Newspaper "News of Medicine and Pharmacy" 18 (472) 2013

Definition of disease

There are a lot of symptoms of a cold, because this term refers to a number of diseases of the ENT organs and respiratory system and simply a febrile state as a result of hypothermia. Primary signs include:

• Runny nose and nasal congestion;
• Increased temperature (depending on severity 37-40°C);
• Headache and aches in muscles and joints;
• Sore and sore throat;
• Dry (non-productive) cough.

If the infection is viral, then in addition to high fever and severe headache against a background of general malaise, no secondary symptoms are observed at the initial stage. Later, when the body weakens and the pathogenic microflora joins the viruses, a runny nose, cough, sore throat or ear may appear.

Before starting treatment, it is necessary to accurately determine the cause of the illness, given that bacterial and viral infections are treated differently.

Analgin, aspirin, suprastin for flu

Viral intoxication causes severe headaches and pain when swallowing. The disease can also cause excruciating pain in the ears and mouth. To get rid of this symptom, it is necessary to take analgesics. Drugs of this type have not only analgesic, but also anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator properties.

Sore throat can be quite severe

In many cases, at the first symptoms of a cold or respiratory disease, people swallow aspirin, often in the form of a soluble, effervescent tablet. Acetyl salicylates actually have bactericidal, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Important: aspirin is strictly prohibited for use by children under 14-15 years of age. Scientists have discovered that acetylsalicylates cause Reye's syndrome in children, a very life-threatening disease accompanied by vomiting, loss of consciousness, and coma.

• Suprastin for influenza is the most important drug that relieves swelling and spasms. Antihistamines for ARVI have a mild sedative property, which allows the patient to calm down, get relaxation and respite from severe symptoms. Thanks to the product, nasal congestion, swelling of the respiratory canals, and itching are relieved.
• Taking bronchodilators . For a dry, unproductive cough, it is necessary to take a drug that activates the secretion of surfactant and dilutes sputum: Bronholitin, Gerbion, Mucaltin.
• Other antihistamines for ARVI . In addition to Suprastin, there are a number of antihistamines that are prescribed almost from the first days of life, these include: Diazolin, Tavegil, Loratadine. There are combined names that have not only decongestant and sedative properties, but also bronchodilator and exudative properties: Gripex, Combinex, Koldakt Broncho, Vokasept.

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Causes

The nature of a cold largely depends on the pathogen that affects the body. Pathogenic microflora is diverse:

• Influenza viruses, parainfluenza, adenoviruses, rhinoviruses;
• Mycoplasma, chlamydia;
• Bacterial agents.

If the virus attacks the body from the outside, then the bacterial focus of infection is often inside the person: carious teeth, chronic tonsillitis, chronic rhinitis, types of sinusitis, otitis. Sometimes, when the disease is chronic, the patient is not even aware of its presence in the body. And only when constant colds begin does the question arise about their causes.

Predisposing factors to the onset of the disease may be:

• Contact with an infected patient, visiting crowded places during epidemics (during a viral infection);
• Hypothermia of the body, local or general;
• Exacerbation of chronic diseases;
• Decreased immunity level (unbalanced diet, physical inactivity, constant stress);
• Disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. Half of the immune cells are in the intestines, and frequent overloads during its work (overeating, alcohol, heavy food) reduce the body's resistance to disease.

To avoid being the target of successful attacks by viruses and bacteria at any time of the year, constantly strengthen your immune system with a healthy lifestyle and good nutrition.

Second generation

The group of second-generation antiallergic drugs are characterized by a long-lasting (up to 24 hours) antihistamine effect. This makes it convenient (once a day) to take medications that are not addictive, do not reduce performance due to a feeling of drowsiness, and do not impair concentration.

They are often prescribed for the effective treatment of seasonal hay fever - rhinoconjunctivitis, caused by an allergy to pollen. There is a beneficial outcome for eczema and urticaria. Used to eliminate Quincke's edema and itching that occurs with chickenpox. Used in old age only with the permission of a doctor. The priority contraindication is cardiac pathologies. The most popular varieties are:

• Claritin

One of the effective antiallergic drugs prescribed to children over one year old and recommended in old age.

