13 best cold remedies

Means and preparations

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Writing about the 'best' cure for a cold is as useless as it is pointless. There is no better cure for a cold. You can pick up a number of drugs that affect various links in the development of the common cold. They will help to cope with a cold from different sides, and thereby alleviate the patient's condition. But you should always remember that a runny nose in itself is a natural defense reaction that allows you to eliminate excess from the upper respiratory tract, namely from the nasal cavity. First of all, it is a large amount of mucus, which contains immunoglobulins, mucin, possibly pathogenic microorganisms and their metabolic products. A runny nose is a good natural remedy to lower the pressure in the turbinates and nasal cavity, which inevitably increases when edema occurs.

Is it dangerous or not dangerous to blow your nose? It would seem that there is no danger in this, but it should be remembered that if a patient has a tendency to nosebleeds, decreased blood clotting, episodes of high blood pressure, then he should blow his nose, in any case, carefully, and without great effort. The same applies to people with a weak eardrum, after perforated otitis media, since a sharp increase in pressure in the auditory tube can lead to an unpleasant symptom of congestion in the ears. In order to console oneself, one can recall an interesting historical fact: the world-renowned father of medicine, Hippocrates, believed that blowing one's nose was extremely harmful, since as a result a person loses the substance of the brain. In antiquity, they did not know why the brain was needed, and therefore Hippocrates believed it to be a reservoir for all kinds of mucus.

We know why the brain exists. But, nevertheless, we, just as in the time of Hippocrates, cannot make an episode of a banal rhinitis shorter than 5 or 7 days. The popular proverb is still true: “a cured rhinitis lasts a week, and an untreated rhinitis lasts 7 days.” Nevertheless, we will try to give several groups of drugs that are successfully used to treat acute rhinitis, or rhinitis caused by a variety of reasons.

The rating includes vasoconstrictor drugs, anti-allergy drugs, anti-inflammation drugs, some antimicrobial agents, and nasal rinses. All drugs listed in this rating are local, that is, they are injected directly into the nose. About any pills, or, especially intramuscular injections, are out of the question. For each drug there is a list of analogues (if any), as well as the average retail price. This price is valid at the beginning of June 2019 for pharmacies of all forms of ownership in the Russian Federation. The deviation from the average price can be significant and this must be remembered. So, the drug Lazolvan Rino from the group of vasoconstrictor drugs is presented at an average price of 295 rubles. per packing. However, in pharmacy discounters from a warehouse, you can buy it at a price of 267 rubles, and in some pharmacy chains this same package can cost 320 rubles. and higher.

Rating of the best remedies for the common cold

Nomination a place Name of product price
Vasoconstrictor (adrenomimetics) 1 Sanorin (naftizin) 162 r
2 Nazivin, Afrin, Rinostop (oxymetazoline) 132 RUB
3 Fornos, Tizin, Otrivin, Rinostop, Xymelin, (xylometazoline) RUB 100
4 Nazol Kids, Nazol Baby (phenylephrine) 211 r
5 Lazolvan Reno (tramazolin) 289 r
Antiallergic drops and sprays 1 Vibrocil (phenylephrine + dimethindene) RUB 290
2 Rinofluimucil (acetylcysteine ​​+ tuaminoheptane) 269 ​​r
3 Cromohexal – spray 174 r
Hormonal agents: do not use without a doctor! 1 Nazonex, Momat Reno, Nosephrine (mometasone) 401 RUB
Antibacterial agents 1 Polydex with phenylephrine (neomycin sulfate + polymyxin B + dexamethasone + phenylephrine) RUB 319
2 Isofra (framycetin sulfate 1.25 g = 800000 ED) 325 RUB
Physiotherapy and folk remedies 1 Aqua Maris 304 RUB
2 Dolphin RUB 250

Vasoconstrictor (adrenomimetics)

Vasoconstrictor drugs, which belong to the class of adrenergic agonists, are deservedly considered a 'panacea', since they allow you to quickly and effectively cope with rhinorrhea and nasal congestion. They can be considered as 'first aid' means, and have a pronounced symptomatic effect. It becomes easier for a person, but the blood supply to the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity due to their use deteriorates somewhat, since the vessels still narrow. This effect is called anti-congestive, and these drugs are called anticongestants.

