Medications for colds and flu, for the most part, are symptomatic. This means that they act on a specific symptom - for example, they reduce high fever or eliminate inflammation.
The most popular are the so-called combined remedies. You've probably heard about them, thanks to advertising. This:
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- Efferalgan
- Fairwex
- Coldrex
- Maxicold
- Teraflu
- Antiflu
- Rinza
- Koldakt flu plus and others
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These drugs are called combined because they contain several active substances. The composition of most of them includes antipyretic (paracetamol) and one or two additional components:
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- Analgesic - reduces headache, muscle and joint pain (Caffetin, Saridon, Brustan, Ibuklin)
- Vitamin C (Grippostad, Efferalgan with vitamin C, Antigrippin, Antiflu, Fervex). Clinical studies have proven that taking vitamin C allows you to recover faster by 1-2 days.
- Vasoconstrictor - eliminates nasal congestion, lacrimation (Antigrippin, Antiflu, Fervex, Teraflu, Coldrex, Coldox, Maxicold, Grippex)
- Antitussive - reduces dry cough caused by inflammation of the pharynx, larynx (Padevix, Coldrex Knight, Grippex)
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Usually these medications are contraindicated in pregnant and lactating women, children under 12 years of age, with severe liver or kidney diseases. A more detailed list of contraindications is in the instructions for each drug.
One of the active ingredients of most combined drugs is paracetamol. This is one of the safest antipyretics. It is allowed to be used by pregnant women and children from one month. In addition to its antipyretic properties, paracetamol has a slight anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect. If you have contraindications to taking combined medications for colds and flu, you can take regular paracetamol. Pharmacies have paracetamol with vitamin C (for example, Paracetamol-C) and caffeine (Panadol Extra). The addition of caffeine accelerates the absorption of paracetamol (that is, the drug begins to act faster).
The mechanism of action of antipyretics is to block the synthesis of substances that cause fever and pain in response to inflammation. Experts recommend taking such medications only at a body temperature of 38.5 and above. The temperature up to 38.5 refers to protective mechanisms and it is undesirable to knock it down.
To improve the condition, first try physical cooling methods:
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- undressing to underwear
- wiping the body with warm water (you can mix water in half with 9% vinegar or vodka - so the water will evaporate faster and accelerate the cooling of the skin)
- indoor ventilation
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Antipyretics, as a rule, are not recommended for people with stomach or intestinal ulcers. Without consulting a doctor, it is undesirable to take these drugs for more than 3 days in a row. If the temperature does not decrease against the background of a three-day intake of antipyretics, you definitely need to see a doctor.
In addition to paracetamol, antipyretic effects have:
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- Nurofen
- Ibuprofen
- as well as all combined cold medications
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Vasoconstrictors are recommended to relieve such symptoms of colds and flu as nasal congestion. These medications cause vasoconstriction of the nasal mucosa. They eliminate the feeling of stuffiness and reduce nasal discharge. Before using vasoconstrictor drugs, it is necessary to clear the nasal passages of accumulated mucus. Various washing agents based on sea water (Aqualor, Aquamaris, Physiomer, etc.) are suitable for this. In infants, the nose is washed with drops (for example, drops in the nose of Aqua Maris for children) or mother's milk. And then the mucus is removed with the help of the smallest pear (with a rubber tip) or with the help of a special nozzle pump (for example, Otrivin Baby. The world of childhood, Nubi, etc.). After cleansing the nasal passages, you can instill vasoconstrictive drops in the child.
Vasoconstrictor drugs can be used no longer than 5 days! Prolonged use can lead to atrophy of the nasal mucosa.
As an example of vasoconstrictive drugs can be called:
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- Nazivin
- Oxymetazoline
- Xylometazoline
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All of them have contraindications to use:
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- pregnancy
- glaucoma
- arterial hypertension
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With contraindications to the use of vasoconstrictors, you can simply wash the nasal passages with preparations based on sea water, use anti-inflammatory drugs (for example, Pinosol, Sodium Sulfacil).
For sore throats, medications with anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects are used. They are usually used for mild forms of inflammation in the throat. Medicines for sore throat are available in the form of aerosols, tablets, lozenges, lollipops, rinsing solutions. Thus, you can choose the most convenient form of reception for yourself.
Examples of similar tools:
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- Pharyngosept
- Strepsils
- OKI
- Hexaspray
- Tantum Verde
- Romazulan
- Lizobakt, etc
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Folk remedies can also provide some help in the treatment of an inflamed throat.
Means that affect the immune system will help speed up recovery from colds and flu:
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- Kagocel
- Arbidol
- Anaferon
- Echinacea preparations
- Reaferon-Lipint
- Viferon
- Grippferon, etc.
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These medications somehow enhance the work of the body's immune system. But they should be taken at the very beginning of the disease and on the recommendation of a doctor. After a day, they may already be ineffective.
In the complex treatment of influenza and colds, homeopathic medicines can also be used:
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- An influcid
- Ocillococcinum
- Agri
- Engistol
- Flu-Heel et al.
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