When taken correctly, it does not cause drowsiness and has a long period of action. There is practically no negative effect on cardiac activity.

• Semprex

It has a quick, although not very long-lasting (up to 12 hours) effect without significant side effects.

Semprex is quickly eliminated, so there is no accumulation in tissues. Appointed from the age of 12.

• Kestin

This remedy effectively treats allergic rhinitis and eliminates skin rashes.
You do not need water to take the tablet once every day, as it quickly dissolves on the tongue. Side effects that manifest themselves in the mouth in the form of drying out of the mucous membranes are rarely observed. Sometimes a headache may occur.

• Loratadine

The medicine acts quickly, eliminating various manifestations of allergies. The proposed dosage form of Loratadine in the form of syrup is recommended for children from the age of two.

Pregnant women require medical supervision in the first three weeks.

• Rupafin

Rupafin, included in the list of effective second-generation drugs, treats urticaria well. It is prescribed from the age of 12 and is not used during pregnancy.

• Trexil

It has two dosage forms - traditional tablets (after 12 years) and suspension (from 3 years). This remedy has a high anti-allergy effect, but can have a slight depressant effect, reducing the functions of the central nervous system. Trexil is not prescribed to pregnant and breastfeeding women.

• Gistalong

The drug Gistalong, which has a long-lasting antihistamine effect, effectively combats chronic allergies.

The most popular antiallergic drugs included in the second generation list are characterized as safe, effective drugs with a long-term therapeutic effect. To avoid side effects, you should strictly adhere to the dosage and recommended duration of use.

Effective treatments

Successful treatment of colds and flu requires, first of all, making the correct diagnosis. Based on the severity of symptoms, the age of the patient, and the presence of chronic diseases, they resort to medications from several groups of drugs.

Untreated colds can lead to serious consequences

Antiviral agents

Drugs in this group are used only when the viral nature of the disease has been established and are divided into virus suppressors, interferon and interferon inducers:

• Etiotropic drugs: Remantadine for colds, Orvirem (ion channel blockers), Relenza, Tamiflu, Peramivir (neuraminidase inhibitors). The mechanism of action of these drugs is based on the destruction at a certain stage of the virus reproduction function. Moreover, this effect does not extend to the cells of the macroorganism;
• Human leukocyte interferon is a product of synthesis by leukocytes of donor blood when exposed to a virus. Interferon is a blocker of the synthesis of virus-specific proteins, suppressing its reproduction. Interferon is used in various dosage forms: suppositories, inhalers, aqueous solution. Patients under 7 years of age are prescribed the drug Viferon-1, older than 7 years and adults - Viferon-2;
• Interferon inducers: Arbidol, Groprinosin, Amiksin, Cycloferon. Drugs in this group are based on interferon and are used in combination with other antiviral drugs. Interferon inducers are immunostimulatory rather than antiviral agents. They cause active production of interferon, which blocks the spread of the virus.

All new generation antiviral drugs, in one way or another, affect the immune system, the work of which at all stages has not yet been thoroughly studied. Therefore, they should be used for treatment or prevention only after consultation with a medical professional.

Medicines for symptomatic treatment

Symptoms of flu and colds sometimes strike suddenly and are severe. This is especially true for viral infections. Therefore, everyone’s first aid kit should contain medications for primary symptom relief:

• Antipyretics: Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, Mefenamic acid, Aspirin, Analgin. For children: Ibufen, Nurofen, Calpol, Panadol, Paracetamol. We should not forget that it is necessary to bring down the temperature only after 38°C, especially in children. Otherwise, there is a risk of a malfunction of the immune system, which can lead to permanent illness;
• Nasal rinses: Aquamaris, Physiomer, Marimer, Morinazal, Dolphin, Salin. For children: Humer, Aqualor baby, Aquamaris. Preparations based on sea salt are absolutely harmless and are effective means for the treatment and prevention of runny nose in adults and children;
• Mucolytics and expectorants: ACC, Ambroxol, Bromhexine. For children: Tusuprex, Sinekod, Pectussin, Prospan, Gedelix. Used to liquefy and remove mucus and dilate the bronchi. If use is ineffective within 3-4 days, you should consult a doctor and change the medicine;
• For sore throat: Septefril, Streptocide, Miramistin solution, Chlorophyllipt. For children: Bronchicum, Doctor Mom, Falimint. Most sprays are of plant origin, so when prescribing, the possibility of allergic reactions should be taken into account, especially if the drug is used for the first time;
• For ear pain: Anauran, Otipax, Otofa, Cipropharm. For children: Otipax, Sofradex, Otinum, Tsipromed, Normax. If a diagnosis of otitis media is made, then both ears should be instilled, even if one hurts. Under no circumstances should you warm your ears if you have purulent otitis; only an ENT doctor can determine this.

Taking medications for symptomatic purposes should occur without consulting a doctor only if necessary. As soon as possible, try to get an appointment with a specialist and get a competent opinion on the causes of the disease and treatment.

Vasoconstrictor drops

Drugs in this group actively affect the nasal mucosa, eliminating swelling, relieving congestion and restoring the activity of epithelial cilia.
They significantly alleviate the patient’s condition, but do not eliminate the causes of nasal congestion. The action of the drugs is based on the narrowing of blood vessels and, as a result, reducing swelling. However, with prolonged (more than 3-5 days) and uncontrolled use, drugs are addictive, and the body reacts with swelling of the mucous membrane to the absence of the drug. As a result, a chronic runny nose may develop.

The use of these medications is justified in the first days of illness, when the infection is aggravated by other symptoms, when congestion and constant nasal discharge aggravate the patient's condition. To help the body fight and restore nasal breathing, in combination with rinsing and inhalation, the following drugs are used:

• Galazolin. Used in the treatment of children from 4 months; use by pregnant women is recommended in extreme cases; during lactation it is contraindicated. Can be used for ear infections. There are a number of contraindications and side effects in case of overdose;
• Pinosol. Used in the treatment of adults and children from 12 years of age. Not recommended for the treatment of patients with bronchial asthma, whooping cough, allergic rhinitis. During pregnancy and lactation, it is used as prescribed by a doctor;
• Sanorin. Used to treat adults and children over 2 years of age. Contraindicated in patients with serious cardiac disorders, diabetes, thyroid disorders, and bronchial asthma. Can be used as eye drops for conjunctivitis;
• Vibrocil. Used to treat adults and children from 1 year of age. It is not recommended to prescribe for the treatment of patients with atrophic rhinitis, with closed-angle glaucoma, simultaneously with MAO inhibitors. Prescribe with caution for cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, prostate adenoma;
• Otrivin. Used to treat children and adults. The dosage form in the form of a spray is prescribed from 6 years of age. Contraindications for use are pregnancy, hypersensitivity to components, and the postoperative period.

The use of vasoconstrictors for young children must be carried out using a pipette in order to accurately adhere to the dosage.

Antihistamines

Of the antiallergic drugs in the treatment of colds, primarily first generation antihistamines are prescribed: Pheniramine, Promethazine, Pipolphen, Diphenhydramine, Cyproheptadine, Chloropyramine. The use of first generation antihistamines in the treatment of colds and flu has a significant effect in eliminating symptoms:

• “Drying” effect on the nasal mucosa;
• Inhibiting the cough reflex;
• Sedative effect and, as a result, normalization of sleep;
• Appetite stimulation;
• Reducing symptoms of seasickness (nausea and dizziness).

1st generation antihistamines become addictive very quickly, so it is recommended to change the drug every 7-10 days.