There is a danger that is characteristic of all adrenomimetics without exception, but most of all – their first representatives, for example, naphthyzine. Over time, vascular receptors become accustomed to the drug, and the effectiveness decreases. As soon as a person feels this, he needs to completely abandon the use of adrenergic agonists for a certain period in order to restore the normal function of receptors. However, more often than not, a person begins to use these drugs more and more often and in large quantities. As a result, it is possible to develop vascular atrophy, sense of smell and the development of the so-called atrophic drug rhinitis. Therefore, it is advisable in no case to use adrenomimetics for more than 5 days.

It should immediately be said what the difference is between different generations of adrenomimetics. Gradually, from naphthyzine to tramazoline, the action time lengthens after one instillation, the drug begins to act faster, and it also acts not so roughly, and does not become addictive so quickly.

On the other hand, even if you use naphthyzine, but in very short courses and in the absence of contraindications, it also greatly facilitates nasal breathing. Consider drugs from this group, each of which belongs to different classes of active substances – adrenomimetics.

Sanorin (naftizin)

Rating: 4.9

Sanorin (naftizin)

Sanorin is one of the main representatives of adrenomimetics, it is produced not only in the form of a spray, but also in the form of drops. Drops can be with a concentration of 0.05%, as well as 'twice as strong' – 0.1%. The tool belongs to alpha – 2 adrenergic agonists. Sanorin is able to facilitate nasal breathing with rhinitis by reducing edema, reducing the exudative component and hyperemia.

It is used not only for acute rhinitis, or a cold. Sanorin is widely used in ENT practice for sinusitis, inflammation of the auditory tube, or Eustachian, with laryngitis, to stop bleeding from the nose. In some cases, it is used in order to facilitate rhinoscopy, that is, the examination of the nasal cavity. It is important to remember that after a week, and in some cases even after 5 days, tolerance to Sanorin develops, a decrease in sensitivity.

The standard dosage for adults is one to three doses of spray in each nostril, no more than 3 times a day. The drug is able to stop nosebleeds. To do this, place a cotton swab moistened with medicine in the desired nostril, and hold it there for a while. Sanorin spray is produced by a Czech company, Xanthis Pharma. The cost of a 10 ml spray bottle is 175 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

The disadvantage of Sanorin is that it belongs to the first generation, so it does not act so quickly and it is necessary to bury it quite often. It is also necessary to consider contraindications. These are chronic atrophic rhinitis, glaucoma, increased heart rate and high blood pressure, diabetes, hyperfunction of the thyroid gland, age up to 15 years in case of taking 0.1% drops. There are other contraindications, such as concomitant administration of monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Side effects should also be considered. If the recommended therapeutic dosage is exceeded and too frequent use, an increase in pressure, tachycardia, local allergic reactions in the form of swelling of the nasal mucosa, and irritation are possible.

Nazivin, Afrin, Rinostop (oxymetazoline)

Rating: 4.8

Nazivin, Afrin, Rinostop (oxymetazoline)

Nazivin is a next-generation drug that contains oxymetazoline. The highest concentration is 0.05%, which is half as much as in the case of Sanorin, and this is important. The pharmacological properties are exactly the same – it constricts blood vessels, and with this, edema decreases and breathing is restored through the nose, ventilation of the nasal sinuses and the middle ear cavity improves. This is the prevention of the development of such complications of the common cold as sinusitis and otitis media.

