Ointment under the nose for colds for pregnant women. Antiviral ointments for the nasal mucosa: tips on choosing products for children, application rules. The principle of action of anti-cold ointments

Antiviral nasal ointments are used to treat a runny nose.
They are not included in the category of classical drug therapy, but despite this, they often turn out to be effective means of combating the disease.
Antiviral ointments are used for prevention and treatment in children and adults.

Such nasal ointments reduce the likelihood of infection of the body. Let's look at the most popular substances in this category:

Infagel

The drug contains alpha interferon, which has an antiviral effect. This is due to the fact that it interacts with the membranes of viruses and inhibits the production of their proteins.

Subsequently, the virus reproduction cycle is disrupted. This medicine also promotes the production of antibodies to infection.

Should not be used by people who have severe heart disease and cannot tolerate interferon.

Viferon

This ointment is effective when the disease first enters the body; it is also taken as a protective barrier during ARVI during pregnancy ().

The drug is based on interferon. Produces an immunomodulatory and antiviral effect. If you actively use the ointment, then individual particles of the virus will soon come out from the affected cells.

It is recommended to use the product in autumn and winter a few days before the increase in cases of respiratory viral infections. It will also be effective if used in the first days of illness.

The ointment is applied 3 times a day, this should be done by thinly scraping inside the nasal passages along the walls of the mucous membranes. Typically, the drug is used for 5 to 14 days.

The drug has low adsorption, therefore, practically does not have negative consequences. In rare cases, an allergy to the components of the medicine may occur. Can be taken by pregnant, lactating and children from 1 month.

Oxolinic ointment

This drug has been familiar to many people since the times of the Soviet Union.

Despite the fact that many doctors and patients claim that it is absolutely ineffective, the ointment does not disappear from pharmacy shelves. This .

It is made on the basis of oxoline. It is used on epithelia and mucous membranes.

The drug has a good effect against various forms of viruses, a spectrum of influenza and herpes. Ointment for the prevention of flu and colds (read) contains only one component - dioxotand one auxiliary ingredient - petroleum jelly.

Thanks to the active component, the drug has a virucidal effect in the fight against viruses. In more understandable terms, we can say that when viruses encounter it, they die.

If you have ARVI, you need to use 25% ointment. You need to apply a thin layer of the substance to the mucous membranes of the nasal passages, do this three times a day for 30-40 days.

This remedy is used only in case of prevention, if the viruses have already entered the body, the drug is ineffective. There are no contraindications. We have a page written about the whooping cough vaccine.

There may be a burning sensation in the nose after use, but this will go away within about a minute of use.

And young children are at risk for ARVI and influenza. This ointment is used for about 25 days, but since ARVI flourishes in kindergartens throughout the fall and winter, it is recommended to use the medicine for more than 25 days.

The use of oxolinka will help protect children from dangerous diseases.

Oxolinic ointment for children under one year of age

Since oxolinic ointment has no toxicity and there are no systemic effects or accumulations, the drug can be given to children who have not yet reached 1 year of age.

It is worth noting the fact that it is not recommended to give 3% ointment to children of this age. It can cause irritation to the delicate mucous membrane.

Like adults, children under 1 year of age need to apply the ointment 2 times a day. This will protect the child from the epidemic. Perhaps many mothers saw, reading the instructions for this drug, that it is contraindicated for such young children.

This is because some drugs have not passed clinical trials. However, many pediatricians recommend this remedy for children under 1 year of age.

If a child behaves restlessly after using the medicine, then this may be irritation of the hypersensitive nasal membrane.

In such cases, it is necessary to reduce the concentration of the active substance. But in most cases, babies tolerate this remedy well.

To lower the concentration, you need to take the ointment and mix it with some neutral base. You can use Vaseline, lanolin, baby cream.

Part of both substances must be brought to a homogeneous state. But you should not store the drug in this condition, as bacteria can multiply there.

Remember that before using any drug, it is better to consult your doctor. Don't self-medicate!

You will learn how to choose the right ointment, as well as methods for treating a runny nose, while watching the video.

Rhinitis usually occurs after hypothermia or as a symptom of a viral infection and does not cause much concern. However, in the absence of timely and proper treatment, complications may appear in the form of otitis media, sinusitis and other pathologies. Therefore, at the first symptoms of a viral infection, treatment should be started immediately. As a rule, antiviral drugs are used in the form of tablets, drops, sprays, and nasal ointments.

