Neuraminidase inhibitors: list of drugs, instructions for use

The international system for the classification of medicinal products divides all medicines into groups. The basis for this is the pharmacological action of substances. The article will tell you about one of these groups. It includes neuraminidase inhibitors. You will find out which active substances are their basis, and also get acquainted with their trade names.

Neuraminidase inhibitors

Before talking about drugs, you need to give a description of this pharmacological group. Neuraminidase is a kind of enzyme. It is present on the membrane surface of all influenza viruses. After contact with the cell of the human body, toxic substances are released. They also cause the appearance of symptoms of the disease: fever, weakness, headache and so on.

Inhibitors of neuraminidase penetrate the interior of the virus. They inhibit the activity of pathogenic microorganisms, preventing their subsequent multiplication and contact with healthy cells. The development of such drugs began in the 1960s. The first funds made allowed to study in detail their impact on viral infections.

Neuraminidase inhibitors: drugs and their active ingredients

Modern pharmacology offers to buy two main drugs that can be characterized by a similar action. Their trade names are "Tamiflu" and "Relenza". Both drugs are used to prevent and treat influenza of different strains. Neuraminidase inhibitors are sold only as prescribed by the doctor. It is also allowed to use medicines in a hospital according to indications. It is not recommended to take such medications for pregnant women and nursing mothers. Contraindications for use will be children under 5 years. Renal and hepatic insufficiency is an occasion for a separate consultation before use.

The active substances of these preparations differ in the name and method of administration. The medicine "Tamiflu" contains in its composition oseltamivir. The medication is available in the form of capsules with loose contents for internal use. The drug Relenza is an inhalant. The active ingredient is zanamivir.

Method of administration

In what way are neuraminidase (influenza) inhibitors used? You already know that both medicines are prescribed by a doctor. To purchase drugs you will need an appropriate prescription. Therefore, the dosage and duration of application is usually chosen by a specialist. But the instructions also contain information on this:

• The drug "Tamiflu" in adults and children after 12 years is used twice a day for one tablet. The duration of the course is 5 days. For children under 12 years of age, it is preferable to use a suspension in the amount of 30-75 mg of oseltamivir (depending on the body weight) twice a day.
• The medicine Relenza is supplied by inhalation. The instruction recommends the use of 10 mg of the substance (2 inhalations) twice a day. The therapy lasts for 5 days. For prophylaxis, 10 mg of the drug is used once a day for 10 days.

Efficacy and adverse reactions

Experts say that the neuraminidase inhibitors of influenza viruses will be the more effective the earlier treatment is started. Therefore it is necessary to consult the doctor at the first symptoms. The doctor will give you the necessary research that will help determine the further tactics of action. Both drugs are effective in fighting influenza viruses (including mutated ones). Unlike other antiviral agents, neuraminidase inhibitors show high performance. A few hours after the first application, the patient becomes lighter.

It is important that Relenza and Tamiflu can be combined with other drugs to treat influenza, its symptoms and complications. By the way, drugs have side effects. For example, the "Relenza" inhaler can cause shortness of breath and bronchospasm. Rarely does an allergy develop in the form of edema. The remedy "Tamiflu" is taken inside. Therefore, it has more negative consequences: abdominal pain, allergy, exacerbation of renal and hepatic diseases, and neuropsychiatric disorders.

Let's sum up the results

Inhibitors of neuraminidase are an excellent tool in the fight against influenza viruses. In the period of epidemics, they can be taken for the purpose of prevention. But experts do not recommend using these medications without special need. In addition, you can not buy medication on your own. If the pharmacist offers you to buy the drug "Tamiflu" or "Relenza" without a prescription, then know that it can be counterfeit. The use of such medications not only worsens the course of the disease, but can be life-threatening. Be healthy!