Antiviral drugs for children

Our children often suffer from viral infections. More often than we would like, and less often than many drug manufacturers would like. Usually in the season of general rise in the incidence of about 90% of all cold diseases of children caused by viruses.

Will the numerous antiviral drugs that are currently available in any pharmacy help? What more of them - good or harm? To answer these questions, you need to thoroughly understand what antiviral drugs are and how they act.

Antiviral drugs are a huge group of special drugs that, once in the child’s body, are able to destroy the structure of the virus, prevent its reproduction or destroy it. By definition, antibiotics are not capable of this, because their purpose is bacteria, sticks, and atypical pathogens.

Antiviral agents act in two ways. Some drugs stimulate human immunity against the penetrating virus, others destroy the virus on their own.

The virus, as is known from the school biology course, is a living non-cellular organism, with its own DNA and RNA molecules. It is essentially a parasite that can live and reproduce only in a donor cell.

Antiviral drugs are most effective when taken for the prevention of influenza and ARVI, when they are given to a child in advance, without waiting for a massive epidemic of a walking virus.

The child’s body will have two stages of reaction. During the first, immunity will detect the “saboteur”, identify it and throw in the attack macrophages and lymphocytes that feed on such “pests”. In the second stage, special cells cytotoxic lymphocytes will begin to destroy infected cells. And their colleagues B-lymphocytes using immunoglobulin protein will proceed to the final stage of the "operation" - the destruction of the virus.

All antiviral drugs differ in the main active substance, aimed at combating a particular type of virus:

• Antiherpetic drugs (effective with chickenpox, herpes, herpes simplex, shingles, etc.).
• Anti-cytomegalovirus drugs (effective in cytomegaly).
• Anti-flu agents (used for influenza of almost all known strains and species). These drugs can belong to one of two groups: M2 channel blockers ("Rimantadine"," Amantadine ") and neurominidase inhibitors ("Tamiflu», «Relenza»).

• Antiretrovirals (used for HIV).
• Spread spectrum antivirus. This is the largest group of drugs that “target” most known viruses. These include interferons (Viferon, Grippferon, Lokferon, which transport natural or human immune compounds obtained by gene engineers to the child’s body. Such compounds deal well with viruses, but unfortunately cause a lot of side effects .
• Inductors of endogenous interferons. These tools help the child's body to synthesize its own protein interferon, which will suppress viruses. The most famous representatives of this group include "Cycloferon", "Kagocel», «Lavamax».

In addition, all antiviral drugs are conventionally divided into three types according to the method of biochemical effects:

• Vaccines. Low doses of pathogens that, when injected, form immunity to a specific virus.
• Immunostimulants (responsible for activating the production of protective cells) and immunomodulators (balancing the processes of immune protection) for a short time increase the body's natural defense.
• Virus suppressants. Drugs that destroy a virus block its ability to multiply inside the cell and release copies of the virus outside of it.

Antiviral drugs come in various forms that are convenient for use at different ages. Most often these are ointments, pills, nasal drops, sprays, syrups and rectal suppositories, as well as solutions for injection in ampoules (only for medical use).

Manufacturers are trying to make children's antivirals tasty - with fruit and berry flavors that are attractive even for the smallest patients.

• Nasal drops According to parents, the most convenient and effective to use when a viral infection, accompanied by a runny nose and nasal congestion. They have a moderate anti-inflammatory effect, which is important for a cold and cough.
• Rectal Candles - the form is convenient even for very young children. And even though medicines started to be released in such a form relatively recently, such a method of treatment is used by more and more fans - after all, rectal suppositories act in a short time, they are inexpensive, quickly absorbed into the bloodstream and have a pronounced antiviral and immunomodulating effect.
• Antiviral Sprays they are effective in laryngitis of viral origin and are useful for a sore throat with influenza and ARVI, because they have not only antiviral effects, but also anti-inflammatory and regenerating.

The use of immunostimulants raises many questions from parents.

They act at the biochemical level, and the mechanisms of immunity are still being studied.

If a child has close relatives with immune ailments (such as diabetes) or with oncology, the baby should not use immunostimulants.

