14 best cold remedies

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.

When a person, coming to a pharmacy, asks for something “for a cold”, such a question will not be taken by surprise to an experienced pharmacist. In any pharmacy, there will always be interferon inducers, antipyretic drugs, sputum thinning agents and other medicines that are needed for a person with a respiratory viral infection and a cold. But even in such a situation, a pharmacy employee will definitely ask what symptoms are observed and will advise you to choose a drug based on the patient's complaints, although, according to the law, pharmacies should not advise, a doctor should do this. And that's why.

Usually, the most common cold, resulting from hypothermia or lack of immunity, is caused by viruses tropic to the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract. For example, these are adenoviruses and similar reoviruses and rhinoviruses, respiratory syncytial virus. But in some cases, it can be SARS, and the onset of influenza in an unfavorable epidemiological situation.

If the patient, even with a common cold, fell ill for several days, then the bacterial flora joins the viruses, and then, in typical cases, the temperature rises again, a wet cough appears, and mucopurulent or even purulent sputum begins to recede. In this case, it is already necessary to prescribe antibiotics, call a doctor, and treat the bacterial complication of the common cold. In order not to bring the situation to complications, it is recommended to treat ARVI from the first day. What cold medications can help with this, and what remedies are currently being produced to fight viruses, with high fevers, and can be used in adults and children? This rating contains the most popular and effective tools for these purposes. And the first of them will be considered etiotropic agents, or drugs aimed at combating infectious agents.

Rating of the best remedies for colds and grippa

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
The best antivirals for colds	1	Tamiflu (Influcein, Tamides)	RUB 1,073
	2	Grippferon	285 r
	3	Ingavirin	RUB 380
	4	Arbidol	166 r
	5	Zovirax – cream	173 r
The best antipyretic drugs for colds	1	Ibuklin	94 r
	2	Efferalgan – effervescent tablets	155 RUB
	3	Tsefekon-N	RUB 49
Best Remedies for Cold Symptoms for Adults	1	Theraflu for flu and colds	179 r
	2	Otrivin complex	216
	3	Flutidec (carbocisteine)	372 r
Best Cold Symptom Relief Remedies for Kids	1	Nurofen suspension for children	89 RUB
	2	Viferon	149 r
	3	Aqua Maris baby	306 RUB
About mucolytics for children

The best antivirals for colds

Currently, there are several groups of antiviral drugs. First of all, these are vaccines, but they are not suitable for the treatment of acute diseases, but only for their prevention and prevention.

Also, drugs are used that prevent the development of a viral infection, blocking specific enzymes of the pathogen, preventing it from entering cells, or multiplying, or replicating viral particles. There are drugs on sale that stimulate the immune system and promote the production of interferons by the patient's body, which have antiviral activity, reduce the symptoms of colds and SARS. It is the last two groups of funds that are represented in the rating. And since influenza is one of the most dangerous and serious diseases, which begins very similarly to ARVI, the first remedy presented in the ranking will be the highly effective antiviral drug Tamiflu.

Tamiflu (Influcein, Tamides)

Rating: 4.9

Tamiflu is a monopreparation, that is, a remedy with a single, but very effective component. This is oseltamivir. Its mechanism of action is based on blocking one of the aggression enzymes of the influenza virus, called neuraminidase. The task of this enzyme is to facilitate the release of newly created viral particles in the human body from diseased cells. Therefore, Tamiflu can be considered a means of pathogenetic treatment, but not any ARVI or colds, but only 'suspicious' for the flu. Indications for use, as an exception, will be the treatment of an acute respiratory viral infection occurring during the epidemic influenza season, which is more severe than the common cold.

This is a situation when the patient immediately and vividly manifests itself on the first or second day not only fever and catarrhal manifestations in the nasopharynx, but at the same time there is a pronounced weakness and loss of strength, there is a headache, and diffuse myalgias, or muscle pains.

The second indication of this drug is the specific prevention of influenza. If an outbreak of influenza occurs at school, in the team, then everyone else needs to use this drug in order to avoid the disease.

