Antiviral drugs are a group of pharmacological agents intended for the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases of viral etiology. They prevent the development of various pathological processes by suppressing the activity or causing the death of viruses. Viral infections weaken immunity and often lead to the development of severe complications.
Currently, pharmaceutical companies are developing new antiviral drugs that help quickly cope with the infection. In Russia, unlike most countries in the world, they are sold in pharmacies without a doctor's prescription.
All antiviral drugs are divided into:
- Vaccines are preventative agents that stimulate the production of antibodies before viruses invade the body.
- Immunostimulants are drugs that increase the body’s nonspecific resistance and enhance the production of interferons.
- Antiviral drugs suppress the reproduction of viruses by affecting their main factors of pathogenicity and virulence. They have been used for more than 30 years, are highly effective, but have side effects.
- Homeopathic remedies.
Characteristics of viruses
Just 10-15 years ago, not a single pharmacy could boast of a wide range of antiviral drugs. Despite the fact that there were plenty of antibacterial and antifungal drugs in it. It's all about the viruses themselves, which, in fact, are not representatives of living nature. To destroy them, it is necessary to carefully study the characteristics of the growth and reproduction of infectious agents. And over time, many such nuances were discovered:
- There are no cells in the structure of viruses, so they are considered a special form of life;
- a virus is a set of genetic material protected by a capsid, or a strong protein shell;
- Viruses are much smaller than bacteria, so they easily overcome all biological barriers.
These are obligate parasites that are unable to reproduce outside of foreign cells. Before they are introduced into them, viruses appear to be a completely inert biopolymer. But after penetration into the human body, they actively use the resources of the host cell to form multiple copies of themselves. Moreover, assembly occurs inside the cell until it is completely exhausted and destroyed.
Who and when was Interferon discovered?
“Interferon” was discovered in 1957 by the British virologist A. Isaac and his Swiss colleague Dr. D. Lindeman, who conducted experiments on laboratory mice that were infected with viral diseases. During these experiments, the scientist and his colleague noticed a strange pattern in that mice that were already sick with one type of virus did not become infected with other viruses. Later this phenomenon was called interference (in other words, natural defense). Actually, the name interferons comes from this word.
Subsequently, interferons, which are produced by the human body, were divided into groups. They are classified according to the type of cells secreted by interferons. This article will review the instructions for use for Interferon. Price and reviews will also be provided.
Classification of antiviral agents
In a large group of antiviral drugs, the action is aimed directly at destroying viruses. Their therapeutic effectiveness does not depend on the location of the infectious agents at the moment. The drugs cope with viruses that circulate in the systemic bloodstream and have already penetrated into cells. Other drugs “stimulate” the immune system, stimulate the production of antibodies to eliminate the pathogens of tonsillitis, herpes or hepatitis. In pharmacology and clinical medicine, there are several main groups of antiviral drugs.
Interferons
This is the general name for a number of proteins with similar properties, secreted by the body's cells in response to the invasion of viruses. They come in both natural and synthetic origin. They do not differ in specific activity, that is, they affect all types of infectious agents. This group includes popular antiviral drugs:
- Grippferon;
- Ingaron;
- Infagel;
- Interferon Leukocyte Human dry lyophilisate;
- Viferon;
- Roferon;
- Genferon.
Interferons are produced mainly in the form of dry lyophilisates intended for dissolution in water, suppositories, and gels. After instilling a fresh dilution into the nose, inserting into the rectum or applying to the skin, the active ingredients penetrate the bloodstream, where they attack viruses encountered along the way. Interferons are usually used in the initial stages of the development of respiratory diseases.
Interferonogens
Interferonogens are drugs that enhance the biosynthesis of interferon in the human body. Medicines have a number of advantages compared to recombinant (synthetic) interferons. For example, interferon inducers do not have antigenic activity. The most famous and popular interferonogens are the following antiviral drugs:
- Kagocel;
- Amiksin.
After taking the pills, the human immune system is activated. The production of endogenous interferon is enhanced to destroy infectious pathogens. The body's defenses are strengthened and its immunity to the negative effects of viruses increases.
Direct antiviral agents
After entering the cell, the virus begins to use all the nutrients and biologically active substances entering it for reproduction. It is at this stage that he is most vulnerable to the action of antiviral drugs with the following active ingredients:
- oseltamivir;
- zanamivir;
- umifenovir.
They prevent viruses from producing enzymes necessary for reproduction. Now the RNA or DNA chain does not lengthen, but quickly breaks off. Blocking the replication of infectious agents makes their further growth and reproduction impossible. Previously, inexpensive domestic Remantadine successfully coped with this task. But over time, many viruses have become resistant to its effects. Although it is still used by virologists to enhance and prolong the effects of other antiviral drugs.