First generation antihistamines in the treatment of ARVI

Today, a doctor’s arsenal includes many second-generation antihistamines and their active metabolites. Meanwhile, first-generation drugs will always be in demand due to their proven effectiveness and ability to provide additional pharmacological effects, in particular sedative and anticholinergic. One of the most famous, effective and safe first-generation antihistamines is Suprastin. Its inclusion in the complex therapy of acute respiratory viral infections from the first days of the disease accelerates the recovery process and significantly reduces the pharmacological burden on the patient.

Table 1. Mediators inducing the development of respiratory symptoms

Table 2. First generation antihistamines

Rice. 1. Assessment of the dynamics of the main clinical symptoms of ARVI

Rice. 2. Assessing the dynamics of ARVI symptoms

Rice. 3. Assessment of the dynamics of body temperature during ARVI while taking Suprastin

The most common causes of respiratory system diseases are acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI). According to the World Health Organization, adults suffer from acute respiratory viral infections twice a year. In children, the incidence of ARVI is on average three times higher.

ARVI is an acute, usually self-limiting infection of the respiratory tract, causing catarrh syndrome of the upper respiratory tract, occurring with fever, runny nose, sneezing, cough, sore throat, and disturbance of the general condition of varying severity. The ARVI group consists of etiologically independent diseases. The most important of them are influenza, parainfluenza, infection caused by respiratory syncytial virus, rhino-, adeno- and coronavirus infections.

The clinical symptoms of ARVI are manifested by the presence of infectious (or infectious-allergic) inflammation of the mucous membranes, mainly of the upper respiratory tract. In this case, a number of inflammatory mediators are released, causing vasodilation, increased vascular permeability, and activation of exudative processes. Accordingly, rhinitis is considered one of the main and most important manifestations of most acute respiratory viral infections.

Of course, all ARVI may be characterized by other clinical signs of respiratory tract damage in combination with a general intoxication syndrome - pharyngitis, tonsillitis, laryngitis, tracheitis, bronchitis. ARVI is often accompanied by conjunctivitis [1]. The International Rhinitis Group defines it as inflammation of the nasal mucosa with one or more symptoms: nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, sneezing, and nasal itching. Usually, at the onset of the disease, malaise, a feeling of dryness in the nose, and sneezing are observed. Then swelling of the nasal mucosa quickly increases, and rhinorrhea develops.

The pathogenesis of ARVI is quite complex. An important role in it is played by the allergic mediator – histamine. As is known, ARVI viruses are antigens and histamine producers. It has been proven that ARVI, including influenza, is accompanied by the appearance of histamine in the blood, which explains the similarity of the clinical picture of ARVI with allergic diseases [2–4].

According to DP Skoner et al., the daily amount of histamine and its metabolites in the urine during influenza is approximately the same as during an exacerbation of an allergic disease [4].

Previously, it was suggested that the allergic mediator histamine plays an important role in the occurrence of acute respiratory viral infections with damage to the upper respiratory tract and the mutual potentiation of histamine and viruses in acute respiratory viral infections. However, this assumption was not confirmed, since no increase in the level of histamine in the nasal secretion was detected.

Histamine is the most important biochemical mediator for all clinical symptoms of inflammation of various origins [5]. Histamine, and to a lesser extent other mediators, are responsible for such manifestations of immediate reactions as spasms of the muscles of the bronchi and gastrointestinal tract, vasodilation, increased permeability of vascular walls, and increased mucus secretion. In acute respiratory viral infections, histamine, through irritation of the autonomic nerve centers, contributes to the occurrence of headaches, weakness, and the development of a runny nose. Under the influence of histamine on the centers of the autonomic nervous system, when they are dysfunctional, the cells of the respiratory tract mucosa produce sputum [6]. The release of histamine into the blood during ARVI also causes well-known symptoms that are typical for allergic diseases affecting the upper respiratory tract. We are talking, in particular, about itching, lacrimation, rhinorrhea, swelling of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract and conjunctiva. Thus, histamine plays a significant role in the development and maintenance of ARVI symptoms (Table 1).

This indicates the need to eliminate the pathological effects of histamine with the help of antihistamines. Their use helps eliminate a number of symptoms of ARVI (nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, hyperthermia, headache, etc.), which allows minimizing the amount of other “anti-cold” drugs, in particular vasoconstrictor intranasal drugs.