The drug acts within a few minutes, and the duration of its action is up to 12 hours. Indications for use are the same: it is an acute respiratory viral infection, allergic and vasomotor rhinitis, diagnostic ENT manipulations. An adult needs to use Nazivin one to two drops 2 times a day in each nostril. Nazivin is produced by the German company Merck, and the cost of a 10 milliliter bottle is 188 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

The disadvantages of Nazivin are exactly the same as those of other adrenergic agonists. It cannot be used with high intraocular pressure, with hyperthyroidism and diabetes, with angle-closure glaucoma, against the background of a hypertensive crisis, and so on. It is important to remember that Nazivin can be used for children only in lower concentrations, which are specially created for children. From one to 6 years old – 0.025%, and for babies up to one year old – 0.01%. The indicated dosages must not be exceeded: if they are significantly increased, then cardiac arrhythmias, constriction of the pupils, tachycardia, and blood pressure may rise, that is, the effects of excessive stimulation of adrenergic receptors may occur. However, if the drug is used according to indications in therapeutic dosages, then it acts milder than the previous ones.

Fornos, Tizin, Otrivin, Rinostop, Xymelin, (xylometazoline)

Rating: 4.7

Fornos, Tizin, Otrivin, Rinostop, Xymelin, (xylometazoline)

This drug is a quality imported drug produced by the Indian company Sandoz, and GlaxoSmithKline is the developer and holder of the certificate. The drug is available for children in the form of drops, and for adults, in the form of a spray. This alpha-adrenergic agonist facilitates nasal breathing when used at the recommended dosages. And there are practically no side effects such as irritation of the mucous membrane, redness, or hyperemia. The specified side effect quite often develops to naphthyzine, and other representatives of the first generation adrenergic agonists.

Shown for Dlyanos in the same cases as described above: with various forms of the common cold, including allergic ones. It helps with inflammatory diseases of the ENT organs, with hay fever, with otitis media. For the nose and analogues are necessary to reduce the general swelling of the nasopharyngeal mucosa, including in the area of ​​the outflow openings of the Eustachian tubes. It is necessary to inject the spray with the help of one injection into each nasal passage, but no more than 3 times a day. It is not expensive: one 10 ml bottle costs 95 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

The disadvantages of the drug are standard. Although it acts mildly and is safe in therapeutic concentrations, it is still an adrenergic agonist. It cannot be used for all the above contraindications, for atherosclerosis, during pregnancy, as well as in the case of a spray – under the age of 12 years, and in the case of drops – up to 2 years. However, the drug can be used in people with diabetes, but only with caution. In this it compares favorably with previous drugs, in which diabetes mellitus was in unambiguous contraindications. Nos can be used by nursing mothers, but also with caution, and as directed by a doctor. Overdose symptoms are standard for all adrenergic agonists: tachycardia, possible heart rhythm disorders, increased blood pressure. The manufacturing company claims that the drug is not compatible with tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline.

Nazol Kids, Nazol Baby (phenylephrine)

Rating: 4.6

Nazol Kids, Nazol Baby (phenylephrine)

These drugs belong to a rather rare class of drugs in which phenylephrine is used as an active anticongestan. Usually this component is included in the combination of anti-allergy drugs, and here it is used to improve the function of nasal breathing. The drug, Nazol Kids, as the name suggests, was created to treat children, and it really is. It is indicated from 6 to 12 years old, the drug is intended for the treatment of rhinitis with a symptomatic purpose, and differs from other drugs in that it is a stimulant, or agonist, not alpha-2, but alpha-1 receptors, that is, belong to the group of sympathomimetics. Nazol Kids reduces swelling of the mucous membrane, redness, eliminates congestion in the nasal passages, and significantly improves their patency. The product is used by injection, but no more than 3 in each nasal passage, and no more than 4 hours later. The sympathomimetic phenylephrine does not last as long as the previous drugs. Nazol Kids is produced by the Italian division of Bayer, and the spray will cost 180 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantage of this drug can be called a mild action, which is specially selected for use in children. However, parents should definitely remember that therapy should be short, no longer than 3 days. If nasal breathing remains difficult, then you should definitely consult a doctor. Overdose symptoms such as high blood pressure or abnormal heart rhythms are possible. There may be local reactions: a burning sensation or tingling sensation in the nose. The drug is contraindicated in high blood pressure, thyroid diseases, in children under four years of age.

