Protargol: trade names, indications, action, reviews and prices

Protargol nasal drops are a time-tested remedy for a runny nose. The drug is a silver proteinate.

It does not just provide temporary relief, but fights the cause of the disease thanks to its antiviral and antimicrobial effects. Often prescribed for the treatment of children.

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Pharmacological properties

Pharmacodynamics

When silver proteinate enters the body, it dissociates to form silver ions, which have an astringent, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effect. Silver ions actively inhibit the reproduction of pathogens of infectious diseases by binding their DNA. The mechanism of action of the drug is based on the deposition of proteins on damaged mucous membranes through silver ions and the formation of a protective film. At the same time, the inflammatory process decreases, blood vessels narrow, which helps eliminate swelling, and sensitivity decreases. Silver ions also inhibit the reproduction of various microorganisms. Protargol demonstrates activity against such gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria as S. abony, B. cereus, A. niger, C. albicans, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, E. coli, etc.

Pharmacokinetics

Protargol is used only topically, so silver proteinate is only slightly absorbed. Cases of silver poisoning and systemic effects have not been reported when using the drug in clinical practice.

Properties in the treatment of runny nose

The positive effect of treatment is due to the following properties:

• Anti-inflammatory;
• Antimicrobial;
• Drying;
• Regenerating.

The drug has been very popular for many years and is safer than vasoconstrictor drops. It is suitable for the treatment of runny nose in children, practically without causing allergic reactions or side effects when used correctly.

Its use stops the spread of bacteria and restores damage to the sinus mucosa.

Indications for use

According to the instructions, Protargol is indicated for the treatment of inflammatory processes:

• Otolaryngology: acute and chronic nasopharyngitis (inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx), sinusitis, pharyngitis, chronic rhinitis, sinusitis, adenoiditis, purulent inflammatory processes of the middle ear;
• Ophthalmology: inflammatory eye pathologies, including blepharitis in newborns, conjunctivitis;
• Gynecology: cervical erosion, endometritis, vaginitis, cervicitis, adnexitis, salpingitis, etc.;
• Urology: urethritis, cystitis.

In addition, the use of the drug is indicated in the diagnosis of lacrimal duct patency.

Action of Protargol

Tissue disinfection is the main property of silver proteinate. The chemical compound cleanses tissues and mucous membranes of infectious agents such as clostridia and staphylococcus. The active substance binds to the DNA of the bacterial cell and disrupts the division cycle, thereby stopping the spread of pathogens in tissues. This effect is used to treat diseases and reduce the risk of infection.

Silver ions

Additional properties

• Suppression of the inflammatory process. Silver proteinate forms a protective film on the surface of irritated tissues and reduces the lumen of blood vessels. Fewer immunological components reach the area of ​​inflammation, causing swelling, redness, pain and other symptoms.
• Stimulation of regeneration. The active substance starts the process of repairing damaged tissue. This effect reduces the risk of subsequent infection and inflammation becoming chronic.
• Elimination of runny nose. This symptom is caused by increased secretion of mucus due to inflammation. The medicine constricts blood vessels and reduces mucus production.
• Improving the protective properties of fabrics. Treatment of the skin and mucous membranes with silver proteinate restores the barrier function and prevents the invasion of pathogens into the body.
• Destruction of various pathogenic microorganisms. In addition to bacteria, the active substance cleanses integumentary tissues from viruses and pathogenic fungi.

The complex effect of the drug is used in the treatment of diseases of various organs.

Adverse reactions

Any drugs can treat a disease and at the same time cause unpleasant symptoms due to the action of the active component on tissues and organs. Side effects with the use of Protargol rarely occur, since the drug substance practically does not enter the systemic circulation. An allergic reaction may develop if the patient's immune system is sensitive to this chemical compound. Before carrying out therapy, you need to study the composition of the medicine, including auxiliary components.

Possible side effects:

• Soreness in the area of ​​the skin or mucous membrane.
• Skin rashes, urticaria.
• Redness of the conjunctiva of the eye.
• Fatigue and drowsiness.
• Inflammation of the skin (dermatitis).
• Headache.
• Impaired superficial sensitivity.

Dangerous allergic reactions, such as anaphylactic shock and Quincke's edema, rarely develop. If signs of an allergy appear during treatment, you should immediately stop using the product and make an appointment with a doctor.

Instructions for use of Protargol: method and dosage

The solution is intended for topical use.

In the treatment of urological diseases, the solution is lubricated and washed with the mucous membrane of the urethra and bladder, and used for urethral tamponade and instillations.

In gynecological practice, Protargol is used in the form of tamponade and douching.

