Gel for the prevention of viruses and colds "Antivirus", Orsea, chitosan, 50 g

What effect does antiviral ointment produce?

The range of medications designed to protect against infection today is simply enormous. But not everyone is happy with the prospect of swallowing pharmaceutical “chemicals” in the hope that this will help them avoid it. It is much safer to use topical prophylactic medications. And the most popular among such products is antiviral ointment for the nose. Patients and some doctors are confident that it will not only prevent colds and flu, but will also speed up recovery.

What is the therapeutic and prophylactic effect of such ointments based on? They contain special substances, upon contact with which the virus dies, without having time to get inside and infect the entire body. And since infections are transmitted primarily by airborne droplets (through the nose), such a barrier turns out to be reliable and effective.

How do antiviral drugs work?

More than 200 strains of viruses are known to cause acute respiratory disease. The most common of them are influenza, adenovirus, rhinovirus infection and parainfluenza. It is for this reason that there are no universal drugs aimed at destroying a specific pathogen.

Antiviral drugs of natural or synthetic origin are used for treatment and prevention. Depending on the pharmacological group, the following effects may occur:

strengthen the body’s nonspecific immunity, prevent the spread of infection;
stimulate the production of antibodies to destroy the pathogen;
penetrate the cellular structure of the virus virion, slow down the replication process of new cells and inhibit vital activity;
suppress protein compounds in the virus virion, thereby reducing the rate of spread.

In addition, some broad-spectrum antiviral agents additionally reduce the inflammatory process and contain antihistamines. This allows you to reduce symptoms in order to direct all the body’s defenses to fight the infection.

About the types of the drug

All drugs that can resist viruses are divided into the following groups:

natural (Fleming ointment). They contain plant phytoncides (garlic and onions are involved);
artificial (obtained synthetically). This is the well-known Oxolinic ointment;
biological. Medicines whose action is due to the presence of the animal protein interferon (Viferon).

Whatever remedy ends up in your nose, it will show the highest antiviral effectiveness in the first 3 days from the onset of the disease.

Homeopathic

Medicines in this group are based on natural ingredients and have an immune-modeling effect. Ointments made to order on a natural basis can be purchased at any pharmacy.

Doctor Mom

Used to ease breathing during nasal congestion and severe ARVI. The composition contains menthol, camphor, eucalyptus and turpentine oils.

Due to the presence of menthol, it is not recommended for children under 2 years of age. Doctor Mom should be applied only to the outer areas of the wings of the nose. In case of accidental contact with mucous membranes, rinse them with warm running water.

Fleming's ointment

Prescribed for colds and sinusitis. It is well tolerated by patients; side effects such as itching, burning or skin rashes are rare.

For treatment, treated turundas are administered. You can also lubricate both nostrils twice a day for two weeks. The drug can be used during pregnancy; it does not affect the development of the fetus or the condition of the expectant mother.

Star

A well-known aromatic balm from Vietnam, which was used for treatment back in Soviet times. It contains natural essential oils that have a beneficial effect on the condition of the upper respiratory tract and activate the immune system, forcing the body to actively resist the disease.

For allergic rhinitis, Zvezdochka is not used. You should also not apply it to mucous membranes, as this can cause severe irritation and even burns.

The most popular topical antiviral agents

Ointments that have clinically proven effectiveness (that is, they are truly capable of suppressing the pathogenic activity of microbes):

Oxolinic. Probably everyone has heard about her. It actually has high antiviral activity. Substances from its composition are able to block the interaction of the virus with the cell membrane - the “pest” will not be able to get inside the cell. In the preparation for adults, the active ingredient is 0.25% (per 10 g). If it is used for the purpose of prevention, then it is necessary to lubricate the nasal mucosa 2 to 3 times a day, before going outside (during the period of exacerbation of viral infections);
antiviral nasal ointment Viferon is an immunomodulator. Indications for its use are ARVI and influenza, herpes, papillomas and warts. For adults and children over 2 years of age, it should be used up to 4 times a day. The main active ingredient of the ointment is interferon. It practically does not enter the bloodstream, acting at the local level. While using Viferon, you may experience a slight and short-lived burning sensation in the nose, as well as sneezing. But such phenomena pass quickly and on their own;
Infagel. Also contains an immunomodulator (interferon). It produces a strong antiviral effect and boosts the immune system, so it is advisable to use it to treat local manifestations of viral infection and prevent infection. The bioavailability of Infagel reaches 80%, the maximum concentration of interferon in the skin is observed 1-4 hours after application. The ointment should be placed in the nasal passages twice a day (no longer than 30 days).

