Oxolinic ointment for the prevention of influenza. Oxolinic ointment (oxolin): application - indications and methods, contraindications, analogues

Oxolinic ointment– a drug containing the active substance naphthalene-1,2,3,4-tetron. It, according to the manufacturers, prevents the penetration of a number of viruses into the cells of the skin and mucous membranes. Oksolin was synthesized in the USSR in 1970; its analogues appeared in Russia in the early 2000s. The drug is not used abroad. At the moment, its effectiveness is in question.

Indications for use

Oxolinic ointment is used much more often for the prevention of diseases than for treatment.

Her used for warning:

1. Shingles.
2. Molluscum contagiosum.
3. Warts caused by the human papillomavirus.
4. Dühring's dermatitis.

Important! Oxolinic ointment will not help in prevention bacterial infections(, etc.). Therefore, when visiting patients, it is necessary to use cotton-gauze bandage, and it is better to minimize the risk of accidental infection in other ways.

It is advisable that the indications for use be confirmed by the attending physician. However, if this is not possible, or the patient is confident in his diagnosis, then within reasonable limits it is allowed to take the ointment without consulting a specialist.

Release forms and dosage

Oksolin in pure form- It is a white powder, highly soluble in water. However, it decomposes quite quickly, and therefore is sold in pharmacies exclusively in the form of an ointment. In addition to the active substance, the composition includes petroleum jelly.

The ointment may contain 0.25% oxoline or 3%. The first option is suitable for treating mucous membranes, the second - only for the skin. The color of the ointment can be white or yellowish. Sometimes it may appear translucent or blue when applied to the skin. Any deviations from the specified colors may indicate that it has deteriorated. In this case, it is better not to use it.

The ointment is available in large (30 grams) and small (10 grams) tubes. If it is required for treatment, it is better to purchase it in reserve. To prevent colds, it is much more convenient to use small packaging. In addition, you don’t have to worry about the expiration date.

Storage

Depending on the type of ointment, it can be stored for 2 or 3 years. The expiration date must be checked on the packaging or package insert. Storage temperature ranges from 5° to 15°. It means that the best place for her - a refrigerator, a cellar, a vestibule.

The manufacturer does not provide data on shelf life at room temperature. However, most often the ointment is contained in such conditions. IN in this case you need to carefully monitor the smell, color and consistency of oxoline. Perhaps, at the end of the shelf life, the active substance will already lose its properties, and the ointment will become useless.

Method of application, course duration

Three percent ointment

Previously, oxolin of this concentration was used to treat warts and papillomas. Today, the method is considered obsolete, since a number of other means have been proven to help much more effectively. Even this folk remedy, like celandine juice, allows you to quickly get rid of warts. However, if you cannot find/buy another drug, you should not give up Oxoline. It is applied directly to the affected areas (warts, papillomas) several times a day for 1-2 months.

3% oxolin can be used for prevention skin diseases, applying it to the area of ​​suspected contact with the patient. Typically the area of ​​maximum risk is the hands. Diseases such as papilloma and molluscum contagiosum are often transmitted through handshakes.

Use of the drug with a concentration of 0.25%

Oxalin 0.25% can be used for treatment viral conjunctivitis . However, this should only be done if you don’t have more at hand. effective means. For treatment, the ointment is placed behind the eyelid 2-3 times a day for 2 weeks. Herpes stomatitis treated by first clearing the affected areas of crusts using sea buckthorn or Vaseline oil. Good decision Additionally, before applying the ointment, rinse your mouth with calendula or chamomile. The application scheme is similar.

The main area of ​​application of the ointment today is the prevention of colds of a viral nature.. The course can last up to 30 days. It is necessary to smear the nose in the area of ​​the passages with oxolin 2-3 times a day, which will help prevent infections. In this case, it is better to use a cotton swab and apply a small amount of product to it.

It is worth remembering that the ointment will not help with mouth breathing.. Therefore, it should be avoided when visiting places with large crowds of people and traveling on public transport.

Contraindications

Oxolinic ointment of any concentration cannot be used for allergies. The drug can intensify its symptoms. Besides, side effects from oxoline can blur the picture of the disease and make it difficult to identify its cause.

The second clear contraindication is increased sensitivity to the components of the drug. Unfortunately, you can only find out about its presence through experience. Reactions such as a burning sensation that does not go away within a few minutes, swelling, rhinitis, etc., indicate that you should stop taking oxolin in the future.

Oxolinic ointment during pregnancy

The issue of using ointment during pregnancy is considered controversial.

Traditionally it is believed that the benefits of taking the drug should exceed potential harm for the baby's health and expectant mother. The fact that it is well absorbed into the blood through the mucous membranes speaks against taking oxolin. This means that, despite local application, about 20% of the active substance enters the body when applied to the mucous membrane and 5% when applied to the skin.

On the other hand, oxolin does not accumulate in the body and is completely excreted in urine in less than 24 hours, so be afraid long-term consequences doesn't make sense. Long-term observations have not shown any unwanted effects when taking oxolin by pregnant women.

Therefore, pregnant women can be given the following recommendations: the use of ointment is advisable during the peak of colds. Flu can bring much more harm baby than oxolin.