Recommended dosage:

• Inflammatory diseases of the ear, nose and throat: patients over 6 years old – 2-3 drops or 1-2 irrigations of each nasal passage 3 times a day; children from 0 to 6 years old - 1-2 drops in each nasal passage 3 times a day. Duration of treatment is 7 days;
• Otitis: adults and children - 3-5 drops into the ear opening 3 times a day for 7 days;
• Ophthalmology: adults and children - 2-3 drops into the conjunctival sac 3 times a day, course of therapy is 7 days.

Active substance and release form

Protargol is a colloidal form of silver compounds with gelatin, albumin or other protein. The active substance is also called silver proteinate. Application of the solution to tissue is accompanied by the release of ions that destroy pathogenic microorganisms and suppress the inflammatory process. Protargol is produced by various drug manufacturers in the form of a ready-made solution, spray or tablet/powder for the preparation of a topical dosage form.

The excipients in different drugs based on silver proteinate are different. Tablets for the preparation of the solution contain the active substance, water and polyvinylpyrrolidone K30.

Use in childhood

There is evidence that the World Health Organization does not consider it appropriate to prescribe Protargol for children under 5 years of age. Nevertheless, you can find many positive reviews about the use of this drug. Pediatricians themselves often prescribe Protargol nasal drops for children, including those under 5 years of age. Therefore, the use of this product is possible, but with strict adherence to the doctor’s recommendations. In what dose to use Protargol nasal drops and for how many days the doctor determines individually.

Contraindications and interactions with other drugs

The product in the instructions has a number of contraindications:

• Individual intolerance;
• Pregnancy and lactation;
• Children under 5 years of age.

In fact, doctors prescribe Protargol to young children, based on many years of experience in its use.

Remember that only a 1% solution is suitable for a child, and the shelf life of the product is only a month.

It can be used simultaneously with other medications.

Does not affect driving.

Several myths about Protargol

The most common fact that scares uninformed Protargol users is that silver ions tend to accumulate in the body and cause argyrosis in humans. In fact, the silver content in the drug is not so critical. And the time of use of the product does not reach such a period at which a whole gram of noble metal could accumulate in the mucous membranes and internal organs.

Important! Protargol should not be the only possible method of treatment during an illness and should only be used under the supervision of a doctor.

The second myth that can be seen in the reviews of “enthusiastic” patients is that Protargol is a panacea for all diseases. Rumors that this drug can cure the most complex diseases, such as cancer, tuberculosis, HIV infection, are untrue. The drug’s ability to create a protective film, significantly reduce the sensitivity of the area affected by inflammation and influence the diameter of blood vessels helps well with conjunctivitis, rhinitis, cystitis, but does not give results in more serious diseases.

And the last misconception is that Protargol is an outdated remedy. Yes, today's pharmaceutical industry is replete with a variety of broad-spectrum drugs and old drugs are no longer so popular. But silver solution is still prescribed by some and helps parents in the treatment of complex purulent inflammations in children.

Trade names

The active substance described in the article is included in various drugs. Depending on the composition, dosage and dosage form, the methods of use and contraindications may differ.

Popular medications:

• Sialor for the treatment of inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract. Available in the form of drops and tablets for preparing a solution.
• Vitargol to relieve a runny nose. Available in the form of drops and spray.
• Protargol for the treatment of infectious and inflammatory diseases. Sold in the form of a spray, solution, as well as tablets and powder for the preparation of a topical form of the drug.

Drops

In the packaging of the purchased drug you can find the official instructions, which indicate indications, contraindications, methods of use and other important details.

special instructions

Due to the lack of sufficient data on the use of the drug during pregnancy, it is recommended not to use the drug during this period of time.

Before using the medication, it is recommended to rinse your nose, remove all dry crusts and, if necessary, blow your nose.

When using the product in childhood, it is recommended to maintain equal time intervals between irrigation of the solution. The drug does not have a negative effect on the speed of psychomotor reactions and concentration.

Overdose

Protargol must be used strictly following the rules for dosing the spray in childhood. In this case, it is recommended to adhere to the dosages prescribed by the specialist or indicated in the instructions. If treatment rules are violated, overdose symptoms may develop.

At the moment, cases of negative symptoms caused by exceeding medicinal doses have not been described. However, the development of hypersensitivity reactions or a temporary deterioration in the child’s condition is possible.

Since the solution contains silver, if the prescribed dosage is exceeded, it can cause negative reactions associated with an increased amount of the element in the body.

Signs of an overdose of silver ions:

• incoherence or confusion of speech;
• discoloration of the skin;
• change in skin color - turning blue or dark gray;
• liver intoxication;
• development of cardiomyopathy;
• anemic lesion.

If negative symptoms develop, it is necessary to stop taking the medication and consult a specialist for symptomatic treatment.

Price

The cost may vary depending on the region and area where the spray is sold. The drug can be purchased at any specialty store or pharmacy located at your place of residence.

Before using the spray in children, you should carefully study the instructions for use of Protargol and consult a specialist or pharmacist. It is also recommended to read reviews from patients who have used the product to treat children.