Types of antiviral drugs

All antiviral remedies for colds, depending on the degree of action and composition, are divided into the following types:

natural - the active component in them are phytoncides of garlic and onion, which perfectly destroy viruses;
synthetic - the composition contains synthetic components;
biological - drugs based on interferon.

Cold remedies are also divided depending on their medicinal properties.. Ointment against colds can be:

antiviral;
combined;
antiseptic;
homeopathic.

Only a doctor who assesses the patient’s condition selects and prescribes antiviral ointments for the skin. It is very important to consult a specialist on the first day of illness. After all, cold remedies are more effective at the beginning of the disease, namely in the first three days.

Antiviral ointments for the nose

Pharmacies offer a huge range of inexpensive products for the prevention and treatment of colds. Among all, the following antiviral nasal ointments are especially popular.

The active substance in the composition is oxolin, which is able to fight some herpes, influenza, and lichen viruses. But the ointment is mainly used to prevent flu and colds during epidemics. It is not recommended to use it for more than 20 days, as it leads to addiction in the body.

Indications for use of the drug:

prevention of colds and flu;
treatment of herpes zoster and vesicular lichen;
rhinitis;
viral skin and eye infections.

The product is applied to the nasal mucosa 2-3 times a day. It is noteworthy that the active component does not accumulate in the body. However, ointment alone cannot cope with viruses. During an epidemic, it is necessary to comprehensively strengthen the immune system. But with good immunity, the product will strengthen the body’s protective functions and create a barrier against viruses.

hypersensitivity to oxolin;
newborn children;
with caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

The combined use of vasoconstrictor drugs and oxolin can dry out the mucous membrane, which can cause nosebleeds.

Preobrazhensky ointment

A fairly effective drug that also fights viruses well. Includes:

ephedrine hydrochloride;
norsulfazole;
sulfadimezine;
streptocide;
camphor and eucalyptus oil.

Thanks to these substances, the ointment is endowed with vasoconstrictor and antiseptic properties, which effectively eliminate the symptoms of a runny nose.

The drug has a number of contraindications:

sleep disturbance;
atherosclerosis;
hyperthyroidism;
hypertonic disease;
heart pathologies.

Viferon

An antiviral agent that contains human interferon alpha-2. Viferon is used both for treatment together with other drugs, and for the prevention of influenza and colds. The cream has a low ability to penetrate the mucous membrane, so doctors recommend it even for pregnant women and children from the first year.

The drug is used 3 times a day, applied to the nasal mucosa:

for children from 1 year of age, 0.5 cm of ointment in diameter is applied at a time;
for children over 2 years old, the same amount of ointment, but 3-4 times a day;
Children over 12 years of age and adults are allowed to use about 1 cm in diameter.

Sometimes allergic reactions occur to the additional ingredients of Viferon, so it is better to consult a doctor before applying the drug.

Infagel

The product effectively fights various viruses due to the active component - interferon alpha-2. The gel is also a powerful immunomodulator. It activates weak immune cells. The drug is used mainly for the prevention of infections during epidemics (flu, ARVI), as well as for herpes on the lips.

Before use, the gel must be mixed, then applied in a thin layer to the nasal mucosa using a cotton swab. It is recommended to apply 2-3 times a day for about five days.

Antiseptic drugs

As you know, all inflammatory processes that appear during ARVI, colds or flu need to be removed. There are a number of special cheap means for this.

Levomekol

The ointment has an excellent antimicrobial effect, accelerates metabolic processes and relieves inflammation. As a result, you can recover from nasal congestion quite quickly.

Contraindications to the use of Levomekol:

sensitivity to the components of the drug;
with caution during pregnancy and lactation;
predisposition to allergies.

In order for the cream to work, cotton swabs are soaked in it and inserted into the nose for a few minutes.

Vishnevsky ointment

Many people know that Vishnevsky ointment is prescribed for skin problems (wounds, burns, acne). But few people realize that it can be used to lubricate the nasal passages.

This is another antiseptic that contains the following substances:

Birch tar;
xeroform;
campfire oil.

The drug softens and restores the nasal mucosa, increasing blood flow to it and having an antiseptic effect.