Oksolin and children

According to the instructions for use, oxolinic ointment for children can be used starting from the age of two. Question about more early use is controversial due to the lack of large-scale studies. The reasons for not using it for up to 2 years are:

• The child’s narrow nasal passages, which the ointment can clog if the parents carelessly took too large a piece.
• The lacrimal ducts, nasal canal and middle ear are closely located and communicate well in infancy. This means that if there is an infection (viral rhinitis or conjunctivitis), it can easily spread and, together with the ointment, get into neighboring cavities.
• A clot of ointment that a child may accidentally inhale through the nose can cause airway obstruction (blockage). This is also due to the narrowness of the trachea. Parents will be able to tell that something is wrong by the whistling sound the baby makes when trying to breathe.

Some parents still use oxolinic ointment for young children without any harmful effects.

Such actions are justified if:

1. The child is already able to use gestures or sounds to attract the parent’s attention if he feels discomfort and indicate the reason for it.
2. You are planning to leave home for some event, especially during the peak period of colds, or visiting the clinic on a day that is not your “own” day.
3. The child is not breastfed. Mother's milk in itself is a means of preventing disease. It contains antibodies that create an immune barrier to infection. The baby is under reliable protection.

Some mothers smear their babies not on the nasal mucous membranes themselves, but on its vestibule. Unfortunately, this measure is practically useless, since the zone of action of the viruses that cause colds does not affect the skin.

During lactation, oxolinic ointment should be used with caution.. There is no data on whether it passes into breast milk and whether it affects the baby. After use, it is necessary to monitor the child for 24 hours, paying attention to skin rashes or problems with the gastrointestinal tract (diarrhea, constipation or vomiting).

Side effects

The most common side effect of oxolin is a burning sensation at the site of application. This applies to both the skin and mucous membranes. Rhinitis is less common. Normally, such effects do not last more than 1-2 minutes.

Some patients noted bluish skin, which is most likely due to the light refraction characteristics of the ointment itself. Any additional side effects should be reported to the manufacturer if observed.

Direct analogues of oxolinic ointment

A total of two analogues were produced of this medicine– oxonaphthalene and tetraxaline. The first one was produced in Ukraine from 2000 to 2009. At the moment, it is not available in pharmacies, including online stores. By therapeutic properties it was very close to oxolin. The manufacturer indicated that it works against all viruses, with the exception of HIV.

Tetraxoline was produced on the territory of the Russian Federation. Production started in 2008, the registration period has not yet expired.

Oxolinic ointment substitutes and alternatives

These medications differ from the previous group in that they have a different composition, but their action is close to oxolin. Its substitutes include:

The effectiveness of oxolin: pros and cons

The question of whether oxolin helps or not is still controversial among doctors. Most modern experts unanimously claim that the ointment is completely useless and can only give a placebo effect.

People first started talking about its ineffectiveness back in 1998, when an article by L.S. was published in the Russian Medical Journal. Strachunsky, professor and doctor of sciences. He claims: “The effectiveness of such popular drugs as oxolinic ointment ... has not been proven in randomized studies.” Moreover, in his article he says that no means of preventing viral infection can be considered effective, citing the American doctor J. Bartlett. Today, the popular pediatrician E. O. Komarovsky takes the same position.

However, many doctors and scientists in the early 2000s, even in their doctoral works, noted the effectiveness of the remedy. Massive studies were conducted at enterprises to reduce the incidence of ARVI. Oksolin received the status of a drug "with average efficiency". The lack of randomized trials, which opponents of the ointment so ardently claim, only means that the medicine was not tested in two comparative groups (one receiving the funds, the other not). Obviously, such experiments are still to come.

Based on this, we can say that oxolin is able to prevent infection and be active against viruses. However, you should not expect 100% effect from it. There is still a certain risk of infection.

Price of oxolinic ointment and customer reviews

Users cite its low cost as the main advantage of oxolin. Depending on the region and pharmacy, the price can range from 21 to 120 rubles. Another advantage is the availability of the drug. It can be found in any pharmacy; almost every home has oxolinic ointment. Sensitive people note that another advantage is the absence of odor. Since the ointment is often applied specifically to the nose area, the strong aroma could cause serious discomfort.

On average, buyers rate oxolin's activity highly. On leading consumer websites it is rated 4.3-4.5 out of 5. Its most frequent customers are moms and dads.

Parents actively use the ointment when sending their child to children's groups or when there is a sick person in the family. Many pregnant women happily use the ointment without experiencing any negative consequences.

Oxolinic ointment is an antiviral drug. Area of ​​use: treatment, prevention of all kinds of viral pathologies. The name of the drug according to the INN and RLS is Dioxotetrahydroxytetrahydronaphthalene. The medicine is prepared in the form of an ointment. At the moment, you can find two types of the drug on sale: for nasal and external use. In the first case, the concentration of the active substance is 0.25%, in the second - 3%.

The differences between the two types of antiviral oxolinic ointment lie in the content of the active substance and the area of ​​the human body where the medicine can be used.

The nasal preparation is suitable for application to the nose, eyes, mouth, vagina and other mucous membranes. Speaking about whether it is possible to smear it in the mouth, it should be noted that oxolinic ointment is often used for all kinds of dental diseases and viral infections of the gums.

be careful

The presence of papillomas, warts, condylomas, moles and spines on the body is the first sign of malignant melanoma!