Lazolvan Reno (tramazolin)

Rating: 4.5

Lazolvan Reno (tramazolin)

Finally, at the end of the review of vasoconstrictor drugs, it is necessary to talk about the drug Lazolvan Rino. This is a misleading name: there is Lazolvan, which belongs to bronchodilators and is used internally as a syrup, or for inhalation, and it has nothing to do with intranasal administration. In this case, this was the name of tramazoline, which is a decongestant alpha-adrenergic agonist for advertising purposes.

It is shown, as in the case of other drugs from this group, with various types of acute rhinitis, or nasopharyngitis, including with vasomotor and allergic rhinitis. Lazolvan Rino is also indicated for hay fever, which is caused by plant pollen, for chronic and acute sinusitis, with otitis media, with inflammation and blockage of the Eustachian, or auditory tube. This spray is in the form of a pale yellow, transparent solution with a pleasant eucalyptus scent.

The drug is quite 'long-lasting': significant relief occurs within 5 minutes, and even earlier, and lasts up to 10 hours. This remedy is used in adults and children over 10 years old by injecting just one dose into each nostril. This can be repeated up to 4 times a day, and the duration of treatment should not exceed 5 days, then only as prescribed by a doctor.

Lazolvan Reno is produced by the German company Boehringer Ingelheim, and 10 milliliters of this spray will cost about 300 rubles on average, this is one of the most expensive products in our rating. In addition, the spray has a unique percentage concentration, not 'some' 0.1 or 0.05%, but 'mysterious' 0.118%, and this is also quite interesting.

Advantages and disadvantages

The drug is relatively safe and highly effective, but still it has the same side effects and contraindications as other adrenomimetics, although there are much fewer of them. Lazolvan Rino is contraindicated, in addition to hypersensitivity, in angle-closure glaucoma, and in old age it occurs most often, with atrophic rhinitis, in children under 6 years of age, during transnasal surgery, which the patient has a history of. For example, if he had a pituitary tumor removed through his nose.

In all other cases, including in patients with diagnosed essential hypertension, hyperthyroidism and diabetes, the drug can still be used, but only as directed by a doctor. This remedy can be used in the second and third trimester of pregnancy, during breastfeeding, but again only on the recommendation of a doctor. It is safe to say that if you use Lazolvan Rino in short courses, in the absence of contraindications and in small, recommended doses, then it will bring undoubted benefits and facilitate the quality of life for a patient with a runny nose of various origins.

Antiallergic drops and sprays

Allergy nasal sprays and drops are widely used not only for allergic forms of the common cold, not only for allergic conjunctivitis and Quincke's edema, for hay fever and other types of hypersensitivity. In some cases, they complement topical therapy for the common cold. After all, the mechanism of edema and redness of the nasal mucosa is, in principle, the same, and it is caused by the same mechanisms. Let's consider some of the most popular and effective drugs for the treatment of allergic rhinitis, which can be used in complex therapy for common, viral or colds rhinitis.

Vibrocil (phenylephrine + dimethindene)

Rating: 4.9

Vibrocil (phenylephrine + dimethindene)

It was already written above about phenylephrine, which is part of children's sprays and drops, and has a vasoconstrictor effect. What happens if a histamine H1 receptor antagonist, such as dimethindene, is added to the sympathomimetic phenylephrine, which stimulates alpha-1 adrenergic receptors? Then you get an effective drug Vibrocil.

It comes in the form of nasal drops, nasal spray, and even a gel to lubricate the nasal mucosa – a unique topical form that is rare. The solution, gel and spray and gel have a slight specific smell of lavender, as well as drops. This drug is indicated for various forms of acute rhinitis, including colds, allergic and vasomotor disorders, acute and chronic sinusitis and other sinusitis, to prepare for surgical interventions to reduce mucosal edema.