Tamiflu is used regardless of food intake. The course of treatment for adults, as well as for children after 12 years old, is one tablet 2 times a day, the course of treatment is 5 days. It is imperative to start treatment no later than the second day after the onset of typical symptoms. It is not necessary to increase the dose, even with a severe course of the disease, since this will not lead to an increase in the expected effect.

For prophylaxis, this remedy is taken one tablet once a day for a week. The conditions for admission are exactly the same: after a possible dangerous contact, no more than 2 days should pass, otherwise the effectiveness of the drug will sharply decrease. This wonderful and very effective drug is manufactured by the Hoffmann la Roche company from Switzerland, and its cost will be the highest in our rating. The average price of one package of 10 capsules, just calculated for a course of administration within 5 days, is 1.170 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantage of Tamiflu is considered to be high efficiency, recognized by the international clinical community, which can significantly reduce the duration and severity of the manifestation of infection, and also sharply increases the patient's chances of not getting sick with the flu. But, such effectiveness is rarely accompanied by side effects. Most often this is nausea and single vomiting. They appear on the first day, and then disappear without any additional changes in taking or discontinuing the drug.

Unfortunately, in most cases, people in the first two days after the onset of symptoms are not inclined to immediately spend more than 1000 rubles on a highly effective drug, and this can only be done by someone who is initially sure that he or she has the flu, or immediately, on the first day, called a doctor for house. Therefore, if there is no epidemic situation in the area, and it is not 'season', then this drug should not be taken. To accept it, there must be an informed decision.

Grippferon

Rating: 4.8

Grippferon is an immune drug that contains a highly effective protective interferon, alfa-2b. Interferon is considered a highly effective antiviral therapy; it is produced in the human body. If endogenous interferon is not enough, then it is injected from the outside, being a means of passive immune treatment for acute respiratory viral infections and colds.

Grippferon is indicated for various acute respiratory viral infections, for influenza, as well as for prevention. For example, in the epidemic season and the height of the flu and ARVI disease, the prophylactic use of Grippferon as a means of prophylaxis in public places in combination with a disposable mask can reliably protect anyone from ARVI and influenza and other 'colds' diseases. It is produced in the form of a nasal spray and drops, Grippferon is used in three dosages in each nasal passage no more than 6 times a day for adults. For prophylactic purposes, this drug is prescribed one dose in each nasal passage 2 times a day.

The domestic company Firn produces Grippferon in the form of a nasal spray, and the average cost of one package of 10 ml is 340 rubles. In addition, Grippferon is also available in the form of nasal drops, and the cost of one bottle of the same volume is 260 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of using Grippferon include great convenience, low price and no overdose. Also, this remedy can be used for colds and SARS, starting from birth, with dose adjustment. The disadvantages of this drug include the recommendation not to combine it with vasoconstrictor drops, as this can cause drying of the nasal mucosa. Also, there are no large and international studies that would unequivocally speak about its effectiveness, all studies were conducted in Russia and on a small number of subjects.

Ingavirin

Rating: 4.7

Ingavirin is considered a monopreparation; it contains imidazolylethanamide of pentanedioic acid. A substance with such a complex name helps to increase the production of interferon receptors, which increases the sensitivity of cells to signals that stimulate the immune response. As a result, interferon has a more complete effect, viruses are removed from the body more quickly, the symptoms of acute respiratory viral infections and colds and the duration of the disease decrease. While taking Ingavirin, the risk of complications decreases. Viruses such as influenza and parainfluenza pathogens, enteroviruses, rhinoviruses, Coxsackie viruses and their other representatives are sensitive to Ingavirin.

This drug is indicated, both for the treatment and for the prevention of respiratory infections caused by viruses in adults and in children from the age of 13. Ingavirin should be used for treatment once, 90 mg per day, for a week. For prophylaxis, the dosage is exactly the same, it does not change. It is produced by the domestic company Valenta, and the cost of a package of 7 capsules, designed for a weekly course intake, is on average 500 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of Ingavirin include a convenient reception, since most drugs with antiviral activity must be used several times a day, convenient packaging, designed for a course of both treatment and prevention, a mild physiological effect. It does not introduce any chemical substance into the body, but simply increases the activity of hereditary mechanisms, activates genes and increases the production of certain cellular structures – receptors. Also Ingavirin is not metabolized in the body, and does not affect chronic diseases. However, there are some contraindications to it – it is not used for ARVI in pregnant women, in nursing mothers, as well as in children under the age of 13.