In order to choose the right antiviral drug, it is desirable to have an idea of ​​what kind of virus caused the disease. The most common flu and ARVIs are dangerous viruses that can be complicated by serious illnesses. Therefore, the method of selection of drugs such illnesses are not treated. Antivirals for flu should be prescribed by a doctor. Considering that anti-influenza drugs act more aggressively and toughly, and it is impractical to take them with ARVI. Most often, when ARVI and ARD are prescribed, simple blockers that prevent the virus from entering the cells of the body.

The use of homeopathic medicines is a rather controversial issue. Homeopathy does not sleep, and every season gives out new drugs. Patients almost do not complain about them, because the side effects of taking such medications have not been noticed, as well as great benefits. Clinically, the efficacy of homeopathic remedies has not been proven, and, in the opinion of many doctors, this is a placebo effect.

Acceptance of antiviral drugs for prophylaxis is a matter that requires separate consideration. It is necessary to engage in the prevention of influenza and ARVI in certain situations:

• If someone from a family member is sick with influenza or ARVI, that is, the source of infection is in close proximity to the child.
• If a child in the period of morbidity is expected to have a serious change in his life: he will go to kindergarten or will begin to attend the section.
• If in a team - at school or kindergarten - more than 10% of children suffer from viral infections. When the number of cases reaches 30%, this is the reason for Rospotrebnadzor and the Ministry of Health to quarantine. But why wait when every third person gets sick with the flu?

Taking antiviral drugs to prevent ailment does not give a 100% guarantee that the child does not get sick, but significantly increases his chances of staying healthy.

When antiviral drugs do not work:

• With bacterial infections, diseases caused by microbes. For the treatment of this group of diseases there are antibacterial drugs.
• With a headache without cold symptoms
• When expressed pain syndrome for the purpose of pain relief.

Antiviral drugs in pharmacies represented a great many. Different for the price, domestic and foreign, for adults and children. But the problem with the choice still exists. And she is rather serious:

• First, most antiviral drugs have not been proven to be effective. Clinical trials of new drugs are conducted by manufacturers, and not by third-party expert groups.
• Secondly, almost every season on the counters of pharmacists new modern means appear, advertised names that are more expensive than previous generations of drugs, but on closer examination these last generation drugs differ from their predecessors only by price. The composition is identical.

Therefore, there is no reason to chase after expensive means. Believe me, cheap analogues are no worse in treatment or in matters of prevention.

Most antiviral drugs in Russia are sold without a prescription. In Europe, they are strictly prescription.

When choosing antiviral drugs for children, it must be remembered that the benefits should outweigh the potential harm from taking the drug. "Children's" antivirus should have a minimum list of contraindications and side effects. The fact is that many agents with proven effect in clinical trials have a large list of contraindications. By the way, today only neuraminidase inhibitors and M2 channel blockers have proven effectiveness.

The drug must be approved for use in children in a particular age group. With regard to antiviral agents, this is a very important detail.

You can find out about various antiviral drugs by watching Dr. Komarovsky’s program.

Immunities of the newborn baby and baby after a year are different from each other. And significantly. The older a child becomes, the more chances he has to defeat a viral infection. Compositions of many antiviral drugs for a particular age group of children are built on the knowledge of this feature. What can be applied at a certain age?

• Panadol. Russian drug with analgesic and antipyretic effects. Antiviral medication is not, but is often used to treat very young children with colds and viral diseases at a temperature during therapy. "Panadol" does not affect the immune system. For children, it comes in the form of rectal suppositories and sweet syrup.

• "Viferon". Effective domestic antiviral medication. This immunomodulator exists in the form of rectal suppositories, as well as gel and ointment. The ointment is applied to the affected skin with herpes, the gel is excellent for preventive purposes.

• «Efferalgan". This is an imported antipyretic with analgesic effect. The drug is not antiviral, but is often prescribed to young children for symptomatic treatment. The tool is available in syrup, rectal suppositories, in the form of effervescent, easily dissolving tablets.

• "Anaferon children". It is an antiviral immunopedrictor. Actively stimulates the second stage of the immune defense - the cellular response. Used to treat different strains of influenza, SARS. Suitable for children with mononucleosis, chickenpox, herpes. Included in the complex treatment of enterovirus infections and coronavirus. Sold in the form of a well-soluble tablet under the tongue.

• "Aflubin." This is a homeopathic remedy with an immunomodulatory effect. Together with antiviral medications, it is used for the prevention and treatment of influenza and acute respiratory viral infections, alleviates the condition of the child with pharyngitis, rhinitis, and moderately relieves muscle and joint pain. Available in the form of a spray for nasal use, drops under the tongue (a great option for babies) and in the form of sublingual tablets.