We hasten to warn you that most medications “treat” warts, papillomas, moles, etc. - this is a complete deception of marketers who make hundreds of percentage points on drugs whose effectiveness is zero. They do not cure the disease, but only mask the symptoms.

The pharmacy mafia makes huge money by deceiving sick people.

But what to do? How to treat if there is deception everywhere? Doctor medical sciences Anatoly Makhson held own investigation and found a way out of this situation. IN this article The doctor also told how to 100% protect yourself from melanoma, for only 149 rubles!
Read the article in the official source on link.

Oxolinic ointment for children

Pediatricians prescribe the use of oxolinic ointment for children, infants and newborns. This is a safe and effective antiviral drug that actively affects pathogenic microorganisms, kills viral particles, preventing them from further multiplying. It is difficult to say at what age this drug can be used, because it all depends on the type of pathology, stage of the disease, individual characteristics child and doctor's opinion.

If oxolinic ointment was prescribed to treat a child, then you should choose a type of medicine containing 0.25% oxolinic acid. If you bought oxolinic ointment 3%, then it is prohibited to use it for the treatment or prevention of viral diseases in children. Percentage The active substance of the drug must be indicated on the packaging, so it is quite difficult to confuse medications.

3% ointment can be used exclusively for treating external skin in the event of the appearance of viral and infectious manifestations. Applying such a drug to the mucous membrane (in children or adults) is strictly prohibited, because in this case there is a high probability of a severe allergic reaction and structural damage to tissues.

Most often, oxolinic ointment is used during periods of exacerbation of all kinds of colds, during an epidemic of acute respiratory viral infections, rhinitis and influenza. If the drug is intended to be applied to the mucous membrane, then you should purchase a medicine containing an active substance of 0.25%.

The method of using oxolinic ointment in the case of babies is extremely simple - it should be placed in the child’s nasal passages (having previously cleaned them), trying to distribute the medicine in a small layer over internal surfaces(the nasal septum needs to be treated especially carefully). If the medicine is used for prevention, then a single application is enough. During therapy viral pathologies should be applied approximately 3-4 times a day - as recommended by a doctor.

One of the main advantages of using oxolinic ointment to combat various diseases is that the drug is completely safe if used strictly according to the instructions. The substances that make up the drug do not accumulate in the human body and are completely eliminated in about 1-2 days after use.

In some cases, children develop a characteristic burning sensation at the site of application of the ointment as a side effect - this is not scary, because such discomfort usually passes quickly and does not require external intervention.

Oxolinic ointment during pregnancy

Knowing about the many positive characteristics of oxolinic ointment, many women ask whether it can be used during pregnancy, early and later, with breastfeeding (lactation). IN official instructions There are no contraindications in this regard from the manufacturer of the drug.

Many experts do not recommend using this medicine for treatment and prevention if the emerging or suspected disease that the expectant mother is afraid of contracting does not pose a particular danger to the fetus. In other words, you can use the ointment if the expectant mother will receive more benefit from using the drug, and the risks of negative effects on the fetus will be insignificant.

Therefore, it is strongly not recommended to use this medication independently during pregnancy, regardless of the timing. If the medicine was prescribed by a doctor who knows about pregnancy and is familiar with the specific characteristics of his patient’s body, then it must be used.

Many doctors note that they often prescribe oxolinic ointment to their pregnant patients, because the risks of catching dangerous infection which may be harmful to the developing fetus are much higher than the risks of any negative impacts on the child from the side of the drug.

Doctors' opinions on the most effective methods of treating warts and papillomas

Describes his vision on this matter chief physician Moscow City Hospital No. 62. Anatoly Nakhimovich Makhson
Medical practice: more than 40 years.

“I have been treating people’s papillomas and warts for many years. I’m telling you as a doctor, papillomas along with HPV and warts can really lead to serious consequences if they are not dealt with.

The human papillomavirus is present in everyone on whose body there are papillomas, moles, warts and other pigmented formations. According to rough estimates, 80-85% of the planet's population has it. By themselves they are not dangerous. The problem is that an ordinary papilloma can become melanoma at any time.

It's incurable malignant tumors, which kill a person in just a few months and from which there is no escape.

Unfortunately, in Russia and the CIS countries, pharmaceutical corporations sell expensive medications that only relieve symptoms, thereby hooking people on one drug or another. That is why in these countries there is such a high percentage cancer diseases and so many people suffer from “non-working” drugs.

The only drug that I want to recommend, and it is also officially recommended by WHO for the treatment of papillomas and warts, is Papinol. This drug is the only remedy that has an effect not only on external factors (that is, it removes papillomas), but also acts on the virus itself. At the moment, the manufacturer has managed not only to create a highly effective product, but also to make it accessible to everyone. In addition, within the framework of the federal program, every resident of the Russian Federation and the CIS can receive it for 149 rubles.”

Oxolinic ointment: instructions for use

The official annotation and description of the drug say that oxolinic ointment can be used for nasal and external use. For treating skin on different areas 3% ointment is suitable for the body, and 0.25% is suitable for treating mucous membranes. Oxolinic ointment with an active substance content of 0.25% is also called ophthalmic ointment - it is used to treat the eyes (for example, with conjunctivitis), rubbed into the nasal passages, smeared on the gums and other similar areas where manifestations of viral pathologies develop.

