The fight against viral diseases of various kinds will always be relevant. The Russian and foreign pharmaceutical industries produce a large number of drugs that help in the shortest possible time to get rid of both the symptoms and the causes of the disease. There are a large number of medicines on the market, which differ significantly from each other in terms of the principle of action and cost.
We tried to make it easier for you to choose such products and made a rating of the best antiviral drugs. When we selected drugs to be included in this review, we carefully monitored the market for similar drugs in advance, choosing the most effective and at the same time affordable. We relied largely on user reviews and on the ratio of price and quality of the medicine. We hope that after carefully studying the rating, you will be able to choose the most effective products for yourself. However, it must be remembered that the review is a recommendation article, which is not a call to purchase a particular product. Before using any medication, you should definitely consult with your doctor, as each composition has contraindications and side effects.
Prevention in 2022
3. Cytovir-3
These domestic products were developed specifically to reduce the risk of possible infection with viral diseases, but they are often used to treat diseases. The medicine is suitable for both adults and children. Active compounds fight well with influenza viruses, as well as other pathogenic microorganisms that cause SARS. The drug should be drunk in courses, and after taking the remedy, it is possible to largely minimize the likelihood of the disease. If a person has already managed to catch an infection, then with the help of this medicine, many symptoms can be removed and the condition of a sick person can be alleviated. Three substances are used here as active active compounds — bendazole hydrochloride, glutamyl-tryptophan dipeptide and ascorbic acid. The first substance is intended for nutrition and additional strengthening of the immune system, the second has a similar effect, but ascorbic acid or vitamin C also helps to restore tissues. The composition still has several auxiliary components that can enhance the therapeutic effect.
The medicine is available in several versions — syrup, powder, capsules, flavored powder. The drug triggers the active synthesis of interferon in the human body — this compound is designed to quickly suppress the infection. Interferon comes into contact with cells and prevents the assembly of viral particles. Pathological processes are localized and neutralized as soon as possible. Ascorbic acid provides better permeability of capillary vessels, thereby removing puffiness and relieving the inflammatory process. The drug also protects tissues well from oxidative stress.
Advantages:
- A universal remedy that can be used for both prevention and treatment;
- Belongs to the average price range;
- Can be given to children over the age of 6;
- The minimum number of contraindications.
Flaws:
- Fully synthetic agent;
- It does not cope with all forms of influenza and SARS.
Cytovir-3
2. Dibazol-ubf tablets
The medicine has been produced since Soviet times and up to the present day has not lost its relevance, and it is characterized by a quite reasonable cost. It is found on sale in the form of tablets, has excellent immunostimulating characteristics. The active ingredients contained here largely activate the production of macrophages, and also allow you to increase the amount of interferon in the body. The composition is intended for patients of all ages, has a small number of contraindications, it is prescribed for various colds and some forms of influenza. The main active ingredient is characterized by analgesic, vasodilating and hypotonic action. With its help, it is also possible to lower blood pressure, activate the flow of an additional amount of blood to areas of the myocardium suffering from coronary disease and hypoxia. As mentioned earlier, the drug has a low cost, but it helps to fight many diseases and pathologies, so it is still quite popular.
The medicine has a number of contraindications. In particular, the drug is not suitable for patients who have at least a slight intolerance to bendazole, the active substance in the drug. Experts carefully prescribe it to the elderly, as well as those who have to constantly be attentive or focused. The medicine is categorically contraindicated in people with arterial hypotension, stomach or intestinal ulcers, especially if the latter are characterized by bleeding. Diseases of the kidneys and urinary tract will also be an obstacle in relation to taking the drug — such diseases can become very aggravated. Take one tablet two hours before or two hours after meals.
Advantages:
- One of the cheapest prophylactic agents on the Russian pharmacological market;
- Extended Positive Action;
- Fairly well tolerated;
- Allows you to cope with headaches and high blood pressure.
Flaws:
- Quite a lot of contraindications;
- There are no natural ingredients in the composition.