Arbidol

Rating: 4.7

The antiviral drug Arbidol, from the point of view of pharmaceutical chemistry, is called umifenovir, and it is indicated for influenza, acute respiratory viral infections, as well as for symptoms of rotavirus diarrhea, and for creating immunity against influenza. The tool produces, in addition to the antiviral, also an immunostimulating effect. Arbidol is available in capsules, tablets and powder for suspension preparation. It is necessary to use Arbidol for the prevention of ARVI and colds – one capsule twice a week for a month, and for treatment – one capsule every 6 hours for 5 days. Arbidol is produced by the domestic company Pharmstandard, and the cost of 10 capsules of 50 mg each, or 10 single doses, averages 160 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of Arbidol are most pronounced in the prevention of ARVI. It needs to be taken then only twice a week, for example, on Tuesday and Thursday. For treatment, it is used, of course, much more often, but even then one package of the drug will be enough for two and a half days of treatment. And two packs will be enough for the entire course, and at the same time its cost will not exceed 320 rubles. Sufficient efficiency and affordable price makes it possible for this drug to participate in the ranking of antiviral drugs for ARVI.

Zovirax – cream

Rating: 4.6

Finally, in conclusion, we will consider a drug that, at first glance, has nothing to do with the causative agents of ARVI. This is acyclovir, aka Zovirax. Yes, this remedy works exclusively on herpes viruses. But very often it happens that a respiratory viral infection, which has arisen against the background of reduced immunity, leads to the activation of herpes infection, which immediately 'pours out' on the patient's lips. If you do not take action, then such rashes against the background of reduced immunity can appear in the area of ​​the external auditory canal, and cause an extremely unpleasant neurological complication – Bell's palsy, or paresis of the facial nerve. Therefore, it is necessary to fight with herpes during a cold immediately after its slightest occurrence.

For this, there is acyclovir cream, or Zovirax. After the first appearance of burning sensation, discomfort and the appearance of blistering rashes, it is necessary to apply this cream immediately, every 4 hours, or 5 times a day to the affected area, as well as to the surrounding intact skin. The course of treatment is at least 4 days. Zovirax cream is inexpensive, one small 5-gram tube on average costs about 180 rubles. It is produced by the English pharmaceutical company Glaxosmithkline.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of using Zovirax in local forms include their fast action, blocking the spread of herpes infection to other areas of the skin, 'spreading' of the rash in the projection of nerve fibers, and good tolerance. The disadvantages include the impossibility of prevention when using local forms of drugs, such as ointment and cream. But, nevertheless, anti-herpes drugs should always be in the same first-aid kit with drugs for the treatment of a respiratory viral infection. Indeed, as practice shows, in 10-15% of cases, herpes is activated with ARVI, and you need to be ready for this.

The best antipyretic drugs for colds

There are some restrictions on the use of antipyretics, or rather, wishes. Everyone knows that it is necessary to bring down the temperature only when it reaches at least 38.5 degrees. In some recommendations, you can read that only a temperature of about 39 degrees and above should need treatment with antipyretic drugs, and this is correct. If a person is in principle healthy, and he has no chronic lesions of the heart, blood vessels, no arterial hypertension, he does not suffer from epilepsy, then these recommendations can and should be followed. If the patient has diseases, increased seizure activity, or high temperature intolerance, then he needs to start taking antipyretic drugs, starting with a temperature of 38 degrees, and even lower. But, even against the background of an increase in fever, it is necessary to drink as much warm and vitamin liquid as possible, and in some cases, use physical methods, for example, rubbing. Currently, there are many effective antipyretic drugs based on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The most effective and popular ones are listed below.