• "Viburkol". A homeopathic remedy that is often used as an adjunct in antiviral therapy. Available in the form of rectal suppositories.

• "Immunoflazid". Antiviral Syrupwhich is prescribed for the prevention and treatment of influenza, including pandemic strains, acute respiratory viral infection and prophylaxis of bacterial complications.

• Interferon. This is an antiviral mixture of interferons derived from donated blood leukocytes. This rather serious drug is prescribed for hepatitis B and C, malignant melanoma. As a preventive measure against influenza and respiratory viral infections, only nasal drops. In pharmacies, you can buy a dry solution for making drops.

• "Nazoferon". It is a combination drug with antiviral and immunostimulating effect. It is prescribed for protracted colds, for the prevention and treatment of influenza and ARVI. Available in the form of a spray in the nose and nasal drops. Drops - a more suitable form for babies.

• «Oxolinic ointment"- A well-known and loved by people method of protection from the flu. It protects cells from virus penetration.Less concentrated ointment of 0.25% is intended for lubrication of the inner part of the nose, more concentrated 3% - for external use. When stomatitis "Oxolinic ointment" can be lubricated sores in the mouth.

• "Otsilokotsinium." Another well-known homeopathic remedies, often used as a means of preventing influenza and ARVI. Available in the form of homeopathic soluble granules.

• "Timogen". It is an immunomodulatory drug that improves cellular metabolism in the second stage of immune defense. Used in the prevention and treatment of influenza and ARVI, it is prescribed as an adjunct in the complex treatment of respiratory diseases, for example, in case of bronchitis. Available to children in the form of a cream for external use and nasal spray.

• Ergoferon. It is a preparation containing antibodies in small doses, for this reason it is often referred to as homeopathic. Active against many viruses, often prescribed for the prevention and treatment of influenza and SARS, chickenpox, herpes zoster and herpes simplex, mononucleosis. Children available in the form of homeopathic tablets under the tongue, which are well and quickly dissolve.

• Algirem. Sweet syrup with a powerful antiviral effect. Especially effective against influenza A virus, tick-borne encephalitis virus, herpes. It has an immunomodulatory effect.

• «Tsitovir-3". It is an immunomodulator that stimulates the production of its own interferon. In pharmacies for children, you can buy powder for solution preparation and ready syrup.

• «Ingavirin". Antiviral medication that has a very high activity against influenza A, B viruses, "swine flu", adenovirus infection. It has anti-inflammatory action. Available in capsules. Kids allowed to dilute the contents of the capsules with water.

• «Tamiflu". This is a foreign drug, a selective neuraminidase inhibitor. It inhibits the growth of the virus and prevents its release from the affected cell. Designed for the prevention and treatment of influenza. For children, it is available in powder form for suspension.

• «Engystol". Homeopathic preparation of foreign production with immunomodulatory and antiviral effects. It is used as an adjuvant in the complex treatment of fever, viral infection, influenza. It is produced in the form of homeopathic pills, which are placed under the tongue and quickly dissolve.

• «Immunal". Immunostimulant based on plant extracts - Echinacea purpurea. Promotes an increase in the number of leukocytes. Activates phagocytosis. Available in tablets, as well as the most suitable form for children - in solution, including in solution with the addition of vitamin C.

• "Imupret." It is an antiviral drug containing medicinal herbs and herbal ingredients (chamomile, horsetail, oak bark and etc.). The tool is mainly used to relieve symptoms of respiratory diseases that accompany viral infections. "Imupret" on the shelves of pharmacies is available in the form of a solution and pills.

• «Orvirem". This is an antiviral medication based on Rimantadine does not allow the virus to multiply inside the affected cells. Especially effective against influenza A virus. Available in the form of a sweet, pleasant syrup.

• "Arbidol". Antiviral agent that suppresses influenza A and B viruses, coronaviruses. Reduces the likelihood of a complication of a viral infection. It is prescribed for the treatment of influenza, even if it is accompanied by pneumonia or bronchitis. It is used as an auxiliary drug in the treatment of chronic bronchitis and herpes infection. Available in capsules and tablets.