Dibazol-ubf tablets
1. Amiksin
Allows you to activate the internal resources of the human body, strengthen immunity and prevent the development of pathological processes. In clinical conditions, the effectiveness of this drug in the fight against viral, bacterial and fungal diseases has been proven. The medication is absolutely safe. As a rule, doctors prescribe this medicine to prevent acute respiratory infections, but it is also suitable for combating them. Tiloron acts as a key active ingredient here. This substance is of a low molecular type, it is obtained exclusively in laboratory conditions. It actively affects the human immune system, contributing to the production of compounds necessary to fight the disease. As auxiliary substances, titanium dioxide, polysorbate, hypromellose, macrogol and so on are used here. All these compounds allow you to stabilize the drug, facilitate its absorption. The drug is produced exclusively in the form of tablets. It has an active effect on tissues and organs. the drug is absorbed quickly.
It belongs to the group of immunomodulators and antiviral drugs. With its help, it is possible to quickly localize the infection that has entered the body, to prevent the subsequent development of the disease. Absorption occurs in the digestive tract, all active compounds with the bloodstream are distributed throughout the body. Tiloron has a good effect on intestinal epithelial cells, stimulates the production of leukocytes and hepatocytes. Despite the fact that this drug is not an antibiotic, it fights well against various bacterial and fungal diseases, and is often prescribed to people with tuberculosis. The drug reliably protects against the effects of X-ray radiation — when it enters the body a few hours before the penetration of the rays into the tissues, it significantly improves the radioprotective qualities of the organs.
Advantages:
- It fights well with viral and infectious diseases;
- Excellent prophylactic;
- Stimulates the immune system;
- The minimum number of contraindications.
Flaws:
- Allergic reactions to this drug are not uncommon;
- It costs more than similar drugs.
Amiksin
Homeopathic products
3. Oscillococcinum
It copes well with pathogenic viral infections, including most forms of influenza. Available in small packaged cones, which should be poured under the tongue 15 minutes before meals or an hour after meals. Keep under the tongue until completely dissolved. It is allowed to use such a drug, regardless of the stage of the disease. Overdose almost never happens, and the amount of the drug does not at all depend on the age of the patient. At the most acute stage of the disease, when there is a high temperature, take the medicine twice a day — one dose in the morning and evening. In this dosage, you can drink the remedy for a maximum of three days. The drug is most effective if taken at the initial stage of the disease. If the infection has not yet managed to infect the entire body, then it is allowed to do this: first use one dose, then two or three more with an interval of 6 hours.
It can act as a prophylactic during epidemics. In this case, you will need to drink one dose per week — in this case, the likelihood of the disease is reduced several times. It is allowed to give the drug even to infants — for this, the granules are dissolved in purified water and given to the baby from a spoon or poured into a bottle with a nipple. There are practically no contraindications, with the exception of individual intolerance to individual components, which is very rare. According to clinical studies conducted by independent laboratories in different countries, the drug is a very effective tool in the fight against viral infections and influenza. The patient’s condition improves in just a couple of hours. It is possible to fully overcome the infection within two to three days. The medicine fights all the symptoms of viruses.
Advantages:
- Very quickly copes with an infection of any kind;
- Suppresses the symptoms and causes of the disease;
- There are practically no contraindications;
- Can be given even to infants.
Flaws:
- High price;
- With regular use, the body becomes addicted to the drug, due to which its effectiveness is greatly reduced.
Oscillococcinum
2. Hyporamine sublingual tablets.
The first in our review of the best antiviral drugs is an exclusively natural remedy that is made on the basis of herbal ingredients. Dried and completely purified extract of sea buckthorn leaves is used as the main active ingredient. One tablet contains 20 mg of this product. Sea buckthorn extract contains a polyphenolic complex of galloellagitannins, which have a pronounced antiviral effect against influenza strains, as well as a number of other diseases, including herpes. The mechanism of action of the drug is based on the inhibitory effect on the RNA of the pathological environment. In other words, the drug blocks the processes of reproduction and cell division of the virus. In addition, it promotes the production of interferon. Toxicity is minimal, the product is not the cause of mutagenic, allergenic, carcinogenic and teratogenic effects, does not suppress natural immunity.