If you do not know at what age and how many years oxolinic ointment can be used, then the description of the drug says that its use is possible from 2 years. At the same time, many doctors prescribe the medicine for the prevention of diseases and treatment of infectious pathologies in children under the age of one year - everything will depend on individual indications and the opinion of a specialist.

Here are instructions that indicate how to use oxolinic ointment 0.25%:

• For runny nose, rhinitis and other viral pathologies, the drug is applied directly into the nasal passages several times a day. The course of treatment is about a week. The nasal passages must be thoroughly cleaned before applying the ointment. Before using the drug, it is recommended to refrain from using vasoconstrictor medications.
• For viral eye pathologies The ointment should be placed behind the eyelid using a spatula or other suitable means. If the treatment of the disease is complex and includes several external agents, then ointment with oxoline is applied once and daily. If you use one oxolinic ointment, treatment is possible several times a day.
• To prevent viral epidemiological diseases, oxolinic ointment is placed in the nasal passages daily 1-2 times a day. The drug must be evenly distributed throughout the nasal passages - there should be no balls, lumps, etc.

For the treatment or prevention of viral pathologies that appear on the skin, oxolinic ointment 3% can be used. If any neoplasms or wounds appear on the skin caused by a viral infection, then the affected areas must be treated with oxolinic ointment. The treatment should be repeated two to three times a day. Apply using stroking movements without force, evenly distributing the drug over the sore spot. After application, the area should be covered with gauze or a bandage.

If skin lesions have a pronounced character, then the following method of applying oxolinic ointment 3% is used: the drug is applied to the diseased area in a thicker layer than in the first case (but you shouldn’t be overzealous either), after which the area is closed for about 12-24 hours with cling film, wax paper. In this case, the drug acts continuously throughout the day, giving a high-quality therapeutic effect.

To the main side effects oxolinic ointment can include the following effects that occur after its application: a short burning sensation in the application area, minor manifestations of redness of the skin, mild itching, increased discharge mucus from the nasal passages. All these side effects are temporary and disappear on their own after some time. There is no need to discontinue the drug.

Oxolinic ointment: composition

The drug contains oxolin as an active substance, which is responsible for the main medicinal properties medicines, and auxiliary: various paraffins (soft, white, liquid). The ointment has a pronounced whitish or yellowish tint (as the manufacturer may be different). In some cases, a pinkish tint is also allowed.

Speaking about how the medicine works and what the active substance does, we can describe the effect of the drug as follows: the main component (oxolin) comes into contact with pathogenic microorganisms, does not allow them to multiply, so they die without infecting healthy cells of the body, which slows down or completely prevents the development of pathology.

Oxolinic ointment: indications for use

Speaking about what oxolinic ointment helps and treats, we can note almost all common viral infectious diseases, which appear on the mucous membranes and skin of humans. You can find out why the ointment is needed and what it is used for in the instructions for the drug, but most often it is used: for stomatitis, for herpes, for the runny nose, for the flu, for colds, for condylomas, for acne, for molluscum contagiosum, for ARVI, for lichen, for conjunctivitis, for sinusitis, for papillomas, for wrinkles, for hemorrhoids, for HPV.

Oxolinic ointment is often used in gynecology, therapy, pediatrics, urology and a number of other medical fields.

Oxolinic ointment 3 percent

Oxolinic ointment can be of two types - with an active substance content of 3% and 0.25%. There are no 10% or 2% types of oxolinic ointment available for sale - these are their analogues or counterfeits.

3 percent oxolinic ointment can be used only for external use. It is perfect if any manifestations appear on the skin. viral infection: condylomas, different kinds neoplasms and growths.

The use of a drug containing 3% for use on mucous membranes is prohibited - there is a high probability of an allergic reaction and structural damage to epithelial tissue.

The effectiveness of oxolinic ointment

Oxolinic ointment, according to numerous reviews, really protects against viruses well of different nature, if used in for preventive purposes. The drug also perfectly fights the manifestations of viral pathologies during illness - it has a negative effect on microorganisms, preventing them from multiplying and developing in the future. Therefore, oxolinic ointment is often prescribed for prevention during epidemics.

This medicine does not cause any harm - it only brings benefits. If we talk about why oxolinic ointment is dangerous, we can highlight minor side effects: redness in the area of ​​application, slight itching, increased secretion of mucus from the nasal passages. Allergies are rare. Many people do not know why the skin turns blue after using oxolinic ointment. In this case, hyperpigmentation occurs, since oxolin increases the skin's sensitivity to light. There is a way out - hide the smeared area of ​​skin from the sun under clothes. Sometimes turning blue is a sign of an allergy to the drug. In this case it cannot be used.

How to store oxolinic ointment

The shelf life of the drug is three years. Storage conditions are as follows: temperature no more than 10 degrees (optimally in the refrigerator). After opening the package, the ointment can be stored for two years.