Ibuklin

Rating: 4.9

The drug Ibuklin, manufactured by the Indian pharmaceutical company Dr. Reddis, is considered a highly effective combination of ibuprofen and paracetamol. Each of them by itself is already capable of having an antipyretic effect, and in combination they work even better. Antipyretic effect of blood, this drug also helps to relieve pain, for example, with diffuse muscle pain during the flu, with headache, which often accompanies SARS. It is necessary to use Ibuklin 2 hours after meals, one tablet three times a day, but no more than 3 tablets. Without a doctor's prescription, you can be treated for no more than 3 days, and then – only after consulting a doctor. The cost of the drug Ibuklin, containing 10 tablets in one package, designed for 3 days of use, is, on average, 130 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of this tool include high activity, ease of use and inexpensive price. But each of the components has side effects and contraindications. Most often, they appear in patients with stomach ulcers and erosive gastritis, in the form of nausea, heartburn and vomiting. There may be headaches, skin rashes, sweating, and other side effects. Therefore, it is still advisable to consult a doctor before starting the appointment, and if this is not possible, then you should not use Ibuklin on your own for longer than 3 days.

Efferalgan – effervescent tablets

Rating: 4.8

Efferalgan contains paracetamol, and is perhaps the leader in antipyretic drug ratings for its safety. No wonder so many different commercial forms of paracetamol are available for use in children. Efferalgan contains 500 mg of paracetamol, and it is available in capsules, as well as effervescent tablets for adults. In addition to lowering the temperature, Efferalgan also has an analgesic effect, therefore, along the way, it treats diffuse muscle pain with influenza well, reduces sore throat, and reduces the severity of headache. All of these symptoms are also common with respiratory viral infections.

It is necessary to use Efferalgan by dissolving one effervescent tablet in a glass of warm water, and the daily dose should not exceed 6 tablets in an adult, and the maximum single dose should not be more than two tablets. But usually, in uncomplicated cases, a daily dose of 3 g acts very well on the patient. It is not recommended to use this drug for more than 3 days without a doctor's prescription as an antipyretic agent. Efferalgan is manufactured by the pharmaceutical company Upsa, a derivative of Bristol-Myers Squibb, France. The average cost of one package of 16 effervescent tablets, designed for more than five days of administration, does not exceed 150 rubles in a retail pharmacy network in September 2018 prices.

Advantages and disadvantages

The big advantage of Efferalgan is considered to be its good tolerance, mild action, wide therapeutic range, as well as the ability to use it in children, for whom it is available in the form of rectal suppositories, oral solution and powder. Also, the low cost is a fairly effective argument in favor of choosing this drug. However, symptoms of overdose are possible, especially if the patient has liver pathology. This is manifested primarily by nausea and discomfort in the right hypochondrium. Also, the drug can cause side effects in the form of allergic reactions and dizziness. But these symptoms depend on the dose, and if the patient does not exceed the recommended dosage of 3 g per day, then these conditions occur very rarely.

Tsefekon-N

Rating: 4.7

Cefekon-N is a special antipyretic agent, since it is produced in rectal suppositories, but it is used not in children, but in adults. The composition of Tsefekon-N includes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug naproxen, which is relatively rarely used in clinical practice. In addition, caffeine and salicylamide are present in candles. In the aggregate of their effects, these suppositories relieve pain, reduce fever, and have an anti-inflammatory effect. The presence of caffeine invigorates, reduces drowsiness, has an antispasmodic effect on the smooth muscles of internal organs, and reduces the symptoms of a primary allergic reaction in ARVI. This drug is shown as a common antipyretic agent for common colds. It is necessary to apply Tsefekon-N after the morning bowel movement, introducing one suppository deeply into the rectum from one to three times a day, and after this manipulation, you must lie down quietly for half an hour. You can use this remedy yourself, but no longer than 3 days. The domestic pharmaceutical concern Nizhpharm produces Tsefekon-N in candles, and the average cost of one package of 10 candles is about 120 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

Cefekon-N is the drug that is indicated, albeit with caution, for patients with erosive and ulcerative gastritis and stomach ulcers, since it is used rectally and does not irritate the gastric mucosa. In addition, due to the caffeine contained in it, the remedy reduces daytime sleepiness and feeling of fatigue, which often occurs in the early days of both flu and SARS. Also, this tool is widespread, and has a low price. But it must be remembered that the drug is contraindicated in patients with high blood pressure, renal failure, insomnia and angle-closure glaucoma. That is why it is advisable to consult a specialist before starting treatment.