Contraindications for use:

hypersensitivity to the substances of the drug;
pregnancy;
age up to six years;
kidney diseases.

Combined products

To combat viral diseases Doctors most often prescribe complex medications. They have more pronounced therapeutic effects and properties, including:

relieving inflammation;
antiviral and antibacterial control;
restoration and softening of the nasal mucosa;
relieving swelling of the mucous membrane.

Evamenol

The cream contains eucalyptus oil and levomenthol. It has a vasoconstrictor, analgesic and antimicrobial effect. After several uses of the ointment, the symptoms of a viral cold decrease.

Evamenol can be used 2-3 times a day. It is necessary to apply a thin layer to the nasal mucosa. The course of therapy is 10 days. Side effects are generally rare. However, local irritation of the mucous membranes may occur. The drug should not be used by children under two years of age and people prone to allergies.

Pinosol

The drug is available not only in the form of drops, but also in the form of a cream. Includes:

thymol;
tocopherol acetate;
levomenthol;
eucalyptus and pine extract.

The herbal components of the ointment have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. With the help of Pinosol you can cure colds and runny nose of both viral and allergic nature.

For treatment and prevention, the drug must be applied to cotton swabs and inserted into the nasal passages. The procedure is performed up to 4 times a day. The course of treatment is 2 weeks. Possible side effects:

allergic reactions;
itching and burning;
swelling of the nasal mucosa.

Homeopathic ointments

Today, many diseases are being treated with gentle medications, which include homeopathic remedies. They have a complex effect and have some advantages. Homeopathic ointments have the following properties:

antiviral;
antihistamine;
immunostimulating;
anti-inflammatory;
decongestant.

Homeopathic medicines are suitable for treating children, since they contain only natural ingredients. The most popular and effective homeopathic ointments:

Features of the use of cold ointments

In order for the therapy to bring a positive effect and not cause harm, it is necessary to consider several rules that must be followed before applying the product:

Of course, antiviral nasal ointments are indispensable for the prevention and treatment of colds, especially when it comes to pregnant women and young children.

In addition to the common nasal drops and aerosols, ointments for the common cold can also be used in treatment.

They are used both as a means of therapy and for preventive purposes and become especially relevant in the cold season, when the incidence of colds is very high.

Despite the apparent ease of such treatment, one should not forget that the choice of ointment for adults and children depends on many factors and requires an individual approach.

What to apply to your nose when you have a runny nose?

All existing ointments for the common cold can be divided into the following medicinal groups:

antiviral– widely used for prevention, especially during epidemic outbreaks;
antiseptic– used in the treatment of bacterial infections;
combined– have a general therapeutic effect, used in a complex manner;
homeopathic– based on natural ingredients, used as part of a comprehensive treatment of the disease.

The causes of rhinitis are infection or the body’s reaction to an allergen. It can be pet fur, flowering plants, household dust. Before using one or another remedy, you need to determine the cause of the disease.

What ointments for a runny nose can be used for children?

Many parents believe that ointments can help in treating a runny nose, since they have a thick consistency and do not get into the throat, which often causes discomfort in a small child.

However, you should listen to the opinion of experts who claim that not all of them can be recommended for children.

Safe for children over 2 years old are Golden Star (Asterisk) balm, Evamenol, Fleming and Thuja ointments. They are based on petroleum jelly and herbal extracts.

After consultation with the doctor, it is possible to use oxolinic and ichthyol ointments, Viferon. It should be noted that the listed drugs will be truly effective only as part of complex therapy.

Attention

The use of ointments based on Vaseline and herbs for the treatment of infants is undesirable. Uncontrolled use without prior consultation with a doctor can lead to disruption of the mucous membranes of the nasal cavity.

There is no ointment designed specifically for infants. In the treatment of ARVI for children, Vishnevsky, Levomekol and tetracycline ointments are not used.

What are the contraindications?

The safest drugs are those belonging to homeopathic group. Almost the only contraindication to their use is individual intolerance to the components. Antiseptic ointments are prohibited for use in:

children under 6 years old;
pregnant and lactating women;
persons with chronic liver and kidney diseases;
allergy sufferers.

Ointments are not used if a runny nose is accompanied by a heavy runny nose. Since such symptoms may indicate the development of sinusitis, the treatment of which must be comprehensive.