The points of application of antihistamines for acute respiratory viral infections are the nasal mucosa and the medulla oblongata. In the nasal mucosa, H1 receptors are localized on the free nerve endings of the trigeminal nerve. Despite the fact that during ARVI, the level of histamine in nasal secretions remains normal, this point of application during ARVI cannot be completely excluded, since the sensitivity of the nasal mucosa to histamine increases during acute respiratory diseases. As is known, in the areas of the medulla oblongata, where a number of synaptic switches of the sneezing reflex occur, there are H1 and muscarinic receptors. It is muscarinic receptors that mediate parasympathetic stimulation of glandular secretion and vasodilation and serve as targets for first-generation antihistamines. Therefore, first-generation antihistamines, due to their anticholinergic activity, reduce nasal secretion during ARVI. Exudation from blood vessels triggers the kinin system. The resulting kinins not only stimulate nerve endings, but also lead to the release of histamine from mast cells, which represents a new target for antihistamines. Once the excitation reaches the medulla oblongata, it can be suppressed by first-generation antihistamines [7]. In addition, due to their ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier, these drugs affect the corresponding receptor formations in the medulla oblongata and hypothalamus [8].

Traditionally, antihistamines are divided into first and second generation drugs [9]. Second-generation drugs are characterized by a longer-lasting antihistamine effect, but do not block other types of receptors (M-cholinergic receptors, dopamine, serotonin) and do not cause sedation. Despite the fact that a doctor has many second-generation antihistamines and their active metabolites in his arsenal, first-generation drugs will always be in demand due to their proven effectiveness. In addition, these drugs, due to the presence of injectable and oral dosage forms, provide a differentiated approach to prescription, have additional pharmacological effects (antiserotonin activity, sedative and anticholinergic effects), and enhance the antipyretic properties of antipyretics.

First generation antihistamines include about 30 drugs of various groups (Table 2).

One of the most famous, effective and safe is chloropyramine (Suprastin, company), which belongs to the group of ethylenediamines. The drug has antihistamine, M-anticholinergic, antiemetic, moderate antispasmodic and peripheral anticholinergic effects. It has proven itself in the treatment of many allergic diseases and nonspecific histamine liberation reactions. Suprastin is available in two forms: 25 mg tablets and a solution for intravenous and intramuscular administration, containing 20 mg of the substance in 1 ml. The rapid onset of action of the drug - 15-30 minutes from the start of administration - allows you to achieve a therapeutic effect in the shortest possible time. The maximum effect is achieved within an hour, the duration of action is at least three to six hours. In addition to the treatment of various allergopathologies, Suprastin has proven itself in the treatment of infectious and inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract. The mechanism of action of Suprastin (chloropyramine) is associated not only with the ability to block H1-histamine receptors, but also with competitive antagonism of muscarinic receptors. This is especially true when ARVI occurs in patients with allergic rhinitis. In case of ARVI, Suprastin is able to reduce swelling of the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract, secretion of mucus from the nasal cavity, nasal congestion, sneezing and itching in the nose [8].

It was shown that patients who took Suprastin in combination with antipyretics in the complex therapy of ARVI had a much faster reduction in symptoms of intoxication in the form of headache, dizziness, as well as catarrhal manifestations of respiratory infection in the form of a decrease in rhinorrhea and difficulty in nasal breathing (Fig. 1) [ 10].

In a study conducted at the ENT clinic of the First Moscow State Medical University. THEM. Sechenov, the effectiveness of Suprastin in ARVI in the form of monotherapy was also confirmed. Use of the drug in a daily dose of 50 mg (25 mg per dose) for five days already on the second day reduced congestion, nasal discharge and sneezing. On the fourth or fifth day of treatment with Suprastin, nasal breathing was practically restored, nasal discharge, sneezing and itching in the nose stopped. The severity of symptoms was assessed on a four-point scale: 0 – no symptoms, 1 – minimal symptoms, 2 – moderate, 3 – severe (Fig. 2). In addition to eliminating the symptoms of rhinitis, which regressed 1.6–2.3 times faster, there was an improvement in the general condition of the patients, a decrease in the intensity of pain in the throat, and the severity of cough syndrome caused by the flow of discharge from the nasal cavity into the larynx and trachea. In some cases, the use of Suprastin made it possible to avoid the use of nasal vasoconstrictor drops and sprays. Patients already taking nasal decongestants significantly reduced their frequency of use [11].