Homeopathic antiviral drugs
Although homeopathy was recognized as pseudoscience several years ago in our country, such medicines continue to be actively used by many doctors. Doctors value them for their soft, gentle, gentle effect on the human body and long-lasting therapeutic effect. Homeopathic medicines contain ingredients of natural origin in the smallest possible dosages. They provoke the appearance of mild symptoms of a viral infection, as if “training” the body not to react to them properly. The following antiviral drugs are considered the best:
- Engystol;
- Agri adult;
- Agri for children.
It should be borne in mind that homeopathic remedies have a cumulative effect and exhibit therapeutic effects after creating a certain therapeutic concentration in the blood. Therefore, it is advisable to take them 2-3 weeks before expected epidemics of influenza and ARVI. This will be an excellent preventive measure and will help avoid infection when visiting public places.
Types of diseases: ARVI, flu, colds
Autumn, winter and spring are the times when you most often catch a cold. It should be noted that there is no diagnosis of a cold. This collective concept most often includes infectious viral diseases that have identical symptoms and affect the upper respiratory tract. Official medicine calls such diseases ARVI (acute respiratory viral infections).
The causative agents of such diseases are pneumotropic viruses, of which there are more than 300 species (including adenoviruses, rhinoviruses, reoviruses and others).
ARVI symptoms:
- sneezing;
- runny nose;
- cough;
- pain in the head, eyes and throat;
- state of weakness.
Another seasonal disease of viral etiology is influenza. Today, there are about 2000 different variants of the influenza virus, differing in their antigenic spectrum. This disease can cause symptoms similar to ARVI, but the pathogen penetrates the blood faster. As a result, with influenza, muscle pain and fever may develop within the first day after infection.
For preventive therapy and treatment of infectious viral lesions, immunostimulants and antiviral drugs are used.
What diseases are antiviral drugs used to treat?
There are drugs that can be used for any pathology of viral origin. For example, Interferon Leukocyte Human dry lyophilisate is in demand in the treatment of tonsillitis, laryngitis, tracheitis, sinusitis, influenza, hepatitis, and herpes. Selective action is not typical for it, so in all clinical cases it strengthens the immune defense of an adult or child. But most drugs are active against certain viruses.
Medicines against influenza and ARVI
This group includes the well-known and very popular during the off-season periods Arbidol, Anaferon, Igavirin, Kagocel. Pediatricians and therapists must include them in treatment regimens to reduce the activity of infectious pathogens. The drugs correct the functioning of the immune system, preventing viruses from infiltrating the cells of the human body and causing their death.
After 2-3 days of taking tablets, capsules or dragees, the severity of symptoms decreases. The soreness and dryness in the throat, general malaise, headache and joint pain gradually disappear, and the body temperature decreases. And the lymph nodes take on their physiological sizes. The undoubted advantage of anti-influenza drugs is their ability to be used for preventive purposes.
Medicines for herpetic infections
Once introduced into the human body, herpes viruses remain there forever. If the immune system functions at full strength, then they peacefully “sleep” without causing any concern to the person. But as soon as the immune system weakens, herpes viruses rapidly become more active:
- Numerous rashes form on the skin and mucous membranes, bubbles with liquid contents appear in the corners of the mouth;
- herpetic conjunctivitis develops with profuse lacrimation and photophobia;
- weakness, fatigue, apathy occur, and sleep is disturbed.
To destroy herpes viruses, drugs with the active ingredients acyclovir, penciclovir, and famciclovir are used. They are available in the form of ointments, gels, tablets, and solutions for parenteral administration. Skin manifestations of herpetic infections are treated with external remedies, and ophthalmic drops, for example, Ophthalmoferon, are used to treat conjunctivitis. But if viruses quickly spread throughout the body, affecting cells, tissues and organs, then taking systemic medications is indispensable.
How often and why do young children get sick?
In what cases is a cold considered a pathology and in what cases is it considered the norm? Many doctors are of the opinion that if colds in children under 3 years of age occur up to 9 times a year, this is normal and does not indicate a decrease in immunity. However, you should not treat even small manifestations of ARVI negligently. Any illness is stressful for a child’s body, so we need to strive to ensure that the children get sick as little as possible, and if necessary, give antiviral drugs.