Antiviral and antiseptic

Antiviral drugs are effective in reducing the likelihood of infection during acute respiratory viral infection epidemics. They are most effective at the initial stage of the disease and are capable of removing individual virus particles from the affected cells.

Antiseptics with antibiotic properties are used for bacterial infections, which are characterized by prolonged rhinitis, inflammation of the mucous membranes, and pain.

Tetracycline ointment

An antimicrobial drug, an antibiotic, destroys pathogenic microorganisms. It has good efficiency and strong action.

For this reason, it is recommended to apply the ointment no more than three times a day for a week. If rhinitis is caused by viruses or fungi, the use of tetracycline ointment is ineffective. It is also not applied if there are blood crusts in the nasal cavity.

Long-term use of the ointment negatively affects the functioning of internal organs. The medicine is not recommended for pregnant and lactating women, children under 6 years of age.

Viferon

Indicated for use to prevent the disease or at the first signs of its manifestation. Available in the form of an ointment or gel. The main advantage is the ability to use it expectant mothers and infants.
Source: website

The nasal passages are lubricated several times a day until the signs of a cold disappear completely. The main component of the drug, interferon, effectively affects invading viruses even before they begin their destructive activity.

Oxolinic ointment

The most famous nasal ointment for a runny nose, used mainly to prevent influenza or ARVI.

It has few contraindications, but is extremely undesirable for children under 2 years of age. The product is applied to the nasal mucosa 1-2 times a day for 3 weeks.

In some cases, a burning sensation may occur. This indicates the body's hypersensitivity to the components of the drug.

Many experts note the lack of proven data on the effectiveness of oxolin. The medicine can help reduce the spread of infection in complex therapy.

Vishnevsky ointment

The main components are castor oil and birch tar. In some cases it can be used for sinusitis. Treatment of ARVI with this drug is possible only in a hospital setting under the supervision of a doctor.

Use at home is undesirable due to the increased risk of allergic reactions.

Homeopathic

Medicines in this group are based on natural ingredients and have an immune-modeling effect. Ointments made to order on a natural basis can be purchased at any pharmacy.

Doctor Mom

Used to ease breathing during nasal congestion and severe ARVI. The composition contains menthol, camphor, eucalyptus and turpentine oils.

Fleming's ointment

Prescribed for colds and sinusitis. It is well tolerated by patients; side effects such as itching, burning or skin rashes are rare.

For treatment, treated turundas are administered. You can also lubricate both nostrils twice a day for two weeks. The drug can be used during pregnancy; it does not affect the development of the fetus or the condition of the expectant mother.

Star

A well-known aromatic balm from Vietnam, which was used for treatment back in Soviet times. It contains natural essential oils that have a beneficial effect on the condition of the upper respiratory tract and activate the immune system, forcing the body to actively resist the disease.

The asterisk is not used. You should also not apply it to mucous membranes, as this can cause severe irritation and even burns.

Combined

Medicines with a combined composition eliminate nasal congestion due to the antibacterial activity of the components.

Levomekol

Prescribed if the causative agent of the disease is an infection of bacterial origin. For an accurate diagnosis, test results are needed.

Cotton swabs soaked in medication are inserted into the nasal passages. The therapeutic effect is possible when the treated tampons are in the nose for at least four hours.

Only a doctor can prescribe Levomekol to children and expectant mothers. In case of an overdose or increased sensitivity of the body, burning, itching, swelling of the skin, and rash are possible.

Pinosol

The main secret of popularity is its naturalness. Pinosol contains pine, eucalyptus and mint oils. They kill pathogenic microelements.

Can be prescribed to eliminate the symptoms of acute rhinitis and rhinitis, complicated by the formation of crusts. The nasal passages are carefully treated with Pinosol applied to a cotton swab.

Evamenol

Menthol and eucalyptus in the composition have a distracting, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effect. The course of treatment should not exceed 5-10 days, during which the nasal passages are treated 2-3 times a day. If the desired effect does not occur during this time, more effective medications are required.

Contraindications include hypersensitivity to the components and children under 2 years of age. Evamenol is completely safe for pregnant women. The ointment is quite cheap, which also contributes to its popularity.

Other ointments

Sunoref

When ARVI becomes chronic, Sunoref will help cope with the problem. It has an anti-inflammatory and disinfecting effect.