Analogs

Many antiviral drugs that can replace Acyclovir are also available in the form of tablets and ointments (creams). These drugs have similar effects on the pathogen.

"Atsik." The drug is available in the form of tablets and cream. "Acic" is effective against various types of herperovirus, including chickenpox. The medicine is recommended for immunodeficiency conditions. In case of damage to the genitals, you should simultaneously take “Acic” in tablets and in cream form. The medication causes similar side effects as other antiviral medications.
"Acyclostad". Suitable for the treatment of chickenpox at any stage of development. The medicine has virtually no contraindications for use.
"Zovirax". Available in all popular forms. There is also a remedy used to treat eyes affected by herpetic rash. Zovirax is different in that the medicinal substances included in the medication quickly penetrate the blood. Thanks to this, the effect of the product occurs within a few minutes.
"Valtrex". More often than other antiviral drugs, it is prescribed instead of Acyclovir. Both drugs have the same effect on the body and suppress the activity of the pathogen. For chickenpox, it is recommended to take 2 tablets of Valtrex.
"Herpervir." Available in ointment form. The medicine is prescribed for uncomplicated chickenpox, when the rash affects a minor part of the body.
"Atsigerpin". Gives quick results due to the accelerated achievement of the maximum concentration of the active substance in the blood. The medicine is applied to areas affected by chickenpox up to 6 times a day.
"Gervirax". This drug is considered the least effective among existing analogues. The active components of Gervirax accumulate in the body over a long period of time. In this regard, the medication is used exclusively at the initial stage of development of chickenpox. The only advantage of Gervirax is its low price.
"Citivir". It is rarely used for chickenpox. The drug not only suppresses the virus, but also dries out blistering rashes. The ointment is recommended for use from the second year of life. The components of the medicine are quickly absorbed into the skin.
Virolex ointment. Prescribed in cases where the rash has spread to the mucous membrane of the eyes, causing keratitis. The medicine has a quick effect on problem areas. Virolex rarely has side effects.
"Acivir". Used from the first year of life. The medication is available in the form of water-soluble tablets containing flavorings, microcrystalline cellulose and other components. The product effectively eliminates the manifestations of chickenpox, including rashes on the mucous membranes.
"Biocyclovir", produced in the form of suspensions, is used for complicated forms of chickenpox. The powder is pre-diluted in 10 ml of saline or water. Biociclovir is introduced into the body through an infusion pump. With subsequent injections, the dosage of the drug changes depending on the age of the patient.
Vivorax cream. Recommended for the treatment of chickenpox, which manifests itself on the skin or mucous membranes. It is recommended to apply the medication to blistering rashes up to 6 times a day every 3 hours. The first result of using Vivorax becomes noticeable after 2-3 days. The duration of treatment with this medication varies depending on the severity of the case.

Acyclovir is considered the main drug used in the treatment of chickenpox in children. The medicine acts directly on the virus without affecting healthy cells. The medication is available in the form of ointments, tablets and suspensions. The type of medication is selected based on the severity of the disease in each case.

Antiviral nasal ointment for children: what is allowed and what will help?

In children, the problem of colds is even more acute than in adults. Therefore, all parents are concerned about how to prevent their baby from getting sick or how to help him cope with the disease as quickly as possible (if prevention did not work).