Oxolinic ointment: analogues

Many people, not finding oxolinic ointment in the pharmacy, do not know what to replace this drug with. Therefore, several analogues of this drug can be distinguished:

1. . What is better - Viferon or oxolinic ointment? It is impossible to answer this question correctly, because both drugs have a similar effect. At the same time, in terms of therapeutic characteristics, Viferon looks a little better, because it contains many useful auxiliary components, and therefore this drug gives a good antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and general strengthening effect.
2. Pinosol. This drug contains herbal and artificial components. The ointment gives good anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects, so it is good as a replacement for oxolinic ointment, but it is convenient to use only for the nose.
3. Balm " Golden Star" Consists of many types vegetable oils, which anesthetize the affected area and also give a good anti-inflammatory effect.
4. Evamenol. This medicine is in to a greater extent is an analogue of Pinosol, but in many respects it is similar to oxolinic ointment. Can be used as an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory drug.

There are other analogues with similar composition and therapeutic actions, but for a long time it is oxolinic ointment that remains one of the most popular drugs in its category.

Oxolinic ointment: reviews

Oxolinic ointment has been known for many years - it is effective, inexpensive drug, which has many positive feedback on forums from ordinary people and specialists. This medicine is an excellent remedy for treatment and prevention wide range viral infections.

Oxolinic ointment has long attracted the attention of doctors as an excellent antiviral agent. Dr. Komarovsky also paid attention to this medicine and expressed his opinion about it in this video:

The onset of winter cold, as a rule, brings with it not only the joy of sledding and snowball fights, but often also unpleasant moments, including the annual increase in the incidence of respiratory viral infections. In this regard, every parent faces the question: is it possible to protect a child from viruses and how to do this most effectively and at the same time safely? Most modern antiviral drugs are intended for oral administration, which is associated with certain risks of side effects, such as nausea, loss of appetite, and skin rashes. But even in the absence of such, not every parent would like to give healthy child tablets and syrups. In this case, we can recall the old and proven antiviral agent for several generations - oxolinic ointment.

Oksolinka, as it is popularly called, appeared on the shelves of pharmaceutical products almost half a century ago, and its simplicity and safety became the key to the popularity of the drug for many years. Let's try to understand the properties of this drug, find out whether it is worth relying on it, and how to use it correctly in order to achieve the desired result.

The medicine contains a single component, from which the name of the ointment itself comes - oxolin, which has significant antiviral activity. This means that viruses, upon contact with active substance, lose the ability to reproduce and die before they have time to carry out their harmful effects. To prevent respiratory viral diseases, which include influenza, as well as to treat an already established viral runny nose, you will need 0.25% ointment, available in 10 g packaging.

Areas of application

The most common infection with viral diseases occurs by airborne droplets when viruses large quantities present in the air of a closed room enter the nose when breathing. To create a reliable barrier and prevent infection, during the period of growth and peak of the flu epidemic, it is necessary to thoroughly lubricate the child’s nasal mucosa twice a day with cotton swab. According to the instructions, the drug can be used throughout the entire epidemic period for 25 days. And if it happens that the child has to constantly be in contact with patients, then the frequency of use can be increased to 3-4 times.

The effectiveness of the ointment increases when supplemented with other precautions, such as frequent washing hands, rinsing the nose with saline solutions, wearing a disposable mask when visiting clinics.

If someone in the family gets sick, you need to remember to regularly ventilate the rooms and wet cleaning - the effect of such simple actions is not inferior in importance to the use of oxolinic ointment.

Benefits of using the drug

• Safety

After reading the annotation for this medicine, you will not have to deal with its huge size and an endlessly long list of contraindications and side effects. The drug is non-toxic, does not accumulate in the human body, and also does not have a systemic effect, i.e. works only locally. The only limitation is increased individual sensitivity to the drug, which is extremely rare.

• Simplicity

Probably, every parent of a child has at least once struggled with calculating the dosage of medications, setting a reminder so as not to miss the exact hour of administration, guessing the time of breakfast or dinner in order to maintain the correct time interval between doses. Such problems do not arise with oxolinic ointment: what could be simpler than carefully applying the inside of the child’s nose before leaving the house?

• Speed ​​of onset of effect

If you apply an ointment, you do not have to wait long for the medicine to be absorbed and begin to act - it begins to work as soon as it hits the mucous membrane. You just have to remember to promptly renew the protective barrier with a fresh portion of ointment.

• No age restrictions

Most medicines are used for children starting from 2 or even 7 years old, but children under one year of age, like no one else, need protection during outbreaks. Oxolinic ointment, which has no age restrictions for use, invariably comes to the rescue in this case. The only thing you need to pay attention to is the concentration of the substance. 3% ointment is not suitable and can cause irritation to the delicate baby mucosa; 0.25% is exactly what is needed.

It is important to know! In the vast majority of cases, the drug is well tolerated by children, without causing any special sensations, but sometimes the use of the ointment may be accompanied by a slight irritating effect, causing a burning sensation. As a rule, you just need to distract the child for a while and the problem is solved. But you can reduce the concentration of the active substance by mixing the ointment in equal proportions with any neutral base before use: Vaseline or simple baby cream.

How long can I use the ointment?

The instructions indicate the exact period of use of the ointment - up to 25 days. Usually, during this time, an outbreak of a viral infection manages to go through its full path from development and growth to complete extinction. But in children's groups, the exchange of viral diseases constantly goes in a circle, periodically updated by not always healthy pupils, so that children younger age– the number one risk group for influenza and ARVI. According to pediatricians, the use of ointment is quite acceptable for more than long period(from November to the end of March). This is much more effective than resorting to completely sophisticated methods of protecting the child in the form of beads made from garlic cloves and other similar “decorations”.

