Influenza is called acute respiratory diseaseways of infectious nature. Periodically, it spreads in the form of pandemics and epidemics. Currently, about 2000 versions of the influenza virus have been identified.
Many people mistakenly believe that, like a simple cold, it is very easy to cure such a disease. However, experts say that it is not very easy to do this.
If untimely treatment of influenza, it can lead to complications or even fatal.
Today we will tell you about this antivirala preparation like Tamiflu. The doctors' comments on the effectiveness of this popular tool will be presented below. Also, you will learn how to take it, whether it has analogues, etc.
Form, composition
What form is inherent in the drug Tamiflu? The opinions of doctors speak of the following types of this drug:
- Capsules. They contain oseltamivir, as well as starch, sodium stearyl fumarate, croscarmellose sodium, talc, titanium dioxide, gelatin, dyes, povidone K30.
- Powder for the preparation of suspension. It contains oseltamivir phosphate, as well as titanium dioxide, monosodium citrate, xanthan gum, sorbitol, sodium saccharin, permacil "Tutti-Frutti".
Action medication
What are the properties of Tamiflu?Experts say that this is a pro-drug. Its active ingredient is a selective inhibitor of neuraminidase influenza B and A. It activates the release of viruses, and is also responsible for the propagation and propagation of harmful agents throughout the body.
This drug significantly facilitates the course of the disease, shortens its course, reduces the likelihood of bronchitis, sinusitis, otitis or pneumonia.
What else is remarkable about Tamiflu? Reviews of the drug say that in children under 12 years against the background of his admission is a decrease in the duration of the disease for 2 days.
Kinetics of the drug
Oseltamivir phosphate is absorbed from the digestive tract, where it is converted to an active metabolite. You can detect it in the blood after 30 minutes. Peak of its concentration, it reaches three hours later.
The pharmacokinetic parameters of this medication do not depend on the intake of food.
The active substance of this medication is found in bronchial mucosa and nose, lungs, middle ear and trachea. It is excreted through the kidneys and along with the feces.
Indications
In what cases can the medicine "Tamiflu" be prescribed? The doctors' comments say that it is used for the treatment and prevention of influenza.
The drug is most effective when taken within two days after infection.
It should also be noted that this medicine can be used as a preventive agent, including after contact with an infected person, in pandemics and epidemics.
According to experts, taking this medication does not replace vaccination against influenza.
Contraindications
When is it forbidden to take Tamiflu? Reviews (this prescription is prescribed for children from one year) states that this medication is contraindicated when:
- allergies to its ingredients;
- chronic renal failure.
In addition, special care should be taken by pregnant women and nursing mothers.
How do they take Tamiflu?
The doctors say that without taking advice from a doctor, taking this medicine is prohibited. It can be used during meals or at any other convenient time.
The standard dosage of this drug is 75 mg per day. It can be divided into 2 parts.
It is better to start treatment with this drug in the first days of the disease, that is, immediately after the first signs are manifested.
When contact with a patient, "Tamiflu" is recommended to take within two days.
The duration of treatment with this drug is 10 days.
The drug in the form of a suspension is intended for children. Before taking this medication, the contents of the vial should be shaken vigorously.
Adverse Events
Most often, when taking this remedy, nausea, headache and vomiting appear (especially in the first days of treatment). Also in adult patients were observed:
- dizziness;
- pneumonia, otitis media, sinusitis;
- insomnia, cough, convulsions, runny nose, hallucinations;
- nausea, bronchitis, epigastric pain, weakness, diarrhea, conjunctivitis, indigestion;
- respiratory tract infections;
- rashes on the skin, nosebleeds, eczema, asthma, dermatitis, hearing impairment, hives and the like.
Analogues and cost
The cost of ten capsules of the drug under consideration with a dosage of 75 mg is about 1200 rubles. In the form of a powder, this remedy in a 30 g bottle can be purchased for 1,300 rubles.
There are no structural analogues to this drug at the moment. Close, but slightly inferior in effectiveness, are the following drugs: Arbidol, Flustol, Relenca, Oseltamivir.
Tamiflu: reviews
Analogs of this medication were presented above. It should be noted that they are much inferior to the means under consideration.
According to experts, this is the No. 1 drug against the flu. Taking it in the first days of the disease, the patient quickly restores and tolerates the disease literally "on his feet."
As for the patients, they completely agree with this opinion. This medication is equally effective both in the treatment of adults and in the therapy of small patients.
Of the side effects, this medicine most often causes nausea and loose stools. As a rule, such reactions are manifested mainly in children.