Ingredients: eucalyptus oil, camphor, streptocide, ephedrine. The latter belongs to substances with narcotic effects, therefore this medicine Can be purchased at a pharmacy only with a doctor's prescription. Not recommended for hypertension and individual intolerance.

Anemone

It is possible to prescribe the drug for rhinitis, which is accompanied by copious liquid discharge. For application use cotton swabs or sticks. The recommended course of treatment is two weeks with application twice a day. Allergic reactions are possible, so it is not prescribed to patients under 18 years of age and nursing mothers.

Synthomycin

First of all, it helps with burns and abrasions, but it can also be prescribed to get rid of the symptoms of ARVI and in case of exacerbations of sinusitis and sinusitis. Relieves the feeling of congestion and dryness in the upper respiratory tract.

It should not be prescribed for liver diseases or disorders of the hematopoietic organs. Since we are talking about an antibiotic, its prescription for pregnant women should be discussed separately with the doctor.

Boromentholovaya

The main ingredients of the product are menthol, boric acid and petroleum jelly, which have an effective effect on various diseases of the upper respiratory tract. The drug is prescribed as an additional drug to eliminate inflammation. Two or three times a day is enough. Not suitable for children under five years of age.

With propolis

The famous bee product is effective in treating many diseases. It also helps well with the first symptoms of a runny nose and its complications. Propolis is also useful because, in addition to its anti-inflammatory effect, it helps strengthen the immune system.

The cooled product is crushed, mixed with butter and peach oil and mixed thoroughly. Turundas lubricated with the resulting mixture are placed alternately in one and the other nostril for 5-10 minutes. A remedy with propolis for a runny nose is not used for patients prone to allergic reactions.

There is no need to rely on ointments as a panacea to completely get rid of a runny nose. Many patients, as well as young and inexperienced mothers, tend to exaggerate their positive effects. But competent and timely use of ointments in combination with other medications gives a positive and lasting effect.

In the arsenal of modern medicine there is a huge number of means to combat rhinitis or other diseases of the upper respiratory tract. The pharmacy can always offer you a choice of drops, sprays, and tablets. It is necessary to take medications, taking into account not only the symptoms of the disease, but also the cause that caused the disease.

Often, doctors prescribe an antiviral nasal ointment for ARVI, rather than regular drops. Some consider it ineffective, but this is a mistaken opinion. Any drug will have its effect if taken correctly, and most importantly, taking into account the symptoms and cause of the disease.

Classification of antiviral drugs

All drugs that are designed to fight viruses can be divided into several groups:

Natural. Such preparations contain phytoncides from onions and garlic. Everyone knows the antiviral activity of these vegetables, so infusions from them are often used for treatment.
Synthetic, for example oxolinic ointment.
Biological. These are all medications containing interferon, for example Viferon.

It is worth noting that whatever antiviral drugs you choose, they are most effective in the first three days of illness.

If we consider the drugs used in general, they can also be divided into several groups:

Antiviral.
Antiseptic.
Combined.
Homeopathic.

Any medicine always has its indications and contraindications, so you should not self-medicate, it is better to seek advice from a doctor.

Antiviral agents

With the onset of cold weather in the autumn-winter period, almost everyone is faced with such problems as colds and runny nose. In these cases, it is very important to have a remedy on hand that will help resist the infection. Antiviral agents suppress the activity of viruses and microbes and have clinically proven effectiveness.

Oxolinic ointment

Antiviral nasal ointment “Oxolinic” will be a good helper. Many people believe that if you apply it to the nasal mucosa every day before going outside, then no viruses will attack you. has clear antiviral activity. The components included in it are able to block the connection of the influenza virus with cell membranes, which means that it simply cannot penetrate inside the cell.

This ointment is available in various concentrations. If you decide to use nasal ointment, then you should choose one with an active ingredient concentration of 0.25%.

To prevent viral diseases, it is necessary to lubricate the nasal mucosa 2-3 times a day, especially before going outside. This drug has virtually no contraindications, so it can be used even by children.

"Viferon"

There is also an antiviral nasal ointment “Viferon”. This drug is classified as biological. "Viferon" is not only a good antiviral agent, but also an immunomodulator. This antiviral nasal ointment is prescribed in many cases, for example:

During a viral epidemic or treatment of diseases, children 1-2 years old need to apply nasal ointment three times a day, and adults and children over 2 years old can use the drug 4 times a day.