Patients who used antipyretic drugs in combination with chloropyramine (Suprastin) had a more pronounced and persistent decrease in body temperature compared to patients who used only antipyretic drugs (Fig. 3) [10].

Thus, from the first days of acute respiratory viral infection, it is necessary to include first-generation antihistamines (Suprastin) in complex therapy, both for pathogenetic treatment and to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications. An essential criterion for choosing Suprastin may be its lower cost compared to drugs of subsequent generations. The use of Suprastin for ARVI not only speeds up the recovery process, but also can significantly reduce the pharmacological burden on the patient [7].

Recommendations for selection

Everyone must decide which medications to take for a cold on their own, after being prescribed by a doctor. If you decide to treat yourself, then do not forget to carefully study the instructions for use of the medicine, age restrictions, side effects and contraindications. You should not start with “heavy artillery” and immediately take immunostimulants or antibiotics. Uncontrolled use of these drugs is fraught with serious disruptions in the functioning of the immune system, which often malfunctions anyway.

Use methods of symptomatic therapy, while observing the rules for taking antipyretics, vasoconstrictors, and antitussives. If you are sure of the viral nature of the disease, then taking an antiviral drug should start from the first hours of infection. By day 3-4, such therapy no longer brings the desired effect.

Do not hesitate to visit your doctor if your symptoms worsen despite taking medications. Perhaps you do not take into account any drug compatibility factor, and only a specialist can help with this.

Use folk remedies in addition, while observing reasonable measures: do not warm up at high temperatures, exclude allergenic foods, take precautions when inhaling steam, do not go out into the cold after warming procedures.

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First generation

Analyzing allergy medications belonging to the first generation list, their side effect is quite pronounced sedative-hypnotic, calming, dulling consciousness.

The therapeutic effect is weakened by the fact that these drugs have a short-term antiallergic effect and can be addictive. However, they are still in high demand due to their low cost.

• Suprastin

It is an effective remedy that quickly relieves allergy symptoms.
Copes with painful symptoms, itching, redness, including those that appear after insect bites. The dominant dosage forms are ready-made solutions for injections, capsules, and tablets. Contraindication is during pregnancy. Not prescribed during breastfeeding.

• Tavegil

It has a strong antiallergic effect lasting up to 12 hours.

The hypnotic effect of Tavegil is weaker than that of Suprastin. In the pharmacy chain, medicine for adults can be purchased in ampoules with injection solutions and in the form of traditional tablets. Children older than one year are prescribed syrup. Do not take during pregnancy.

• Fenkarol

Has a persistent antiallergic effect. During treatment, a slight sedative effect is sometimes observed.

The drug Fenkarol is prescribed for different types of allergies. Included in a therapeutic complex intended for the treatment of parkinsonism. For children after reaching one year of age, Fenkarol is indicated in the form of a suspension. The contraindication is the first trimester of pregnancy; the rest of the time requires medical supervision.

• Fenistil

It is a preventive and therapeutic agent that provides effective assistance in case of skin itching caused not only by allergic reactions of various natures, but also by rubella or chickenpox.
Drowsiness occurs at the beginning of treatment. And also when taking Fenistil, muscle spasms, dizziness, and an unpleasant feeling of dryness of the oral mucosa may be observed. Various dosage forms are available. According to indications, gel and emulsions are used for external use. Children from one month are given drops. After 12 years, capsules are allowed. Pregnant women are prescribed the drug under strict medical supervision.