The drug is suitable for adults and children from the age of two months, acts as a prophylactic and therapeutic agent. According to clinical studies, this medicine can be prescribed even to pregnant and lactating women, but this is done with caution and under the supervision of a specialist. Of the contraindications, there is only a possible individual intolerance to the individual components of the drug. It is advisable to take this remedy in the early stages of the disease — the tablet is kept under the tongue until it is completely resorbed. It is worth noting that the products also help with chicken pox — it alleviates the general condition of the patient, reduces itching and removes excessive redness. There were no cases of overdose during testing.
Advantages:
- It is made on the basis of natural extracts;
- Acceptable cost;
- Helps not only with colds or flu, but also in the fight against a number of other diseases;
- Promotes the development of natural immunity.
Flaws:
- Doctors do not always prescribe — it is not clear why.
Hyporamine tablets sublingual.
1. Kagocel
The medicine is a homeopathic remedy used in the fight against acute respiratory viral infections, it is often used to reduce the risk of infection. With its help, it is possible to improve the functioning of the body’s immune system. It is used in both therapeutic and pediatric practice, as it is suitable for patients aged three years and older. The drug does not affect the pathogenic microflora on its own, but it helps the body fight the infection on its own. It is safe, well tolerated even by weakened immune systems. As the main active agent, the substance kagocel is used here, which, in combination with the calcium salt of stearic acid, starch, milk sugar and crospovidone, starts the immune system. After application, it is quickly absorbed into the blood and distributed throughout the body.
The drug helps to synthesize interferon, which fights the disease well. When using this drug, a larger number of lymphocytes, granulocytes, as well as many other cells responsible for the formation of immunity, are produced. Even a single use of the drug allows you to increase the content of interferon in the blood for four to five days. If you follow the dosage indicated in the annotation, then the drug will not harm the tissues, it does not accumulate in the body. It can be used with caution even during pregnancy, since the active substances do not have a harmful effect on the fetus. Can be used as a prophylactic. The drug is safe, well tolerated by the body, intolerance is extremely rare.
Advantages:
- Quite a convenient form of release — small tablets are easily swallowed;
- A positive effect is achieved quickly;
- Acceptable cost;
- long-term action;
- Contraindications and side effects are minimal.
Flaws:
- To complete the course of treatment, you need two incomplete packages.
Kagocel
The most effective medicines for viral infections in 2022
5. Ergoferon
It was developed specifically to fight influenza and a number of other infectious diseases. According to the annotation, it has antiviral and immunomodulatory characteristics. The composition contains specially prepared antibodies that can improve the functioning of the immune system, help the body cope with any type of pathogenic microflora. According to experts, the course of therapy should begin a few days before the start of the cold season. Often, products are used as part of complex therapy. The immunoglobulin complex is used here as the main active agent. Such chemicals help to achieve an excellent therapeutic effect in the fight against colds. The auxiliary components here are lactose, water, cellulose and magnesium stearate.
Active compounds enter the bloodstream and combine with interferon, due to which the body’s natural defense becomes much better. The drug helps to fight including fungal infections. All the substances present in the composition of this medicine help to cope with the pathology and get rid of negative changes in the tissues. Adverse reactions and contraindications when taking the drug are practically not found here. The likelihood of complications depends on the individual characteristics of the human body.
Advantages:
- Products have a pleasant taste;
- Can be used for therapeutic purposes;
- Stimulate the immune system and the production of interferon;
- Quickly suppress pathogenic microflora.
Flaws:
- Relatively expensive.
Ergoferon
4. Arbidol
Available in the form of small film-coated tablets, the drug has a white or cream color. It is a very popular drug designed to prevent and treat colds of the respiratory tract, helps to cope with fever, cough and other manifestations of viral infections. The active component does not allow viruses to multiply, relieves the symptoms of the disease, and also increases the capabilities of human immunity. The likelihood of side effects when taking this medication is minimal. Arbidol is used for symptomatic and etiological treatment. Umifenovir is used as the main active ingredient. This artificially synthesized compound has pronounced antiviral and immunomodulatory properties.
It also contains calcium stearate, povidone, starch, titanium dioxide, and several other stabilizing agents. The film shell is quite dense, so the medicine will dissolve and be absorbed in the required section of the gastrointestinal tract. The release form is different — powder, capsules and tablets. The active substance of the product helps the body synthesize an increased amount of interferon, an antioxidant effect is provided that prevents tissue damage under the influence of aggressive forms of oxygen. The drug removes toxins from the body, preventing their accumulation in the kidneys and liver.
