Cold and flu drugs in the form of powders are very convenient to use, especially for those who do not like to drink pills. The soluble form allows you to make the medicine a hot drink, which can give the desired taste - sweeten, add honey, dilute, so that the taste is not too sharp.
What are antivirals in the form of powders?
Cold powders are bulk agents that are packaged in sachets that contain a single dose of the active substance. The powder is designed to prepare a solution for ingestion. The contents of the bag poured into a glass and diluted with water. It is recommended to use at least 200 g (cup) of boiled water.
The active ingredient of most cold powders is paracetamol. That is why they can not be taken simultaneously with other antipyretic drugs in order to avoid overdose. Not one, but several active substances may be present - together with paracetamol, there can be phenylephrine, caffeine, pheniramine. They complement the effect of the drug vasoconstrictor, invigorating and anti-allergic effect. The use of combined funds must be agreed with the doctor.
Additional substances - sugar, flavorings, substances that improve the solubility of the powder, preservatives. They are necessary for the resulting medicinal drink to be pleasant to the taste, and the powder can be stored for a long time.
Indications for use
Powders are used as a pathogenetic and symptomatic agent for treating colds and flu. They are used to alleviate the condition, but it should be remembered that they do not affect the activity of the virus and its spread. The patient who has taken the powder will feel better, his working capacity will increase, but he will still spread the pathogens, so you should not forget about the mask.
Symptoms for which powders are effective:
- high temperature (above 38 °);
- headache;
- runny nose, watery eyes;
- cough;
- weakness, inability to concentrate on work;
- sore throat.
The drugs are used for various viral infections of the upper respiratory tract, influenza, and lung bacterial infections as part of complex therapy.
To improve the effectiveness, powders should be combined with general strengthening procedures, especially carefully observe the work and rest regime, and for bacterial infections, it is mandatory to drink antibiotics.
When powder is contraindicated
The list of contraindications for receiving the powder is quite large. For example, one should not drink such remedies in case of exacerbation of gastrointestinal diseases, first of all, peptic ulcer. Paracetamol has the property to provoke the development of a gastric ulcer (ulcerogenic effect) and aggravate its exacerbations.
Other common contraindications are blood clotting disorders and medications that thin the blood. Pathologies of hematopoiesis, treatment with cytotoxic drugs - the reasons for refusing to take cold powders.
With diabetes should take drugs with caution - almost all of them contain sugar. It is advisable to replace powders with anti-sugar pills without sugar, and if there is a need to take exactly soluble drugs, the insulin dose should be calculated taking into account the increased intake of glucose.
Also among the contraindications are heart, kidney and liver failure, prostatitis and prostate adenoma, allergic to any of the components, epilepsy. The list for each specific powder may vary depending on the composition.
During pregnancy and breastfeeding, you should take these medicines only as directed by your doctor.
List of inexpensive and effective cold and flu powders
On the shelves of pharmacies you can find a huge number of different powders for colds and flu. All of them are sold without a doctor's prescription, so patients often make choices according to their own criteria. Below is a sample list of powders.
Star
Powder Star Flew has no relation to the famous balm "Golden Star".
It includes paracetamol, phenylephrine and ascorbic acid. Thus, the asterisk lowers the temperature, fights against the cold and strengthens the immune system. Lemon, orange or raspberry flavored powder is packaged in single-dose packets.
You should take one sachet every 4 hours, but no more than 4 pieces per day. If there is no relief within 5 days of continuous use, you should stop taking the drug and consult a doctor (it is better to do so sooner). The approximate price is 200 rubles for a box of 5 sachets.
Vicks
Vicks Active SymptoMax Powder contains the same ingredients as Asterisk, but it contains significantly less vitamin C.
On efficiency it is comparable with the previous preparation.
It is applied 4 times a day, the maximum course of treatment is 3-5 days.
The approximate price is 190 rubles for 5 packages.
Coldrex
Coldrex Hotrem is the most famous cold powder in the domestic market. The composition is similar to the previous preparations - it contains paracetamol, phenylephrine and ascorbic acid.