Storage conditions

It is known that the effectiveness of any medical product has a direct dependence on compliance with the terms of its proper storage, which allows you to preserve its medicinal properties as much as possible. In the case of oxolinic ointment, the following conditions must be met:

• The tube of medicine must be stored at a temperature between 5°C and 15°C. This means that it must be in the refrigerator, which is often forgotten when focusing on the frequency of use.
• Do not store the drug longer than the indicated expiration date. It does not pose any danger, but using expired ointment will not have the desired effect.
• The place where the ointment is stored should be inaccessible to children to avoid it getting into the eyes and inside the child’s body.

Although it is worth noting that among the reviews of oxolinoline ointment there are assurances of its ineffectiveness both from doctors and from ordinary parents whose children underwent a course of its preventive use. However, it is highly doubtful that a drug that does not have the desired effect would be consistently sold and used for so many years. In order not to join the ranks of disappointed parents, you just need to pay attention to Special attention for its correct use.

Oxolinic ointment was developed and registered by domestic pharmacists back in 1970. In those distant times, the invention of a drug that could resist the influenza virus was a breakthrough in pharmaceuticals. Oxolin's only significant competitor was rimantadine, which had contraindications and some side effects. The safety and ease of use of the Soviet antiviral medicine became the key to its wide popularity.

Many products that were sold in pharmacies of the Soviet Union have long disappeared from the shelves and sunk into oblivion. And the good old Oxolinic ointment is still on sale, despite multiple assurances from both patients and some doctors about its complete ineffectiveness.

This means only one thing: the drug really works, at least for those people who buy it. After all, a medicine that has no effect cannot be sold steadily for 40 years!

Before you continue reading: If you are looking for an effective method of getting rid of runny nose, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, bronchitis or colds, then be sure to check out Book section of the site after reading this article. This information has helped so many people, we hope it will help you too! So, now back to the article.

Just like the Soviet antiseptic called “zelenka”, favorite remedy The second name comes from influenza. Pharmacists and fans affectionately nicknamed the medicine “Oxolinka.” Isn't this proof of universal recognition?

So, let's try to figure out what Oxolinic ointment is and what effect it actually has. Is it effective? And in what cases should you not rely on it?

Release forms, composition and pharmacological action of Oxolinic ointment

Modern pharmaceutical market offers two forms of release of the famous product:

– 0.25% ointment intended for the prevention of influenza, as well as the treatment of infections caused by adenovirus. This release form is applied to sensitive areas: nasal mucosa, membrane eyeball, per eyelid.

– 3% Oxolinic ointment will be needed in the treatment of dermatological viral diseases: herpes, herpes zoster, molluscum contagiosum. The concentrated form of release is intended for use on the skin, including damaged skin.

The drug contains a single component - complex Chemical substance with a long, unpronounceable name. pharmachologic effect Oxolinic ointment is based on the ability to have a virucidal effect upon direct contact with the virus. Simply put, viruses are inactivated and die when they come into contact with the active substance.

According to the instructions for use, the effectiveness of oxolinic ointment applies to several pathogens. These include the influenza virus, the herpes simplex virus - Herpes simplex, and adenovirus. In addition, a virucidal effect on the herpes zoster virus, human papillomavirus and molluscum contagiosum was recorded.

Flu medicine: applied externally

Influenza infection occurs in two ways: contact and, much more often, airborne droplets. It is known that influenza viruses are found in large quantities in the air. Before settling in and starting its destructive work, the virus must pass through the nasal passages. In order to ensure contact between the influenza pathogen and oxolin, it is enough to simply treat the nasal mucosa.

During the epidemic, Oxolinic ointment according to the instructions is best applied twice a day. The duration of use of the drug depends on the scale of the epidemic. As a rule, experts recommend using oxolin for preventive purposes for 25 days. It is during this period of time that the flu outbreak has time to reach its peak and decline, and the likelihood of infection is significantly reduced.

If you have to communicate with a patient with the flu, you should increase the frequency of applications per day to 3-4 times. Using a face mask and washing your hands frequently will further increase your chances of staying alert and healthy. If a family member is sick, we must not forget about timely wet cleaning and regular ventilation. The result of these seemingly simple actions is not inferior to, and sometimes even surpasses, the effectiveness of Oxolinic ointment.

Oxolinic ointment: safe use

A feature of oxolin, which, without a doubt, largely determined the enduring popularity of the drug, is safety. How often we are horrified by the size of the annotations for medicines! A long list contraindications and, even worse, side effects sometimes plunge the inexperienced reader into shock.

Oxolinic ointment is free of these disadvantages. This is largely due to the peculiarities of pharmacokinetics - the rate of absorption, distribution in the body and subsequent excretion of the active substance.

The instructions for use contain dry, seemingly unremarkable information, which nevertheless reflects the important properties of Oxolinic ointment. When treating the skin, only 5% of the drug is absorbed, and when applied to the mucous membranes, the amount of the active substance penetrating into the blood increases to 20%. These figures are especially telling when compared with the bioavailability of tablet drugs. Quantity medicinal substance, which enters the blood from the gastrointestinal tract, can reach 90% or even more. It is no wonder that tablets and syrups have side effects and have quite a wide list contraindications.

