opportunity to use simpler means (rinsing the spout with salt water every hour).
- If your child’s immunity is clearly reduced.
- If your baby has had any colds (of any nature - viral or bacterial) over the past month and a half.
Oksolinka for children under one year old
How is oxolinic ointment used for children under one year of age? What composition is applied to the baby's nose? There is a general rule - the younger the child, the lower the concentration of the drug should be used to treat him. Therefore, for infants, the ointment is diluted with Vaseline or baby cream (in a 1:1 ratio) . The resulting composition is spread under the nose or inside the nasal passages. For infants, such a simple remedy is used during winter epidemics, before going outside, visiting guests or a children's clinic.
How to apply ointment to a newborn or infant? To coat the inside of the spout, use a cotton swab. At the same time, oxolinka is not carried deep into the nose. It is enough to apply it along the outer edge of the mucous membrane .
Note: the influenza virus invades the mucous membranes of the nose and mouth. Therefore, oxolinic ointment does not always prevent infection. If only because babies often put their fingers in their mouths or hold them open. In this case, while the nasal mucosa is protected, the mucous membranes of the mouth and nasopharynx remain unprotected.
Price, where to buy
The price of Oksolin for external use fluctuates around 40-50 rubles per 10 gram tube. The price of ointment for intranasal use varies between 50-60 rubles per 10 gram tube.
- Online pharmacies in RussiaRussia
- Online pharmacies in UkraineUkraine
- Online pharmacies in KazakhstanKazakhstan
LuxPharma* special offer
- Zaroxolin tab.
(Metolazone) 10 mg No. 50 RUR 2,680 order
ZdravCity
- Oxolinic ointment 0.25% 10 gAO "Nizhpharm"
75 rub. order
- Oksolin nasal ointment 0.25% tube 10gOAO Sintez
77 RUR order
- Oxolinic ointment 0.25% 10g Tula Pharmaceutical Factory LLC
63 RUR order
- Oksolin nasal ointment 0.25% tube 25g Tula Pharmaceutical Factory LLC
84 rub. order
- Oksolin nasal ointment. 0.25% tube 10gPAO Biosintez
57 RUR order
Pharmacy Dialogue
- Oxolinic ointment (tube 0.25% 10g) Muromsky PZ
36 RUR order
- Oxolinic ointment (tube 0.25% 10g)Green oak grove
30 rub. order
- Oxolinic ointment (tube 0.25% 10g) Biosynthesis OJSC
28 RUR order
- Nitroxoline (tab. 50 mg No. 50) Biosynthesis OJSC
66 RUR order
- Oxolinic ointment (tube 0.25% 10g) Sintez (Kurgan) OJSC
61 rub. order
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Pharmacy24
- AviruSpray 15 ml nebulizing gel with oxolin TOV "Georg Biosystems", Ukraine
49 UAH.order - Oxolinic ointment 0.25% 10 g TOV DKP Pharm.Fabrika, Ukraine
9 UAH order
- Oxolinic ointment 2.5 mg/g 10 g tube Ternofarm TOV, Ternopil, Ukraine
11 UAH order
- Oxolin-Darnitsa ointment 10 g ointment PrAT” Pharmaceutical company “Darnitsa”, Ukraine
18 UAH order
- Oksolin 0.25% 10 g ointment tube PAT "Lubnipharm", Ukraine
7 UAH order
PaniPharmacy
- Oxolinic ointment Oxolinic ointment 0.25% tube 10g Russia, Nizhpharm
23 UAH order
- Nitroxoline coated tablets 0.05g No. 50 Ukraine , Vitamins
21 UAH order
- Oxolinic ointment Oxolinic ointment 0.25% 10g Ukraine, Zhitomir FF LLC
10 UAH.order
- NITROXOLINE tablets Nitroxoline tablets. 0.05g No. 50 Ukraine, Tekhnolog ChAO
15 UAH order
- Oxolinic ointment Oxolinic ointment 0.25% 10g Ukraine, Lubnyfarm PJSC
9 UAH order
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Possible harm
The effectiveness of Oxolin is not recognized by so-called evidence-based medicine. The drug has not been studied in randomized comparative studies. During the years when the drug was created, this was not required.
Experts have repeatedly spoken out on the effectiveness of Oksolin. A number of Rospotrebnadzor experts believe that the medicine does not exhibit an antiviral effect, but serves as a mechanical barrier to viral particles inhaled. Vaseline applied to the nasal mucosa has the same property.
The potential harm of Oxolinic ointment is the lack of the result that the patient is counting on. Viruses constantly mutate, and resistant strains appear. In addition, if a child or adult is already sick with influenza or ARVI, then a nasal remedy will not cure the disease.
Release form
In pharmacies, the cream is sold in cardboard boxes, inside of which there are aluminum tubes of various sizes. There are two types: 0.25 and 3 percent. The first is an effective nasal remedy for combating microbes, the second is suitable only for external use. The percentage notifies the buyer about the concentration of active components. In addition, each variety has its own production volume, for example:
- Oksolin 3% is sold only in tubes of 10, 25 and 30 grams;
- The 0.25% product can be found in volumes of 5-10-25 and 30 grams.
Contraindications
Oxolin has practically no contraindications, except for individual intolerance.
And although the drug has not been tested in women during pregnancy and lactation, according to the description in the instructions, doctors advise confidently using it during these periods.
The childhood age at which treatment with ointment is approved in the annotation is 2 years, but it is often prescribed to children before reaching this age.
pharmachologic effect
When applied externally, the active components ensure the binding of herpes viruses, influenza, and other microorganisms to epithelial cells, thus increasing the ability of the immune system to resist respiratory viral and infectious diseases. After application to the skin, about 5% of the drug is completely absorbed into the blood. If you lubricate the mucous membrane of the nose or mouth, the body will receive 20% of the active substances. All components are completely excreted by the kidneys within 24 hours. At the same time, the drug does not have a negative effect on humans, and if the instructions are followed, it does not irritate the skin.
Side effect
No cases of overdose have been reported so far. However, extremely rarely, the drug can still cause side effects, including:
- a feeling of severe burning and itching;
- skin redness;
- hives;
- increased mucous discharge from the nose;
- tearing, when used during the treatment of eye infections;
- risk of developing skin dermatitis;
- blue coloration of the skin when using the product externally.