Symptomatic therapy

Moving on to the means of symptomatic treatment, we can say that the above-described antipyretic drugs also belong to this group of drugs, but they were singled out separately due to their special popularity. Symptoms of ARVI, and, above all, dangerous flu, consist of high fever, a feeling of weakness and headache, nasal congestion, or, on the contrary, dryness. Sometimes with viral infections, rhinorrhea occurs, or the well-known 'snot'. The patient is worried about dry cough, and general weakness.

Therefore, to combat these unpleasant symptoms for colds, such groups of drugs are isolated as antipyretic and analgesics to combat fever and symptoms of intoxication, sprays and solutions to moisturize the nasal mucosa and anticongestants to eliminate rhinorrhea, agents for thinning phlegm, as well as drugs for effective its removal. Medicines in these categories will be discussed in this section. Most of them can be used in both adults and children. But still, the rating of remedies for the treatment of symptoms of the common cold in children includes those drugs that are indicated for admission in childhood, and the dosage of which is selected in a special way to be used in pediatric practice.

Best Remedies for Cold Symptoms for Adults

The entire arsenal of modern drugs is used to treat symptoms of the common cold in adults, but this rating includes those drugs that do not have antipyretic effects, since these drugs were discussed above. But the list will still contain a drug that reduces, among other things, the symptoms of fever. And let's start with an overview with just such a tool. This is a well-known effective anti-cold drug Teraflu.

Theraflu for flu and colds

Rating: 4.9

Theraflu for Flu and Cold contains 4 effective ingredients. This is paracetamol from the NSAID group, which has antipyretic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory effects, an alpha-adrenergic agonist phenylephrine, a histamine receptor blocker pheniramine, and vitamin C, or ascorbic acid. This unique combination of components allows, in addition to the antipyretic and analgesic effect of Theraflu, to provide antiallergic and anti-edema effect. As a result, the remedy will be shown not only for respiratory viral infection, with symptoms of fever, intoxication, and aches throughout the body. Teraflu successfully fights nasal congestion, sneezing and runny nose. Therefore, in the event that there is a full range of such symptoms, then you can save on medicines, since Theraflu for flu and colds is a whole 'small pharmacy'.

Theraflu is used by dissolving 1 packet in a glass of hot boiled water, and you also need to take it hot. During the day, you can accept no more than three packages. The most comfortable reception of the drug will be if it is taken at night, since the antihistamine that is part of Theraflu has a sedative effect. The French company Pharmat produces Theraflu for influenza and colds, and the average cost of one package of 10 bags, designed for 3 days of use, is about 290 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

A big benefit from purchasing this drug will be the fact that for less than 300 rubles you buy a whole range of drugs. It is an antipyretic pain reliever, a substitute for nasal drops, and a medicine for treating allergies (itchy nose and sneezing). However, the disadvantages of this good cold medicine can include side effects such as drowsiness, allergic rashes, dry mouth, abdominal discomfort, reflex urinary retention, and other unpleasant symptoms associated with the side effect of histamine receptor blockers. But on the other hand, if you do not exceed the recommended dosages, and apply just one sachet at night, this can significantly ease the course of colds and SARS.

Otrivin complex

Rating: 4.8

Otrivin complex is a modern and highly effective combined anti-congestant. This is, in simple terms, nasal drops in the form of a nasal spray. The drug contains ipratropium bromide and xylometazoline. As a result, the agent has not only a vasoconstrictor effect, but also an anticholinergic effect. The action of xylometazoline causes narrowing of the capillaries of the nasal mucosa, which reduces edema and hyperemia, and facilitates nasal breathing. And ipratropium bromide reduces the sebaceous secretion of the sebaceous glands, and as a result, rhinorrhea stops. The remedy works after 5 minutes, the effect of a single use lasts at least 6 hours.