Oxolinic ointment is completely eliminated from our body within 24 hours, does not accumulate and does not have a systemic effect, that is, general action on the body. The toxic and irritating effect of the drug is excluded.

I would like to note that when applied to the nasal mucosa, a slight burning sensation is allowed, which lasts several minutes and does not cause discomfort. When using Oxolinic ointment to prevent influenza and ARVI in children, it is worth taking this nuance into account. If the baby begins to complain of a burning sensation in the nose, as a rule, it is enough to distract him for a while, and the problem will be solved.

Evidence-based medicine and Oxolinic ointment

Some experts draw attention to the lack of evidence base for the effectiveness of the famous medicine. Indeed, for more than 40 years of using Oxolinic ointment, not a single randomized clinical trial has been conducted that would prove the activity of the active substance against viruses. But all over the world it has long been customary to evaluate the performance of any medical drug based on data from double-blind randomized trials with placebo control.

Moreover, Oxolinic ointment is one of the few medicines that are used exclusively in the territory of the former USSR.

However, this does not prevent us from loving and using this drug. Numerous fans of Oxolinic ointment prove its antiviral effect on own experience. Our dedication is confirmed by consistently high sales of the drug in the autumn-winter period, which do not decline from year to year. Apparently, “Oxolinka” is not needed evidence base- its effectiveness has been confirmed by many years of practice of general practitioners and pediatricians.

And even experts who completely deny antiviral effect Oxolinic ointment, agree with the possibility of a placebo effect. Indeed, according to some data, in 40% of cases of drug use, a positive result can be due precisely to the effect of a dummy drug.

Oxolinic ointment - experience of use in children under one year old

We have already said that the drug is distinguished by the absence systemic action and cumulation, that is, the accumulation of the active substance in the body during long-term use. Due to these properties, as well as complete absence toxicity, Oxolinic ointment is widely used for the prevention of viral infections in infants - children in the first year of life.

Mothers should pay special attention to the concentration of the product purchased. If the erroneous use of the concentrated form of the drug in adults is not dangerous, then in infants the use of oxolinic ointment 3% can cause severe irritation of the delicate mucous membrane. Therefore, buying “Oxolinka” for infant, check the concentration of the medicine again.

The regimen for using Oxolinic ointment in children under one year of age is the same as for adult patients. Applying the drug to the nasal mucosa twice a day will help protect the child’s body during epidemics.

I would like to note that sometimes the instructions for Oxolinic Ointment indicate age limit for use. Some manufacturers do not recommend using the medicine in children under two years of age. This is due to the lack of clinical trials of the drug. Nevertheless, the use of Oxolinic ointment and its analogues for the prevention of infections in newborns has been approved by many pediatricians.

In the vast majority of cases, the drug is well tolerated. If immediately after using the product the baby behaves restlessly, there is a possibility of irritation of the hypersensitive nasal mucosa. In this case, it is better to reduce the concentration of the active substance. This is not difficult to achieve: just mix Oxolinic ointment for nasal use with any neutral base. Lanolin, Vaseline or even regular baby cream are ideal for these purposes. One part of the medicine and one part of the base must be thoroughly homogenized, that is, brought to a homogeneous state. There is no point in storing such a “homemade” product: the base can become an excellent environment for the proliferation of bacteria and viruses.

Oxolinic ointment for children: when, how and how much?

Young children are a risk category for ARVI and influenza. Groups in nurseries and kindergartens, crowded with not always healthy pupils, are the main breeding ground for infection. Therefore, the prevention of viral diseases is necessary, and the banal “oxolinka” is a real helper in this.

Despite the fact that the instructions for Oxolinic ointment indicate a clear period of use - 25 days - there may be reasons to use the drug for more long time. After all, unfortunately, ARVI in kindergarten and primary schools often “thrive” throughout the autumn-winter period. Working parents are forced to protect their children in all reasonable and not so reasonable ways, sometimes stooping to creating necklaces from garlic cloves and other jewelry. The effectiveness of such methods, unfortunately, is low.

Meanwhile, the convenient mode of use of Oxolinic ointment allows you to further protect children from infection without resorting to sophistication.

A prophylactic antiviral agent should be used from November to the end of March, when the cold season comes to an end. During periods of decline in the epidemic, you can take a break. According to the instructions, applying Oxolinic ointment twice to the nasal mucosa is quite enough to prevent seasonal infections in children of any age.

Oxolinic ointment during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Flu during pregnancy is not only unpleasant. Is it dangerous. Having an illness in the first trimester can lead to disaster. Therefore, avoiding infection is one of the first tasks of the expectant mother during the period of raging flu. Oxolinic ointment ranks first in the ranking of antiviral drugs approved for use during pregnancy. The safety of the drug allows its use in any trimester.

Prevention of viral diseases in nursing women is another stumbling block. During this period, the body is especially susceptible to the action of pathogenic microorganisms. Nine months of pregnancy, childbirth and subsequent breastfeeding undermine the immunity of even the healthiest woman. Pathogenic microorganisms actively attack a weakened body, and prevention of viral infections during this period is simply necessary.

Most antiviral drugs pass into breast milk and are therefore prohibited for use. Oxolin is practically not absorbed and therefore does not penetrate into milk. Oxolinic ointment, approved for use during lactation, is a simple means of prevention that can help a nursing mother stay on her feet.