Advantages:
- The small size of the tablets makes it easier to swallow;
- Available in several forms;
- The effectiveness of the drug is noticeable within the next hour;
- The duration of action reaches 3-4 hours.
Flaws:
- High price.
Arbidol
3. Ingavirin
The capabilities of this drug allow it to be used to prevent or fight infections of the respiratory system, minimizing the likelihood of infection even at the earliest stages. Actively fights against a variety of pathogens. With the help of the tool, it is possible to quickly cleanse the patient’s body of pathogenic microflora, speed up recovery, and even small children can be given medicine. The function of the active substance is imidazolylethanamide pentanedioic acid. The concentration of the compound is directly dependent on the form of release of the drug. It also contains a number of additional components that stabilize the formula of the drug itself, and also help facilitate the absorption of the drug in the digestive tract.
The composition fights fungal and viral infections, including influenza A or B. After the course of treatment, infectious agents are completely removed from the patient’s body, the immune system begins to work correctly and stably. With timely use, the risk of infection is reduced by about 70%. After absorption, the agent quickly spreads through the bloodstream, instantly triggering intracellular mechanisms to fight the disease. In addition, cellular transport is disrupted, which leads to a slowdown in the formation of cells of pathogenic microflora. The severity of the inflammatory process is also reduced, as well as the likelihood of complications.
Advantages:
- Side effects are practically absent;
- The medicine not only stimulates the immune system, but also copes with pathogenic microflora, removing it from the body in the shortest possible time;
- Convenient form;
- One package is designed for a full course.
Flaws:
- Quite expensive;
- Sometimes causes allergic reactions.
Ingavirin
2. Cycloferon
A fairly effective drug that can be used not only for treatment, but also for the prevention of viral and colds. The drug is characterized by active antiviral and immunomodulatory properties. After the course, immunity becomes much higher, and the risk of developing viral or bacterial pathologies is reduced to almost zero. In order to overcome the infectious process, you can use the medicine as part of complex therapy. It is suitable for adults and children ages 4 and up. Side effects occur, but are quite rare. This medicine belongs to a new class of drugs that have the ability to regulate the immune systems of the whole body. The remedy is much better than antibiotics in terms of safety and effectiveness — it does not cause the slightest harm to the body, is excreted within a few days, and does not accumulate in the kidneys or liver.
Acridoneacetic acid is used here as the main active agent. If the drug is available in the form of tablets, then it will contain polysorbate, methacrylic acid polymer, propylene glycol and calcium stearate as additional substances. The interferons produced under the action of the drug are concentrated in the lungs, spleen, liver and some other organs, preventing the development of bacteria. The medicine not only helps the body to produce substances to fight the disease, but it also has a depressing effect on microbes and viruses, helping to cope with them as soon as possible.
Advantages:
- Helps to recover within just a couple of days;
- Good prophylactic;
- Not only stimulates the immune system, but also fights the disease itself;
- Deals with viral and bacterial infections.
Flaws:
- The price is high;
- Completely artificially synthesized agent.
Cycloferon
1. Rafamin
The drug Rafamin is a fundamentally new word in domestic pharmaceuticals. It combines a unique dual formula: the components that make up the drug improve the recognition of not only viruses, but also bacteria by the immune system. Due to this, Rafamin has a single antiviral and antibacterial action, and also contains: technologically processed affinity-purified antibodies to human gamma interferon — a molecule that regulates the speed and strength of the immune response; as well as to the CD4 receptor and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) domains.
The drug was developed for the treatment of acute respiratory viral infections in adult patients. Especially suitable for those who have a high risk of bacterial complications.
Advantages:
- Has a unique double action;
- Has no pronounced side effects;
- Works effectively at any stage of the disease;
Flaws:
Rafamin
In conclusion, a useful video
So our review of the best antiviral drugs of various price categories and principles of action has come to an end. If you have already used some similar medicines, tell us and other readers about it — it will be very interesting to learn about your experience in dealing with colds.