It is necessary to apply Vibrocil for adults and children, three drops in each nostril 3 times a day, or one or two injections each nasal passage. In the case of a gel, it is applied by hand, as deep as possible into each nostril at the same rate. This drug is produced by the pharmaceutical company Novartis, and 15 ml of the spray costs about 290 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantage of Vibrocil is that it is a combined preparation, and at the same time two active active ingredients allow Vibrocil to achieve a quick effect. Also, the drug has no symptoms of overdose. This remedy can be used not for 5 days, but even for a whole week without consulting a doctor, and only longer periods require a medical consultation. Of course, the recommended doses cannot be exceeded, and in the case of babies, you can only use nose drops. If the patient's nasal mucosa is very dry, for example, due to the intake of adrenergic agonists, then it is necessary to use a form such as Vibrocil-gel. It is especially indicated if there are any crusts, or nasal breathing is difficult at night. However, the remedy should not be used in the case of atrophic rhinitis, if the patient was taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors, the gel and spray should not be used until the age of six.

Rinofluimucil (acetylcysteine ​​+ tuaminoheptane)

Rating: 4.8

Rinofluimucil

Rinofluimucil continues the glorious tradition of bronchodilators. It contains acetylcysteine, the one that improves the discharge of phlegm from the lungs. Additionally added is tuaminoheptane, which is a vasoconstrictor sympathomimetic amine.

It reduces redness and swelling of the nasal mucosa, acetylcysteine ​​does the same thing that it is used to doing in the deep bronchi: to dilute mucous membranes, as well as purulent-mucous secretions. But if in the first case there was sputum in the lungs, then in the second case it is nasal mucus. Therefore, in simple terms, acetylcysteine ​​makes it easier to blow your nose. This joint action allows you to quickly restore the nasal passages and relieve the symptoms of inflammation.

Rinofluimucil is especially indicated for such a cold, when the discharge, or, in common parlance, 'snot' is thick, have a purulent-slimy character, form crusts and are difficult to remove. You can also use it for chronic rhinitis, for vasomotor disorders, for the treatment of sinusitis: sinusitis, ethmoiditis, frontal sinusitis.

Rinofluimucil is applied intranasally, a special aerosol is sprayed in two doses into each nasal passage three or four times a day. To do this, press the valve twice. For children, the dose is half, one press on the valve 3-4 times a day, the course is no longer than 7 days. The Italian company Zambon produces Rinofluimucil, and a bottle of 10 milliliters will cost an average of 271 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

Plus Rinofluimucil is the ability to liquefy thick secretions, many patients with this type of rhinitis experience real torment, since many drugs simply cannot get through thick deposits of mucus. However, the drug has possible side effects. Most often it is palpitations, increased blood pressure, dry mouth. But this occurs with an overdose. It is important to remember that it is better not to prescribe the drug to children under two years of age, patients with bronchial asthma, and it is also not worth using it for a long time.

Cromohexal – spray

Rating: 4.7

Cromohexal - spray

Cromohexal, produced in the form of a spray, does the same job as in the treatment of bronchial asthma: it stabilizes the membranes of the so-called mast cells and prevents the release of biologically active amines from them. It is they (histamine, bradykinin) that trigger a cascade of inflammatory and edematous allergic reactions. It is used mainly for vasomotor and allergic rhinitis, for hay fever, for Quincke's edema, and those types of food allergies when the patient suddenly experiences an attack of rhinorrhea, itching in the nose and starts sneezing.

The drug is used in adults, one dose, or one press into each nasal passage four times a day, but no more than 6 times. As soon as there is relief, the dosage can be reduced on the following days. Cromohexal differs from other drugs from the common cold in that it is used as a treatment course for a month. Subsequent cancellation should be gradual, with a gradual dose reduction. Cromohexal is a spray produced by the German company Dr. Gerhard Mann, and the owner of the registration certificate is Sandoz. The cost of a 15 ml bottle of 2% solution is low: on average, 165 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantage of Cromohexal is the ability to use it for a long time, and the disadvantage is the mandatory cancellation within a week with a gradual dose reduction, otherwise there may be an increase in symptoms. But Cromohexal is very well tolerated. But it is not recommended for children under the age of five, pregnant and lactating mothers. It is necessary to use this agent very carefully in patients with nasal polyposis, in patients with renal and hepatic insufficiency. In the event that cromohexal is used in conjunction with other agents containing histamine blockers, for example with Vibrocil, then the overall effect may be stronger, since cromoglycic acid enhances the effect of histamine blockers.