Method of application and dosage are the same - no more than 4 sachets per day, the course of treatment - no more than 5 days in a row.
It is not recommended to take the medicine with interruptions in order to reduce the risk of side effects, this reduces its effectiveness. Approximate price - 195 rubles for 5 bags.
Teraflu
Teraflu, like the previous preparations, contains paracetamol, phenylephrine and ascorbic acid.
In addition, it includes pheniramine - an antihistamine drug that reduces the body's susceptibility to toxins of pathogens and their metabolic products, as well as reduces the intensity of the inflammatory process.
Means is applied three times a day. The recommended duration of treatment is no more than 4 days. Approximate price - 175 rubles / 4 sachets.
Rinza
Means Rinza comes in the form of powders and tablets. The powder contains paracetamol, phenylephrine and caffeine, as well as flavoring agents.
The tool not only relieves cold symptoms, but also fights with general weakness and fatigue, increases efficiency. Unlike some other similar means does not cause drowsiness after application.
It is not recommended to take before bedtime. Coffee lovers will have to reduce the daily dose of their favorite drink. The approximate price is 160 rubles / 5 packages.
Angigrippin
Antigrippin contains three active ingredients - paracetamol, ascorbic acid, and chlorphenamine plays the role of an antihistamine.
Available in two flavors - honey and lemon and chamomile.
Take 2 times a day, the course of treatment - no more than 4 days.
Approximate price - 250 rubles for 5 bags.
AnviMax
Anvimax as well as traditional components - paracetamol and ascorbic acid, contains additional properties.
Rimantadine is an antiviral agent effective for colds and flu, calcium gluconate is an agent that reduces the permeability of the vascular wall, reduces edema and prevents hemorrhages.
Loratadine, also part of the drug, is an antihistamine component.
The medication has a side effect that must be considered - it always causes drowsiness. Approximate price - 160 rubles / 6 packages.
ACC
Acetylcysteine is available in several dosage forms, including powder. It is intended to facilitate the removal of sputum, and is prescribed when coughing.
It is also prescribed for the more severe pathologies of the respiratory system - bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis, bronchitis, pneumonia.
It is recommended to take one sachet every 6 hours. The duration of treatment is about 5 days. Approximate price - 120 rubles / 20 bags.
Cold powders for children
The use of cold powders in pediatrics requires more caution. It is necessary to take into account the peculiarities of the child's body, for example, imperfect thermoregulation, due to which the temperature easily rises. Syrup or antipyretic suppositories are more commonly used for children. Powder preparations are not recommended for patients younger than 3 years.
Fervex children
The tool is intended for children over 6 years.
Contains paracetamol, pheniramine and vitamin C - relieves fever, mucosal swelling, strengthens the immune system.
The product can be applied three times a day, if the condition does not improve on the third or fourth day, it should be canceled and consult a doctor.
Approximate price - 300 rubles for 5 bags.
Antigrippin children
It has a composition close to Fervexu. Instead of pheniramine, it contains chlorphenamine, an antihistamine.
The medicine is allowed for children over 4 years old.
It is used no more than 3 times a day, the maximum course of treatment is 3 days.
It should not be taken without the appointment of a pediatrician, because there is a risk to cause serious enough complications from the liver.
Approximate price - 290 rubles for 10 effervescent tablets.
Bronhomishka
This is a plant-based drug that contains extracts of Althea root (mucolytic agent), raspberry leaves (febrifuge), plantain leaves (antiseptic and mucolytic agent), as well as ascorbic acid and sugar.
The drug does not contain paracetamol, so it is allowed for children from 2 years.
Before using it, you need to make sure that your baby is not allergic, as herbal preparations can cause a similar reaction. Approximate price - 130 rubles.
Powder for colds will be more effective if combined with general strengthening procedures. It is possible and necessary to take vitamin complexes with such agents, but you need to monitor the content of vitamin C - it is available in almost all drugs, overdose is possible.
If there are no noticeable improvements within 3-4 days, you need to consult a doctor. In children, this should be done earlier - for 2-3 days of treatment.