Other varieties are included in the extensive list of antiallergic drugs of the first generation that have not lost their relevance.

• Peritol. Stimulates appetite.
• Diazolin. It is characterized by low antihistamine activity. In some cases, an irritating effect on the internal lining of the gastrointestinal tract appears.
• Diphenhydramine. Causes severe drowsiness, general weakness, decreased attention and concentration.
• Pipolfen. Able to reduce intestinal motility.
• Diprazil. Affects the functioning of the nervous system.

Despite the side effects that appear, well-known first-generation drugs, when properly prescribed, effectively eliminate allergies. They are still used in medical practice.

conclusions

Of course, the main way to recover will be not to get sick at all, that is, to follow preventive measures: avoiding hypothermia, contact with patients during epidemics, using prophylactic agents for virus immunity (oxolinic ointment, garlic), a healthy lifestyle.

Do not forget to constantly take care of the level of immunity and the fact that it depends to a very large extent on psychological health. A person immune to stress has a much greater potential to fight any disease than an emotionally unbalanced person. Moreover, there are not so many real reasons for frustration in everyday life.

New generation antiallergic drugs

Modern antihistamines of the new generation have become a natural result of further improvement of previous medicinal varieties in order to eliminate side effects. They do not cause discomfort due to drowsiness, do not dull attention and do not slow down thought processes. There is practically no deterioration in the functioning of the heart and nervous system after taking such drugs. The list includes the following most effective long-acting medicinal varieties.

• Allegra

Treatment of seasonal allergies with this medicine is quick and safe without causing a feeling of drowsiness. Indications for use are also chronic urticaria.

Non-addictive tablets are prescribed from the age of 12. Allegra is contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women.

• Cetirizine

Due to its ability to quickly penetrate the skin, Cetirizine is effective in the treatment of skin irritations and dermatitis of various natures.
Indications for use are allergic rhinitis, as well as conjunctivitis. Syrup is recommended for children from the age of two. After 12 years, teenagers take pills. For children 1–2 years old, Cetirizine is available in the form of drops to make it easier to take. In any form, the drug is well tolerated, provided that overdose is avoided. Contraindications include pregnancy and breastfeeding. Cetirizine is not prescribed if severe renal disease is detected.

• Tsetrin

This is the most powerful drug that allows you to eliminate almost any allergic manifestation. According to indications, it is prescribed from the age of two.

Cetrin effectively relieves itching, eliminates lacrimation, spasms, swelling of the mucous membranes, rashes, and redness. Does not inhibit the functions of the central nervous system. In pediatric practice it is used in the form of syrup.

• Erius

A representative of the latest generation of effective anti-allergy drugs, Erius demonstrates rapid blocking of histamine receptors. This causes the elimination of negative reactions inherent in allergies. For babies from six months old it is available in the form of a syrup with a pleasant taste.

• Zyrtec

When used correctly, the drug has no negative side effects. Valid throughout the day. When prescribing Zyrtec, strict medical supervision is required if the patient is diagnosed with renal failure.

• Eden

The drug quickly relieves inflammation and swelling. It has a long-term therapeutic effect and does not slow down psychomotor reactions. One tablet is taken once a day. The product can be used from 12 years of age.

• Desal

Effectively relieves painful itching during the treatment of urticaria. Shows high effectiveness in cases of seasonal allergic rhinitis. The tablets are taken once a day. The drug is recommended from 12 years of age.

The effectiveness of new generation drugs has been noted for the manifestations of hay fever - a seasonal lesion of the conjunctiva, accompanied by lacrimation. Often a cough and runny nose appear in parallel. Pollen from some plants provokes this condition.

Allergy medications

Antihistamines: Of all the allergy medications available on the market, it is advisable to use single-component medications containing only an antihistamine.
Antihistamines are the most effective allergy treatments available on the market, and by using single-ingredient medications, you minimize side effects. Indications for the use of allergy medications are the symptomatic treatment of the following conditions:

• year-round (persistent) and seasonal allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis (itching, sneezing, rhinorrhea, lacrimation, conjunctival hyperemia);
• hay fever (hay fever);
• urticaria, incl. chronic idiopathic urticaria;
• Quincke's edema;
• allergic dermatoses, accompanied by itching and rashes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upload

When prescribing this class of allergy pills, it is important to remember that once you start taking the medicine, you should not stop taking the medicine at once.