• "Alpizarin". Antiviral in the form of ointment and tablets. The drug acts as an immunomodulator. Get it from vegetable raw materials - grass kopechnik.

• "Hyporamine". This is a herbal antiviral.Available in the form of candles, tablets, ointment, aqueous solution for inhalation. Often recommended for the treatment and prevention of influenza, acute respiratory infections, acute respiratory viral infections, shingles, herpes.

• «Influcid". This is not an antiviral drug, although many people think so, since medication is quite widespread in the treatment of colds. This is a homeopathic remedy with antipyretic and anti-inflammatory effect. Helps to strengthen the immune system during illness. Available in solution (drops) and soluble homeopathic tablets.

• Flacozide. Antiviral agent of plant origin. Effective with acute hepatitis A and B, herpes, measles, chickenpox. Available in tablets only.

In addition, children from 3 to 6 years old can take "Engystol"," Imupret ","Orvirem», «Immunal».

• "Ridostin". It is an immunostimulating inducer of interferon, used for the treatment and prevention of influenza, inflammatory diseases caused by viruses. Available in the form of dry matter for the preparation of injections.

• «Rimantadine". Known antiviral, the most effective against influenza virus A. Available in pill form.

• «Amiksin". This antiviral drug enhances the synthesis of interferon proteins in the body. In children, it is used to treat and prevent ARVI and flu. In adults, the range of effects of the drug is much wider. For children comes in pill form.

• «Kagocel". Antiviral agent that promotes the synthesis of interferon. Used in the prevention and treatment of influenza and ARVI. Available in tablets. There is no other form of this medicine.

• «Lavamax". Antivirus immunomodulator. Effective against many known viruses, acts by suppressing their ability to reproduce. The drug is part of the treatment of hepatitis A, B, C. Effective in the treatment of herpes, cytomegaly, tuberculosis. Used for the prevention and treatment of influenza and ARVI. Available in tablets and recommended for children over 12 years old.

• "Laferobion". This is an antiviral drug, which includes human interferon. It has proved itself as an important component of the complex treatment of the herpes virus, human papilloma, warts, hepatitis B, mixed infections - influenza, acute respiratory viral infections, acute respiratory infections joined by a secondary bacterial infection. Available in the form of rectal suppositories, dry matter for the preparation of nasal solution and powder for injection.

• "Cycloferon". It is an immunomodulator with a wide range of bioactivity. Used for children as an effective treatment and prevention of influenza, herpes, acute respiratory viral infections, in acute intestinal infections. Available in tablets, in the form of ointment and powder for injection.

Besides, children over 6 years old medication is allowed for previous age groups - “Otsilokotsinium”, “Anaferon”, “Influcid».

It is not necessary to stuff the child with medication as soon as his throat has turned red or his temperature has risen. High fever is a normal immune response to a virus, and the baby is quite able to cope with simple viruses. In addition, if he was already sick with a viral infection, then his immunity would very well “remember” the type of pathogen and the way to fight it.

• You can give the drug with the permission of a doctor to a newborn and baby up to 3 years old if he has a temperature above 38 degrees for more than three days or a three-year-old child, if he has a temperature of 39 degrees.
• If the child has severe intoxication
• If for all of the above, there are signs of a viral disease - the temperature has appeared sharply, immediately high, all other symptoms develop rapidly. Bacterial infection usually progresses slowly.
• Antiviral drugs are usually not prescribed with antibiotics, but there are exceptions. If a viral infection is in full swing, a bacterial complication has been added. For example, when SARS started a sore throat. For angina of non-viral origin, only antibiotics are relevant.
• With mononucleosis, antiviral agents are given only in the case of severe disease.
• Do not give antiviral after antipyretic, unless otherwise provided by the instructions for use.
• In case of rotavirus infection (the so-called “intestinal flu”), antiviral agents are provided as part of complex therapy. At the same time, antiviral drugs can be prescribed for vivid clinical signs of infection - for diarrhea, for vomiting.

What does Dr. Komarovsky think about antiviral drugs?See the next video.

Safe national anti-virus remedies have long been known. They are easily cooked at home. They do not have side effects, but they also have low efficiency.

Infusion of chicory and motherwort - good antiviral and immunomodulatory agents with antipyretic effect.

Helps with the flu essential oils of eucalyptus, plantain extract and nettle. The best remedy for flu and cold is black radish with honey.