Arbidol: instructions, indications, contraindications, information on effectiveness

Arbidol is an antiviral agent used to prevent and treat a variety of viral infections from influenza to herpes.In 2009, this medication was included in the list of vital and essential drugs, which is still present.

Contents: Composition and Form of Release Arbidol: indications Method of use and dosage Side effects Arbidol: contraindications Overdose How effective is Arbidol?

Composition and form of release

Under the name "Arbidol" the preparation is manufactured only by one company in Russia - Pharmstandard.It is made in several dosage forms - tablets in a gelatin shell, capsules, powder for making a suspension.In the composition there is only one active component - ufifenovir in a dose of 50, 100 or 200 mg.In addition, microcrystalline cellulose, starch, titanium dioxide and silicon, calcium stearate, dyes and flavoring agents can be contained in drug forms as ballast substances.

Since 2007, the term of the patent for Arbidol has expired and now its analogues are produced by other companies.Drugs that include umifenovir - Arpetol, Arpefly, Arpetolide, ORVITOL NP, Immustat.

Arbidol: indications

According to the instructions for use Arbidol copes well with the task of preventing and treating influenza, other respiratory system infections, including SARS( severe acute respiratory syndrome or SARS), including complicated.Not bad( according to the producers), he proved himself in the treatment of secondary conditions of immunodeficiency and recurrent herpes infection( as an auxiliary).

Arbidol is also used to prevent infections during recovery from surgery.It is also used as part of a complex of therapeutic measures to combat rotavirus enteric infection in childhood from 3 years.

Usage and dosage

This medication is administered exclusively intravenously shortly before meals.A single dose of the drug depends on the age of the patient, and the frequency of reception - from the reason for its use.At one time an adult should take 200 mg of Arbidol, children 6-12 years - 100 mg, and children 3-6 years - 50 mg of the drug.

Nonspecific prevention of infections:

1. Direct contact with patients - sources of influenza and acute respiratory viral infection( course of admission - 10-14 days, taking one dose per day):
   • adults - 200 mg;
   • children 6-12 years old - 100 mg;
   • 3-6 years - 50 mg.
2. During the seasonal epidemics of respiratory infections, including influenza, as well as in order to avoid exacerbation of chronic bronchitis and herpes of any localization, the above-mentioned single doses are prescribed once every three days for 3 weeks.
3. SARS prophylaxis: the standard dose is once per knock for 14 days.
4. Prevention of infectious complications after surgery:
   • is taken 2 days prior to surgery, on the second and fifth days after surgery( only three times);
   • applies a single single dose.

Treatment of infections:

1. Uncomplicated influenza and SARS:
   • adults - 200 mg 4 times a day;
   • 6-12 years - 100 mg 4 times a day;
   • 3-6 years - 50 mg 4 times a day;
   • duration of admission - 5 days.
2. Complicated influenza and SARS:
   • for the first 5 days apply the previous treatment regimen;
   • in the next 4 weeks apply one single dose per week.
3. For atypical pneumonia, the drug is used 200 mg twice a day for 8-10 days.In this case, it is used only in the treatment of adults.
4. For chronic bronchitis and recurrences of herpetic infection, Arbidol is used 4 times in knocking for a week, and then 2 times a week for a month.The dose is standard.
5. For rotavirus enteric acute infections Arbidol is administered in standard doses taken four times a day for 5 days.

Side effects of

Arbidol is very well tolerated by patients.The manufacturer notes only a few cases of allergy to the drug.No other side effects could be identified.

Arbidol: contraindications

The spectrum of contraindications to the use of Arbidol is exceptionally small.It can not be used for the treatment of infants under 3 years old, as well as people who are personally intolerant of any components of the drug, including ballast substances.

Overdose

According to the data provided, Arbidol refers to low-toxic drugs( life-threatening poisoning can occur with the simultaneous administration of hundreds of tablets).For this reason, there is no information on overdose.

How effective is Arbidol?

Despite the powerful marketing, the use of Arbidol is still controversial.A number of specialists argue that the drug does not help at all with influenza and other infections.Others, on the contrary, declare its high effectiveness in seasonal epidemics.

The manufacturer on his website refers to numerous studies conducted in Russia and China, which allegedly proved the antiviral effect of umifenovir.However, in 2010, at the peak of the epidemic of influenza A( H1N1), known as the pig, the World Health Organization issued a guide that indicated the lack of evidence of the effectiveness of Arbidol.WHO experts noted the lack of transparent data on research methods, which contradicts the accepted principles of evidence-based medicine in the world.

In 2012 in Russia, the study of the effectiveness of Arbidol, carried out according to all the rules( double, blind, randomized, placebo-controlled).Preliminary data show a significant improvement in the course of influenza in people taking umiphenovir.However, the research is financed by the manufacturer himself, which means that it is difficult to call it impartial.In addition, in its design there are some errors that can seriously affect the outcome.

All clinical studies referenced by the manufacturer - Pharmstandard, were conducted only by Russian scientists.The international community was very cautious about Arbidol, believing that its effectiveness has not been proven.Currently, independent of Pharmstandard, European researchers have conducted only a few studies, in vitro( in vitro), which, unfortunately, can not serve as proof that Arbidol helps people.

Gennady Bozbey, ambulance doctor