Otrivin complex is shown, as a rule, on the 2nd and 3rd day of the disease, when catarrhal phenomena join the symptoms of malaise and colds. Sometimes it happens the other way around: at the beginning, a person begins to experience nasal congestion and only then a general malaise occurs, so there is no single recipe for use. For adults, the product is injected into each nostril 3 times a day. Otrivin complex should not be reapplied more often than 6 hours later, and the specified number of intranasal instillations should not be exceeded more than 3 times a day. The duration of the course of treatment is no more than 7 days without a doctor's recommendation. Otrivin complex is produced by the Swiss company Novartis, and one package of 10 ml spray will cost 225 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantage of this highly effective drug will be the speed of action and duration, therefore, despite the relatively high price for intranasal drops, they are consumed very economically. However, in order to avoid the development of adverse reactions, the recommended dosage should not be exceeded, otherwise unpleasant symptoms such as tachycardia, dry nasal mucosa or a burning sensation up to nosebleeds, dry mouth, and difficulty urinating may appear. This is all a consequence of the side effects of both an adrenergic agonist and an anticholinergic in a high dosage. Therefore, in the event that the patient initially has chronic diseases of the heart and blood vessels, other diseases, for example, chronic renal failure, then a doctor's consultation is necessary first.

Flutidec (carbocisteine)

Rating: 4.7

In the typical course of ARVI, a cough begins in patients after a few days, and then it is necessary to take measures in order to evacuate the accumulated sputum from the lungs, as well as increase its formation in order to avoid stagnation and infection of the mucous membrane, not by viruses, but by microbes. Therefore, mucolytics and expectorant drugs are used to prevent bacterial bronchitis. And such drugs include a highly effective drug – carbocisteine ​​under the commercial name Fluditek. It comes in syrup form and is produced by the French company Innotek.

Its task is to activate a special enzyme of the bronchi called sialic transferase. As a result, the fluidity of the bronchial secretion improves, and its discharge to the outside is facilitated. Along the way, this drug increases the secretion of class A immunoglobulins, which help in the fight against microbial infection.

Fluditek is indicated for bronchitis, tracheobronchitis, as well as for the treatment of various diseases of the sinuses of the skull, such as sinusitis, and for pathology of the middle ear. Adults need to take the drug 15 ml of syrup 3 times a day, the best will be taken one hour before meals, or 2 hours after meals. Without consulting a doctor, you can take the drug yourself for no more than 10 days. The cost of 125 ml of syrup containing 5% carbocisteine ​​is, on average, 380 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

The most important advantage of this drug is its combined effect not only on the bronchial secretion, which manifests itself in an increase in its fluidity, but also in strengthening the local protection of the surface of the bronchial mucosa by increasing the concentration of secretory immunoglobulin A. Therefore, it is carbocisteine ​​(Flutidec) that is best able to prevent the transition bronchitis and cough in ARVI to microbial colonization of disturbed structures of the bronchial tree, preventing the development of secondary bronchitis.

Best Cold Symptom Relief Remedies for Kids

As you know, there are no special medicines for children that adults would not use, since both the child's body and the adult's body are based on the same physiological and biochemical principles. It's just that children's drugs have no contraindications for admission in childhood, and their dosages are specially selected so that the medicinal product is absorbed by the child's body, without exceeding the dose. Finally, a special feature of the children's product can be considered a convenient dosage form: either in suppositories, or in the form of a suspension, or in the form of a delicious fruit syrup. The most popular and beloved by all parents remedy for colds will be Nurofen for children. The review begins with it.

Nurofen suspension for children

Rating: 4.9

Children's Nurofen contains a mildly acting and relatively safe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug ibuprofen, and it is indicated in babies with pain syndrome, with fever with chills, with catarrhal symptoms in the throat, with muscle pain and with acute respiratory tract infections, not to mention influenza and SARS . The suspension is available with an orange scent, or with a strawberry scent, and it must be used depending on the age of the baby. The earliest period in a child's life when you can do this is three months of age. But, whatever the age and body weight of the child, more than 30 mg of the drug per kilogram of weight should not be given per day. So, children aged 1 year, who weigh about 9 kg, should not be given more than 10 ml of suspension per day, and a single dose should be 2.5 ml, three or four times a day. Detailed instructions are attached to the drug. The well-known pharmaceutical company Reckitt Benzikker, UK, produces Nurofen for children, and the average cost of one bottle of suspension with a volume of 150 ml will be 180 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantage of Nurofen is high safety, and a mild antipyretic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect, but only if the parents do not exceed the recommended dosages. In addition, there are clear contraindications, one of which is a child's combination of bronchial asthma with aspirin intolerance, renal failure, or congenital blood clotting disorders. Therefore, it is advisable to get the recommendations of the attending pediatrician before the first use of the product. Also, the drug should not be given to a child whose body weight is less than 5 kg.