Many doctors consider Levomekol ointment an excellent remedy for getting rid of nasal congestion. This is explained by the fact that she:

Speeds up metabolic processes.
Relieves inflammation.
Has an antimicrobial effect.

Despite the large number of advantages, this ointment has some contraindications for use; it cannot be used if:

Cotton swabs must be soaked in the ointment and inserted into the nasal passages for a while.

Combination drugs

Complex drugs always have a more pronounced effect, which is why doctors prefer them in the treatment of most diseases.

Combined ointments have several properties:

Nasal breathing becomes easier.
Dryness in the nasal passages disappears.
Protects against viral infections.

You just need to take into account that this antiviral nasal ointment is not suitable for children under 2 years of age; you will have to opt for another drug.

Homeopathic medicines

Homeopathy has firmly entered our lives; in the treatment of many diseases, they try to use such drugs as they are more gentle on the body. There are also homeopathic ointments for the nose; they have a number of advantages over others, since they immediately have a complex effect:

Stimulates a person's own immunity.
They have a clear antiviral effect.
They have an antihistamine effect.
Relieves inflammation.
Remove swelling of the mucous membrane.

Since such preparations consist almost entirely of natural ingredients, such nasal ointment for children is quite suitable for treatment.

Such drugs include: During a runny nose, it is necessary to apply it to the mucous membrane or use cotton swabs for these purposes. Use time is about 10 minutes several times a day. The procedure must be carried out over 1-2 weeks.

The ointment is well tolerated by patients, it is approved for use even by pregnant women, but it is still better to consult a doctor before use.

Nasal ointment for pregnant women

Getting sick is always bad, but not everyone can avoid it. Some are saved by preventive vaccinations, others take folk recipes, but sometimes this does not help.

The issue of preventing viral infections is especially relevant during pregnancy. During this period, a woman is responsible not only for her own life, but also for the well-being of the growing life inside her.

It is not always possible to avoid infection, so if you have a runny nose, you should select an antiviral nasal ointment for pregnant women that would not harm the small lump inside the abdomen.

Most doctors recommend using oxolinic ointment during pregnancy for prophylactic purposes. This antiviral nasal ointment is applied to the mucous membrane and prevents viruses from entering the cell. In addition, it has proven itself well in the fight against herpes.

The popularity of this ointment can also be explained by its availability and relatively low price, which for many buyers is often a decisive factor when choosing a medicine.

Nasal ointment for children

Children get colds even more often than adults, so parents are constantly faced with the question of how to resist infections, and if infection has already occurred, how to quickly cope with the disease.

Everyone knows that the drugs that adults use to fight the virus cannot always be used in therapy in children. This should also be remembered when choosing an antiviral nasal ointment for children.

Before purchasing, you should always consult with your doctor; do not self-medicate, especially for a child. Here is a list of nasal ointments that can be used in children:

Oxolinic ointment can be easily used in children; it has practically no contraindications, but before this it is necessary to exclude allergic reactions to the components of the drug.
"Viferon" is an excellent antiviral nasal ointment for infants.

Vishnevsky ointment is not prescribed to children under 6 years of age. At older ages, kidney disease is a contraindication. Ointment "Levomekol" due to the presence of an antibiotic also cannot be used in preschool age.

Even if the ointment is approved for use in children, it is still necessary to consult a doctor before use. Everyone’s body is different, diseases progress individually, so the remedy is not always universal for everyone.

Even all children have different symptoms. One child, despite the high temperature, rushes around the apartment, and the other lies in bed almost the whole day, while refusing to eat.

When children are sick, it is always quite difficult for parents in this situation. Everyone had thoughts that it was better to get sick a hundred times yourself than to see a child suffer from an unbearable cough or nasal congestion.

But no one is immune from diseases, so more attention needs to be paid to the prevention of viral diseases. In these cases, antiviral nasal ointment will come in handy. Your pediatrician will always tell you its name.

Before use, it is imperative to check how the body accepts this product. To do this, apply the ointment to a small area of skin and watch the reaction. If there is no redness or burning sensation, then it can be used.