Modern and most effective antihistamine medications for allergies: Levocetirizine (Xyzal, Glenset, Suprastinex, orally 5 mg per day), Azelastine, Diphenhydramine

The main side effect of antihistamines is drowsiness. If taking antihistamines causes drowsiness, you should avoid driving a car or using machinery, which are sources of increased danger when taking these drugs. Even if these drugs don't make you drowsy, they still slow down your reaction time. In addition, remember that drowsiness increases sharply when taking sedatives, including alcoholic beverages.

Recently, blockers of histamine H1 receptors (antihistamines of the 2nd and 3rd generation) have been created, which are characterized by high selectivity of action on H1 receptors (hifenadine, terfenadine, astemizole, etc.). These drugs have little effect on other mediator systems (cholinergic, etc.

), do not pass through the BBB (do not affect the central nervous system) and do not lose activity with long-term use. Many second-generation drugs bind noncompetitively to H1 receptors, and the resulting ligand-receptor complex is characterized by relatively slow dissociation, causing an increase in the duration of the therapeutic effect (prescribed once a day).

Biotransformation of most histamine H1 receptor antagonists occurs in the liver with the formation of active metabolites. A number of H1-histamine receptor blockers are active metabolites of known antihistamines (cetirizine is an active metabolite of hydroxyzine, fexofenadine is terfenadine).

The degree of drowsiness caused by an antihistamine depends on the individual patient and the type of antihistamine used. Of the over-the-counter antihistamines classified as safe and effective by the FDA, the least drowsy medications are chlorpheniramine maleate, brompheniramine maleate, pheniramine maleate, and clemastine (TAVEGYL).

Pyrilamine maleate is also FDA approved, but is slightly more sedative. Drugs that cause significant drowsiness include diphenhydramine hydrochloride and doxylamine succinate, which are ingredients in hypnotics.

The emergence of new antihistamines such as astemizole and terfenadine, which do not have a sedative effect, but which turned out to be potentially more dangerous than older drugs, has led to the fact that older, cheaper and safer antihistamines, such as chlorpheniramine maleate, which is active, are less often prescribed an ingredient in many prescription and over-the-counter antiallergy medications. If you try to lower your dose, you may find that you have significantly reduced the sedative effect of the drug.

Another common side effect of antihistamines is dry mouth, nose, and throat. Less common are blurred vision, dizziness, decreased appetite, nausea, upset stomach, low blood pressure, headache, and loss of coordination. Elderly people with a hypertrophied prostate gland often face the problem of difficulty urinating. Sometimes antihistamines cause nervousness, restlessness, or insomnia, especially in children.

When choosing an antihistamine to treat your allergies, first try a low dose of chlorpheniramine maleate or brompheniramine maleate, available as single-dose formulations. Check the label to make sure there is nothing else in the product.

If you have asthma, glaucoma, or difficulty urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland, you should not use antihistamines for self-medication.

Nasal decongestants: Many allergy medications contain amphetamine-like substances, such as pseudoephedrine hydrochloride or ingredients found in many oral cold medications. Some of these side effects (such as nervousness, insomnia, and potential cardiovascular problems) occur more frequently when these allergy medications are used because antiallergy medications are typically used for a longer period of time than antiallergy medications. for a cold.

In addition, nasal decongestants do not relieve the symptoms most commonly experienced by allergy sufferers: runny nose, itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, coughing, and sore throat. These medications only treat nasal congestion, which is not a big problem for most allergy sufferers.

Examples of nasal decongestants that are recommended by manufacturers for the "no-drowsiness" (since they do not contain antihistamines) treatment for allergy symptoms are Afrinol and Sudafed. We do not recommend using these medications if you have allergies.