The risk of getting a cold increases if a viral infection and a decrease in immune defense occur against the background of:
- lack of physical activity - a sedentary lifestyle is never good for children;
- dysbacteriosis, when the composition of the intestinal microflora is disrupted;
- lack of training of the immune system due to excessive wrapping of the baby, lack of hardening procedures, etc.;
- unbalanced diet or systematic overeating - excess sweets, any fatty and carbohydrate foods have a negative impact on health;
- too high air temperature in the room where the child is constantly located;
- passive smoking, when adult family members smoke at home in the presence of children;
- abuse of antibacterial drugs - when taking antibiotics too often, the intestinal microflora is disrupted, which causes immunity to suffer.
The task of parents is to exclude the influence of at least several negative factors from this list. This measure will help reduce the incidence of illness during the flu and cold season.
Where can you buy antiviral drugs in Moscow and Odintsovo
There are many pharmacies in Moscow and Odintsovo, but none of them can boast such a wide range of antiviral drugs as Vasha No. 1. In this largest network you will be able to quickly find the rarest product on sale at a price affordable for everyone. Vasha No. 1 pharmacies are located close to metro stations and bus stops. It’s easy to get to them, as well as to purchase everything you need to treat viral infections. There is no need to visit other pharmacies, wasting precious time. Not a single customer leaves “Your No. 1” without a medicine that is extremely important for him.
There are plans to expand the pharmacy network. Now residents of other populated areas of the country will not have problems finding antiviral drugs. In “Vasha No. 1” you can immediately buy means to eliminate symptoms - nasal drops, sprays for irrigating the throat, tablets for obsessive cough.
Varieties
So, the following types are distinguished:
- Alpha interferon, according to experts, is produced by leukocytes; it is also called leukocyte.
- Interferon beta is produced by fibroblasts (connective tissue cells); it is also called fibroblastic.
- Interferon gamma is synthesized by natural killer cells, macrophages and lymphocytes; it is also called immune.
Interferon of the alpha group is mainly used in medical activities. It is used to treat viral diseases of various natures. It is known that beta group interferons are currently used in modern therapy for multiple sclerosis. Many people are interested in the instructions for use and reviews of the drug “Interferon”.
In which online store can you find antiviral drugs?
A special pride of the Vasha No. 1 pharmacy chain is its 24-hour online store with competent online consultants. They will always answer any question the client may have about the composition of the antiviral drug and its mechanism of action. It is very useful to create a personal account on the website by entering your first, last name, email address or telephone number for feedback in the appropriate fields. Why is it needed:
- storing information about deferred and liked products;
- saving and viewing order history;
- accelerated search for drugs and medical products.
After placing an order, all the necessary antiviral drugs will be waiting for their buyer at the nearest pharmacy “Your No. 1”. Finding it is not difficult at all, based on the map of Moscow and the region posted on the official website. It is enough to indicate her address once in your personal account in order to pick up the goods at a convenient time without delaying treatment. Pharmacies open early in the morning and close only at midnight. There are also medical institutions with round-the-clock operation.
Dosage forms
The most optimal way to administer interferons is parenteral (intramuscular injections), because they have a protein structure that is destroyed in the digestive tract. With this method of administration, the drugs have maximum effect and are almost completely absorbed by the body. The drug is distributed unequally throughout the tissues. Low concentrations of interferons are observed in the tissues of the organs of vision and nervous system. These drugs are excreted by the kidneys and liver.
The most commonly used are Interferon in the form of suppositories, Interferon nasal drops (according to reviews, they are very popular) and an injection solution.
How to order antiviral drugs from stock
The warehouses of “Vasha No. 1” contain a huge number of different medications with antiviral effects. Employees carefully monitor their storage conditions and expiration dates. Vehicles constantly travel between warehouses and pharmacies, replenishing supplies of medicines sold during the working day. An interesting fact is that drugs stored in warehouses cost less than those on display. Therefore, it is advisable to use it if the medicine is not urgently needed, for example, to prevent viral infections. This is a great way to get everything you need at a reduced price.
What to drink for prevention
The only drugs recommended by the Ministry of Health for the prevention of coronavirus infection are Grippferon and Genferon. They are intended for adults and approved for use in pregnant women.
Arbidol and Cycloferon can be used to increase immunity. There is no data on the effect of homeopathic and anti-influenza remedies, so taking Ergoferon, Anaferon, Tamiflu is not advisable.
Vitamin complexes, bioactive food additives, herbal medicines belong to nonspecific methods of increasing immunity and cannot be considered as the main prevention.
Contraindications for use
Interferons cannot be used for certain diseases and conditions. These include:
- convulsive conditions and severe mental illnesses;
- circulatory disorders of any nature;
- diseases of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems;
- liver dysfunction occurring in a chronic form;
- severe forms of diabetes mellitus.
This is confirmed by the instructions and reviews for Interferon.
Interferons can be used during pregnancy and lactation only if necessary after consulting your doctor.