Hormonal agents: do not use without a doctor!

Anti-inflammatory drops are those that contain the strongest substances that can fight inflammation: these are synthetic analogs of corticosteroid hormones. But also anti-congestants – adrenomimetics also cope with signs of inflammation, as they reduce swelling and redness. After all, vasospasm does not allow the inflammatory process to 'roam', which requires good plethora. Antiallergic drugs can fight inflammation by blocking the release of inflammatory mediators such as histamine and bradykinin.

But hormonal drugs in their composition have the strongest anti-inflammatory components. Therefore, it is advisable to use them as directed by a doctor, since they can be considered, in principle, potent. Taking hormones, even locally, and in short courses should always be assessed by the attending physician in terms of risk. Therefore, do not try to start the treatment of a banal rhinitis yourself with these drugs, let the doctor do it, taking into account the contraindications.

Some hormonal drugs are listed below. Each of them contains a hormone: mometasone, beclomethasone and fluticasone. What are intranasal corticosteroids used for? Not at all for the treatment of a runny nose that came on suddenly in the form of a cold. It can be treated without hormones. They are needed for seasonal and year-round allergic rhinitis, for medicinal rhinitis, for professional rhinitis, caused, for example, by a harmful aerosol at work. Glucocorticoids are also prescribed to prevent recurrence of nasal polyps after they are removed.

Do not expect a quick reaction from hormones: they start to act late, on average after 12-24 hours, the effect develops slowly, the maximum severity of the therapeutic effect is usually achieved on the seventh day, and sometimes the effect should be expected for several weeks. The most active of these hormones is mometasone, which works after 12 hours. Therefore, we will consider the entire group using this tool as an example.

Nazonex, Momat Reno, Nosephrine (mometasone)

Rating: 4.9

Nazonex, Momat Reno, Nosephrine (mometasone)

As mentioned above, mometasone is a highly active hormone. However, the spray for introduction into the nasal passages and its dosage is such that it does not have systemic effects such as the development of osteoporosis, bronchial asthma, water retention, sodium, and does not cause steroid diabetes. The drug is indicated for the treatment of rather severe forms of allergic rhinitis, and the prevention of allergic rhinitis, with exacerbations of sinusitis, that is, sinusitis, frontal sinusitis, ethmoiditis as part of complex therapy. Nazonex is produced by the Belgian company Schering-Paw, and 1 bottle of 18 ml costs an average of 750 rubles.

It should be said that exactly the same indications are for other hormonal drugs, Fliksonase (fluticasone), Nasobek (beclomethasone). None of the official instructions in the indications of a respiratory viral infection, or a banal 'colds rhinitis', even if complicated by microbial growth. It can be considered that hormonal sprays are contraindicated in case of a common cold.

Antibacterial agents

The most important thing to remember is never to use antibacterial local remedies in the first 2-3 days after the onset of a cold in the form of self-medication. Microbial inflammation joins after a while, after a week, and in the first days of common colds rhinitis, the inflammation is viral, and antibacterial drugs are absolutely useless. In addition, they are also harmful. If they are used just like that, then the microflora will develop resistance, or resistance.

Consider two classic and best drugs from this group – Polydex and Isofra. Previously, Bioparox was very widely used, but now it is discontinued due to the identified side effects. Therefore, in the event that in any drug review, website or magazine you read about advertising Bioparox, in any form, then close this resource and leave from there. Since April 2016, Bioparox containing fusafungin has been withdrawn from the market worldwide. Perhaps this can add to the image of Servier's company, because it is possible to abandon a drug that is profitable only for the sake of higher goals – human health.

