Arbidol is a direct-acting antiviral drug. It is a medicine that acts on the cause of the disease. Arbidol for colds is indicated for both children and adults, it differs in the form of release and dosage.
Acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI) have always been relevant. Not to mention the annual epidemics, it is worth remembering the whole pandemics of the twentieth century, for example, the "Spanish flu". With the development of medicine, people were able to not only cure, but also prevent these diseases. But even now, according to the World Health Organization, only 5-10% of adults and 20-30% of children get sick with influenza (excluding other respiratory viral infections) every year.
What is Arbidol and how does it work for colds?
There are two directions in the treatment regimen for any ARVI - symptomatic and etiological. In the first case, symptoms are removed - cough, runny nose, fever, sore throat, etc. Etiological treatment involves targeting the cause of the disease — in this case, the virus. For this, antiviral drugs are used, one of which is Arbidol. Arbidol for colds begins to act immediately after taking.
But! Do not confuse antibiotics and antivirals - they are two different groups. Antibiotics affect bacteria. They can be prescribed by a doctor in case of a bacterial infection and a bacterial complication that can occur in the case of weak or inadequate therapy for a viral infection. But initially it is necessary to take an antiviral medicine in order to avoid such complications.
What happens to the body with a cold?
First you need to clarify the terms. In medicine, the term "cold" includes ARVI diseases, accompanied by cold symptoms. And already the concept of ARVI includes many diseases caused by viruses:
- flu
- parainfluenza
- rotavirus infection
- reovirus infection
- adenovirus infection
- respiratory syncytial infection
- and etc.
The influenza virus is sometimes isolated as a separate disease. This is due to the clinical symptomatology that is clearly different from the rest, and the possibility of serious complications. But the general principles of behavior of these viruses in the cell are similar, let us analyze them using the example of the influenza virus. The entrance gate of infection is the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract. Together with the inhaled air, viruses penetrate into the body. On the surface of a human cell, the virus "attaches" to a human with the help of antigen proteins (an important role in this is played by the so-called hemagglutinins) and then penetrates there completely.
The fusion of a virus cell with a human cell is called fusion. Inside the cell, the genetic information of the virus - RNA - disintegrates into parts, new particles are generated, and in As a result of this "workshop", after the cell ruptures, a horde of new viruses breaks out, and each infects new.
The mechanism of action of Arbidol
The active ingredient of Arbidol is umifenovir. As a fusion inhibitor, it "envelops" hemagglutinin, thereby blocking the fusion process. In addition to the direct effect on the viral agent, Arbidol stimulates the immune system. The cells responsible for the defense reaction begin to be more actively produced (T-helpers, NK cells) and better perform their function (macrophages).
You can visually study the action of Arbidol in the video.
Indications for admission, contraindications
Arbidol is produced in several forms, with a dosage adapted to the patient's age. They take it for the treatment and prevention of ARVI. The most complete list of indications can be studied in the instructions, below will be indicated indications and contraindications associated with colds. A common contraindication for all forms of Arbidol is hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, pregnancy and lactation.
| Age | Indications | Contraindications | |
| Suspension (25 mg) | > 2 years |
Treatment, prevention of ARVI Comprehensive treatment of rotavirus infection |
Age <2 years Some diseases associated with impaired carbohydrate metabolism |
| Tablets (50 mg) | > 3 years old |
Treatment, prevention of ARVI, severe acute respiratory syndrome Complex treatment of pneumonia, chronic bronchitis Comprehensive treatment of rotavirus infection |
Age <3 years |
| Capsules (100 mg) | > 6 years old | Age <6 years old | |
| Capsules (200 mg) | > 12 years old | Age <12 years old |
Rules for taking Arbidol
It is advisable to take Arbidol in the first 48 hours from the onset of the illness so that the effectiveness is maximized. And given the fact that with the flu, people can indicate almost the hour of the onset of the disease, it will be difficult to miss these days.
Arbidol is taken for colds and for prophylaxis, according to a single scheme at any age, the difference is only in a single dose of the drug, depending on the age and form of the drug. The scheme for taking Arbidol for colds is calculated from the amount and frequency of administration:
- ARVI treatment - every 6 hours (4 times a day) for five days at a single dose
- Prevention during epidemics - 2 times a week for three weeks at a single dose
- Prophylaxis after contact with the patient - once a day for 10-14 days in a single dose.
How to take Arbidol for adults
Adults and children over 12 years old can take a suspension, and tablets, and capsules. But it is more advisable to take capsules, since in terms of the required single dosage for this group of patients is 200 mg.
| Release form | Single dose |
| Capsules 100 mg | 2 caps. |
| Capsules 200 mg | 1 caps. |
How to take Arbidol for children
It is more advisable for children to take a suspension and tablets according to the following schemes:
| Release form | Age | Single dose |
| Suspension 25 mg | 2-6 g. | 10 ml |
| 6-12 liters. | 20 ml | |
| From 12 y.p. | 40 ml | |
| Tablets 50 mg | 3-6 liters. | 1 tab. |
| 6-12 liters. | 2 tab. |
Reviews of doctors and patients
Arbidol has long been actively used in clinical practice, so there are a lot of reviews about Arbidol. Some of them are presented below.
Reviews of doctors
Both pharmacists and doctors in the majority praise the drug.
"Good, high-quality antiviral drug Arbidol"
“I take it myself when symptoms of ARVI appear. The disease progresses more easily, the symptoms last no more than two days. The drug is effective, especially in the first time after the onset of symptoms of a cold. "
“Good antiviral. After much research, it is even recommended by the WHO. During research, it has been proven that it reduces the duration of fever, the disease progresses faster. Personally, I consider it safe, also due to the fact that there were no side effects. "
Patient Testimonials
“It heals in no time, without side effects (at least for me). I like the drug!
“At our institute, you can't get sick in any way. A friend after college in my first year suggested Arbidol when I felt that I was getting sick. Guys, helped. I advise "
“Repeatedly drank Arbidol for viruses. I quickly cope with the disease, already on the 3rd day I get up on my feet. I keep the packaging in the first-aid kit in reserve, especially during periods of exacerbation of cold weather. Didn't disappoint. "
conclusions
Thus, Arbidol can and should be taken for colds. It is a proven drug. And this is confirmed not only by research, both Russian and foreign, but also by the experience of using many people for several decades. In addition, since the discovery of umifenovir, the active substance that is part of arbidol, several convenient forms of medicine have been released that are suitable for a patient of any age.