Viferon

Rating: 4.8

Viferon in candles is a popular remedy for enhancing immunity in a child. The main active ingredient of Viferon is recombinant interferon Alpha-2b in combination with vitamins: alpha-tocopherol and ascorbic acid. Viferon is used for the complex therapy of various infectious diseases, starting from the first days of a baby's life, and for both treatment and prevention. Viferon is used not only for ARVI, but also for other infections, including those of childhood: measles, whooping cough, mumps and others.

It is necessary to use Viferon rectal suppositories one candle twice a day, that is, after 12 hours. The course of treatment is at least 5 days, and the suppositories have different dosages, from 150 thousand units to 3 million. Therefore, the primary recommendation for the use of this drug in a child should be given by a doctor, at the choice of an individual dosage. The domestic company Feron produces Viferon in candles. The cost of one pack of candles (10 pcs) in a minimum dosage of 150,000 units is, on average, 250 rubles. It is necessary to store Viferon candles in the refrigerator.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantage of these combined immune suppositories is the ability to use them in children with a variety of diseases, starting from the prematurity period. They help not only with ARVI, but also with the manifestations of herpes infection, with childhood viral diseases such as chickenpox and measles, they can be used for prevention. The disadvantage of this drug may be the insufficient number of randomized trials, and the lack of experience in using this drug abroad.

Aqua Maris baby

Rating: 4.7

In children, as in adults, one of the first symptoms of respiratory viral infections and colds is nasal congestion and swelling, rhinorrhea. But in children, the water content in the body is higher, the mucous membrane becomes looser than in adults, and the symptoms of congestion are more pronounced.

The most popular and safest of all means that are indicated for irrigation of the nasal mucosa in case of colds in children is pure sea water. It contains all the necessary salts, iodine for disinfection, and the most typical representative of such natural medicines is Aqua Maris baby. It is intended for washing and irrigating the nasal cavity of children. Aqua Maris Baby is used for all acute respiratory viral infections, for bacterial infections, tonsillitis, sinusitis, for allergic lesions, just for dry mucous membranes, for dusty air, and for a wide range of other indications.

It is necessary to use Aqua Maris baby for washing each stroke, on average, 5 times a day for the treatment of colds, and for prevention – 3 times a day. In the event that the child has not yet reached the age of two, then the instructions include a special explanation of how to properly rinse the child's nose.

Seawater is produced in a special metal container, which is under pressure, and the volume of the cylinder is 50 ml. It is produced by the French company Yadran, and the average cost of this spray is 290 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

This spray would be good for everyone if not for its very high price. According to the producers, “the water is taken from the ecologically clean region of the Adriatic Sea, from a depth of more than 10 m.” But in any case, the cost of 50 ml of even the purest sea water should not exceed 5 times the cost of a liter of milk, even taking into account the laws of retail sale. This fact is a significant psychological barrier for many categories of parents. And at the same time, they will not regret any money on medicines for the baby's health, but they are not going to spend on water. But in the event that this barrier is avoided, then this remedy will be an excellent substitute for anticongestants containing adrenomimetics and other substances that have side effects.

About mucolytics for children

In the ranking of cold medications for adults, a mucolytic – carbocisteine ​​was named. According to modern international research, it has been proven that mucolytics should not be used in babies. These include acylcysteine, Ambroxol, Bromhexine and many others. It turned out that many children developed severe complications after regular use, and since April 2010 mucolytics for children have been banned in some countries, in particular in France. According to modern and indisputable data, such simple measures as plentifully warm vitamin drinks, rinsing the nasal passages, and regular humidification of the air in the room allows you to get rid of phlegm with the same efficiency, but without any risk.

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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.