Polydex with phenylephrine (neomycin sulfate + polymyxin B + dexamethasone + phenylephrine)

Rating: 4.8

Polydex with phenylephrine (neomycin sulfate + polymyxin B + dexamethasone + phenylephrine)

Polydex is a multicomponent drug, and in addition to phenylephrine, which acts as a sympathomimetic, the drug contains 2 antibiotics, as well as Dexamethasone. This is also a corticosteroid hormone, but its activity is not as high as that of the drugs from the previous section, so it has a mild anti-inflammatory effect in the complex. Antibiotics are specially formulated to target most of both gram-negative and gram-positive microorganisms, which most commonly cause soft tissue infections and various types of sinusitis.

It is known that most often the microbial association spreads into the nasal cavity from chronic sources of infection, and primarily from the maxillary sinuses in the presence of chronic sinusitis. It is in this case that Polydexa is appointed. It is recommended for adults to inject the drug into each nasal passage 3 to 5 times a day. This tool is produced by the French laboratory Bouchard, and one bottle of 15 milliliters, on average, costs 407 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantage of this drug is the versatility of the effect on many microorganisms, the lack of penetration into the bloodstream, and the low probability of an overdose. However, it should be remembered that the drug is useless for banal viral rhinitis, and is contraindicated in glaucoma, proteinuria, during pregnancy and lactation, in children under three years of age, with the simultaneous use of MAO inhibitors. In some cases, there may be skin allergic reactions, and it should be used with caution in patients with high blood pressure and increased thyroid function.

Isofra (framycetin sulfate 1.25 g = 800000 ED)

Rating: 4.7

Isofra (framycetin sulfate 1.25 g = 800000 ED)

Isofra is another drug of this French company, and already a mono-component, the only active ingredient is framycetin sulfate. It is an antibiotic from the aminoglycoside group. Most often, it is indicated against those types of pathogenic flora that cause infections in the ENT clinic. Isofra's indications are exactly the same as in the previous case: nasopharyngitis, various types of acute and chronic sinusitis. Also, the drug is used for treatment and prevention after various ENT – operations. In adults, the spray is sprayed into each nasal passage 4 to 6 times a day, but no longer than 7 days. The average cost of one bottle of Isofra with a volume of 15 milliliters is 415 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

A big plus of Isofra is that it is quite rare, at least for today, the development of drug resistance occurs, most microorganisms are sensitive to this drug. Since the product does not contain either hormones or adrenergic agonists, it has very few contraindications: it is only an increased sensitivity to aminoglycosides in general and to framycetin in particular, therefore Isofra can be prescribed for both adults and children. The drug has no overdose, no drug interaction. Perhaps, in its safety, it comes close to the means for washing the nose, containing only sea water. We smoothly move to them.

Physiotherapy and folk remedies

Do not think that any traditional methods of treating the common cold are safe and effective, and they should be used first. Everything is fine in moderation, and it can be unsafe to instill various herbal extracts and juices into the nose. So, the juice of aloe, a living tree, and especially onions can cause a burn of the mucous membrane, and the use of aloe juice, especially for the first time, can aggravate the symptoms of rhinitis and make it allergic.

The same goes for the use of various essential oils. As a last resort, you can breathe essential oils through the spout of the teapot, diluting them 10 times on an oil base. It is safe to breathe through the nose of a teapot of crushed garlic cloves placed in a teapot. This allows you to disinfect the mucous membrane without directly applying aggressive garlic porridge on it.

In the first days after a runny nose, it is recommended not to warm the nose. In the event that a cold progresses, there is a rise in temperature, signs of general infectious inflammation, then this can be harmful. Dry heat is indicated at the onset of symptom improvement, when increased blood flow allows the elimination of residual edema, and has a resorbing effect. If you warm up on the first or second day, when the swelling and inflammation only grows, then this can cause not only a deterioration in well-being and a feeling of pressure in the face and upper jaw, but also lead to sinusitis.

Therefore, the only relatively safe way is to rinse the nasal cavity with saline solutions. They do clear the nasal passages, but even the name needs to be used wisely. After all, there are universal contraindications for rinsing the nose. This is a rather pronounced degree of curvature of the nasal septum, the presence of frequent bleeding from the nose, polyps of the nasal cavity or other neoplasms, other ENT pathology, including otitis media and possible perforation of the tympanic membrane. Therefore, in order to determine contraindications for rinsing the nasal passages, it is necessary to visit an ENT doctor.