How effective is antiviral ointment for the nose? Many attribute miraculous properties to it. I smeared it on my nostrils - and into the people! Children's nasal passages are heavily smeared before taking them to kindergarten, and for themselves - if everyone is sneezing and coughing at work. Pregnant women place special hopes on the ointment, because they should not get colds. So does this remedy help?

The range of medications designed to protect against infection today is simply enormous. But not everyone is happy with the prospect of swallowing pharmaceutical “chemicals” in the hope that this will help them avoid it. It is much safer to use topical prophylactic medications. And the most popular among such products is antiviral ointment for the nose. Patients and some doctors are confident that it will not only prevent colds and flu, but will also speed up recovery.

What is the therapeutic and prophylactic effect of such ointments based on? They contain special substances, upon contact with which the virus dies, without having time to get inside and infect the entire body. And since infections are transmitted primarily by airborne droplets (through the nose), such a barrier turns out to be reliable and effective.

About the types of the drug

All drugs that can resist viruses are divided into the following groups:

natural (Fleming ointment). They contain plant phytoncides (garlic and onions are involved);
artificial (obtained synthetically). This is the well-known Oxolinic ointment;
biological. Medicines whose action is due to the presence of the animal protein interferon (Viferon).

Whatever remedy ends up in your nose, it will show the highest antiviral effectiveness in the first 3 days from the onset of the disease.

Ointments that have clinically proven effectiveness (that is, they are truly capable of suppressing the pathogenic activity of microbes):

Oxolinic. Probably everyone has heard about her. It actually has high antiviral activity. Substances from its composition are able to block the interaction of the virus with the cell membrane - the “pest” will not be able to get inside the cell. In the preparation for adults, the active ingredient is 0.25% (per 10 g). If it is used for the purpose of prevention, then it is necessary to lubricate the nasal mucosa 2 to 3 times a day, before going outside (during the period of exacerbation of viral infections);
antiviral nasal ointment Viferon is an immunomodulator. Indications for its use are ARVI and influenza, herpes, papillomas and warts. For adults and children over 2 years of age, it should be used up to 4 times a day. The main active ingredient of the ointment is interferon. It practically does not enter the bloodstream, acting at the local level. While using Viferon, you may experience a slight and short-lived burning sensation in the nose, as well as sneezing. But such phenomena pass quickly and on their own;
Infagel. Also contains an immunomodulator (interferon). It produces a strong antiviral effect and boosts the immune system, so it is advisable to use it to treat local manifestations of viral infection and prevent infection. The bioavailability of Infagel reaches 80%, the maximum concentration of interferon in the skin is observed 1-4 hours after application. The ointment should be placed in the nasal passages twice a day (no longer than 30 days).

Antiviral nasal ointment for children: what is allowed and what will help?

In children, the problem of colds is even more acute than in adults. Therefore, all parents are concerned about how to prevent their baby from getting sick or how to help him cope with the disease as quickly as possible (if prevention did not work).

Everyone knows that many drugs that adults use are not suitable for children. Caution should also be exercised with antiviral ointments. Self-medication (even at the local level) can be dangerous for the child. Here is a list of ointments that are allowed for small patients:

Oxolinic. It has almost no contraindications. The only limitation is individual intolerance. The ointment contains only 2 components - dioxotand petroleum jelly. This remedy has only preventive abilities; once the disease has begun, it will no longer be able to help;
Viferon. Can even be used for babies.

Safe virus protection for pregnant women

Unfortunately, despite all the precautions, pregnant women cannot avoid getting sick. After all, they cannot not leave the house for months, and their immunity, as is known, is reduced by the body itself. Antiviral nasal ointment for pregnant women is a good, affordable, and most importantly, safe way to prevent colds. Doctors recommend that expectant mothers use oxolinka. If you are “lucky enough” to pick up a respirator, then Viferon or Infagel will do.

Rules for the use of ointments with antiviral activity

Although the ointment is not a tablet, it is still better to conduct a tolerance test before using even such a proven remedy as oxolinka. To do this, simply apply a small amount of the drug to a limited area of the skin and observe the body’s response. If there is no burning and redness, then you can use it in delicate areas - the nasal mucosa. And for pregnant women and children, it is wiser not to take risks and consult a specialist.

In order for the ointment to have a good effect, you should thoroughly clean the nasal cavity (blow your nose) before using it. Since babies do not yet know how to do this, the mother must carefully prepare the nose herself using a cotton swab.