Everyone knows that many drugs that adults use are not suitable for children. Caution should also be exercised with antiviral ointments. Self-medication (even at the local level) can be dangerous for the child. Here is a list of ointments that are allowed for small patients:

Oxolinic. It has almost no contraindications. The only limitation is individual intolerance. The ointment contains only 2 components - dioxotetrahydroxytetrahydronaphthalene and petroleum jelly. This remedy has only preventive abilities; once the disease has begun, it will no longer be able to help;
Viferon. Can even be used for babies.

Preobrazhensky ointment

Known among nasal ointments for a long time, this ointment is used not so much to destroy viruses, but to soften the mucous membrane, destroy pathogenic microorganisms and make breathing easier. It has a complex effect - it moisturizes, relieves inflammation, and slightly constricts blood vessels.

It is useless to use it for prevention - it is used when the patient’s runny nose of viral origin is already in full swing. Unless, of course, there are contraindications:

problems with the hormonal system - a drug with the effect of constricting blood vessels can have an additional negative effect on it;
atherosclerosis – vessels in this disease are weak, it is harmful for them to narrow and expand too often;
heart problems and high blood pressure - when used, the ointment results in pain and heaviness in the chest.

Do not use it to prevent colds, for children, or for periods that last longer than a week, since over time it becomes addictive.

Safe virus protection for pregnant women

Unfortunately, despite all the precautions, pregnant women cannot avoid getting sick. After all, they cannot not leave the house for months, and their immunity, as is known, is reduced by the body itself. Antiviral nasal ointment for pregnant women is a good, affordable, and most importantly, safe way to prevent colds. Doctors recommend that expectant mothers use oxolinka. If you are “lucky enough” to pick up a respirator, then Viferon or Infagel will do.

conclusions

As you can see, ointments for colds in the nose are quite effective and safe drugs that can be used to treat a similar disease in various categories of patients. Many drugs in this category are available in pharmacies without a prescription. However, if you want to be sure of the effectiveness of treatment with such a remedy, it is recommended to consult a doctor before starting to use it, exclude possible contraindications to such treatment, and only then proceed to therapy with such ointments. This approach guarantees effective and, most importantly, safe treatment.

Rules for the use of ointments with antiviral activity

Although the ointment is not a tablet, it is still better to conduct a tolerance test before using even such a proven remedy as oxolinka. To do this, simply apply a small amount of the drug to a limited area of the skin and observe the body’s response. If there is no burning and redness, then you can use it in delicate areas - the nasal mucosa. And for pregnant women and children, it is wiser not to take risks and consult a specialist.

In order for the ointment to have a good effect, you should thoroughly clean the nasal cavity (blow your nose) before using it. Since babies do not yet know how to do this, the mother must carefully prepare the nose herself using a cotton swab.

Antiviral ointments are a good help in the fight against seasonal infections. They help many people survive colds. But this, of course, does not mean that you should put them in your nose all year round. It is better to devote time to natural ways to strengthen the immune system: harden yourself, eat fresh fruits, garlic and onions, and walk more in the fresh air with your child. And take the ointment out of the medicine cabinet only when an epidemic of influenza or acute respiratory infections begins.

Indications and instructions for use for adults

"Acyclovir" is prescribed in the following cases:

Infectious diseases of the skin and mucous membranes affected by the herpes virus.
In case of development of herpetic keratitis.
Genital herpes is also an indication for the use of this drug.

The herpes virus, like candidiasis, is a recurrent virus that lives in the body of every person. Depending on immunity, it may never appear, or it may haunt a person constantly at the slightest changes in temperature, air humidity, climate change, etc. Therefore, herpes is often classified as a symptomatic cold. Acyclovir is entirely aimed at suppressing this virus and protecting the body from its reappearance.

Acyclovir can be used for preventive purposes in people with severe immunodeficiency, in the case of complex therapy, for the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases provoked by the Herpes zoster virus, as well as those suffering from skin diseases such as chicken pox or shingles.

Contraindications for use in ARVI

Pregnancy and lactation period.
In case of hypersensitivity to the active drug.
Children under 3 years old and elderly people.
Kidney diseases (renal failure).
Some neurological diseases.

If you have the latter or in case of disorders of the genitourinary system, consult your doctor for advice before taking Acyclovir.