The main thing is to properly rinse the nose so that the liquid does not get into the auditory tube, and do not use these solutions too often. On the surface of the mucous membrane there are special antibodies, or immunoglobulins. They prevent the penetration of harmful microbes, and if the nasal mucosa is cleaned clean, this significantly reduces its protective properties.

Consider some nasal rinsing products. What can be washed? Of course, even with boiled water or sterile saline. In the first case, there will be no therapeutic effect, but you can soften the crusts. Saline is already better suited for hygienic purposes, but still, natural solutions of sea salt in the form of ready-made sprays are much more effective and convenient.

Aqua Maris

Rating: 4.9

Aqua Maris

The Yadran company 'produces', or rather bottled, special environmentally friendly seawater, without any additives. It is sterilized and packaged in spray cans. Water is taken from the depths of ecologically clean areas of the Adriatic Sea. Sea water has a beneficial effect on the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract, improves the liquefaction of mucus and its discharge, reduces inflammation, cleanses and restores the mucous membrane.

Aquamaris can also be used with a cold, especially in the case of an allergic rhinitis. The indication is dryness of the nasal mucosa, especially in combination with exposure to dry air. This is especially true in winter, provided there is central heating. Intranasally, it is necessary to inject adults into each nostril, two to three doses up to 8 times a day. The course of treatment is from 2 weeks to a month. A 30 ml bottle costs 240 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantage is physiology, environmental friendliness, the ability to use babies from an early age of one year. However, it is necessary to consult with an ENT doctor before the first use. Aquamaris can be used together with other drugs, but only before they are used: after all, after instilling medicinal drugs, sea water can wash them off and reduce their effectiveness. A relative disadvantage is the high cost of funds. If we imagine that the same amount of money will be paid for 30 milliliters of ordinary water as for half a kilogram of meat, then this will seem unacceptable to many.

Dolphin

Rating: 4.8

Dolphin

The drug Dolphin, produced by a domestic company of the same name, is sold in powders. The product contains natural table salt, that is, halite, potassium chloride, baking soda and two herbal extracts: licorice and rose hips. The indications for washing are quite wide: a banal viral rhinitis with a cold, various forms of sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, atrophic conditions, the presence of adenoids and preparation for surgery. The drug is used after preparing a fresh solution.

For rinsing the nose, a special soft irrigator with a volume of 240 ml is included. Warm boiled water is poured there and the contents of the package are poured. After dissolution, you need to attach the lid of the bottle to one nostril, first leaning forward, and slightly press the bottle. After this, the solution through the choanae, or posterior nasal openings, will overflow into the second half of the nose, and flow out from the other nostril.

With a runny nose, rinsing should be performed daily for 2 weeks, and if breathing is difficult, then anticongestants and adrenomimetics can be used first, and only then use the drug. It is produced by the domestic company Dolphin LLC, and 30 sachets together with a soft bottle-irrigator will cost about 350 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantage is the presence of a special soft nozzle that allows you to rinse the nose, and the disadvantage is the possibility of creating excess pressure, and, therefore, the flow of water where it should not (into the auditory tube). Therefore, you do not need to press too hard on the irrigator bottle. Dolphin's contraindications are standard, the cost is relatively low. Therefore, in general, this remedy can be successfully applied in the very first days after the appearance of any type of rhinitis.

In conclusion, it should be said that it is not worth buying expensive immunomodulators containing interferon in the first days with a common cold. These funds may be required for weakened persons, children, patients who first developed bronchitis or pneumonia, and then, as a complication, added bacterial rhinitis against the background of reduced immunity. And definitely never use homeopathy. There is no benefit from it, but the harm lies in the “relatively” honest taking of money from the population.


Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Rate article
An online magazine about style, fashion, etiquette, lifestyle, and about choosing the best products and services.
Add a comment