The regimen for using the drug in pregnant and lactating women does not differ from the standard morning-evening regimen. In case of a large-scale flu epidemic, it is better to use the product within a month.

It is worth keeping in mind that clinical trials of the use of Oxolinic ointment in pregnant and lactating women have not been conducted. Therefore, sometimes in drug descriptions you can find the rather frightening phrase “no safety data available during pregnancy.” However, based on many years of practice and confirmed data on the absence of toxicity of the drug, therapists and obstetricians-gynecologists recommend the use of Oxolinic ointment.

Oxolinic ointment: help with a runny nose?

Cause inflammatory process mucous membrane of the paranasal sinuses - sinusitis - which we are used to calling a runny nose, usually lies in a viral infection. Most often, the causative agent is the ubiquitous adenovirus. Oxolinic ointment, as a drug that has a virucidal effect against this pathogen, can resist infection and speed up recovery.

When treating rhinitis, the order of application should be followed: various means. Typically the treatment regimen includes saline solutions and vasoconstrictor drugs. Any nasal ointment, including Oxolinic ointment, should be applied last after using the drops, so as not to wash off the layer of fatty base, and along with it the active substance.

I would like to draw your attention to the fact that Oxolinic ointment cannot relieve you of a runny nose right now. Restore nasal breathing Only vasoconstrictors are instantly capable. Oksolin can speed up recovery and enhance the effect of other drugs included in the treatment regimen.

Eye inflammation? And Oxolinic ointment helps again

The cause of keratoconjunctivitis - simultaneous inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the connective membrane of the eye, and the cornea - can be bacteria and viruses. Distinctive feature viral infection severe itching against the background of very scanty non-purulent discharge.

Often the causative agent is an adenovirus that is sensitive to oxoline. In such cases, an ointment containing 0.25% of the active substance should be placed behind the eyelid. The frequency of use is 2 or 3 times a day, and it is better to continue treatment for 5–7 days.

Oxolinic ointment also helps with keratitis, when the adenovirus affects only the cornea. However, we must not forget that an ophthalmologist should select the drug. Only a specialist can deliver correct diagnosis, distinguish between viral and bacterial infections and select the correct medicine. Remember that self-medicating eye diseases is too risky.

That nasty herpes

You probably know that the cause of the appearance of itchy, weeping blisters in the near-oral area is the herpes simplex virus, which infects up to 80% of the population of our planet. This pathogen most often enters the body in childhood and it is almost impossible to completely get rid of it. When our defenses decrease, the herpes simplex virus “wakes up.” We remember its existence, experiencing not the most pleasant sensations and scratching our swollen and painful lips.

A feature of Oxolinic ointment and its analogues is its virucidal effect against the herpes virus. You should not flatter yourself with the hope that the drug can permanently rid you of herpetic rashes. After all, most viruses hide in the nerve ganglia. However, the most active representatives are still concentrated in the liquid that fills the painful blisters. And the medicine can affect them directly.

To treat herpes, 3% oxolinic ointment is used, which should be applied to the elements of the rash three times a day. Treatment time depends on activity pathological process. Virologists recommend using oxolinic ointment for two weeks for uncomplicated herpes. If the disease is accompanied by relapses, then treatment can be continued for up to a month or even more.

Rare infections and Oxolinic ointment: does it help?

The activity of the active substance of the drug against the virus has been proven chickenpox Varicella zoster. This pathogen causes chickenpox, familiar to us from childhood. After recovery, the virus continues to live in the nerve ganglia. Years or even decades later, when immunity decreases, the microorganism can become more active and cause shingles.

Some pediatricians note the positive effect of Oxolinic ointment for chickenpox. Doctors' recommendations in such cases are standard: it is necessary to apply a 3% drug 2 or 3 times a day directly to the affected areas. If the rashes are also pronounced on the mucous membrane, you need to use a less concentrated 0.25% Oxolinic ointment - this helps to avoid irritation of the already inflamed membranes.

Another fairly rare infection against which oxolin is active is molluscum contagiosum. Under this mysterious name hides dermatological disease caused by a type of smallpox virus. For molluscum contagiosum, rashes, depending on location, are treated with 3% or 0.25% Oxolinic ointment twice a day. Treatment of this pathology can take several months. The absence of a systemic and cumulative effect of oxolin during long-term therapy plays an important role when choosing this drug.

Special applications: effectiveness questionable

There is information about the experience of using Oxolinic ointment in the treatment of benign skin lesions - genital warts and warts. The causative agent of these formations is the low-oncogenic human papillomavirus. There is evidence of some activity of oxoline against this microorganism.

However, today there is very little reliable information confirming the positive results from the treatment of warts and condylomas with Oxolinic ointment. Considering high level safety and low price of the drug, you can include it in the treatment regimen as additional means. But it is definitely impossible to call Oxolinic ointment the drug of choice in the treatment of human papillomavirus infection.

The statement that Oxolinic ointment helps with stomatitis looks very doubtful. The origin of this disease remains controversial to this day. It is not known for certain what microorganisms cause inflammation of the oral mucosa: bacteria, viruses or fungi. In some cases, infection occurs with two or even three microorganisms.

If the cause of stomatitis is an adenovirus or herpes simplex virus, there is some probability of the effectiveness of Oxolinic ointment. However, it is sometimes difficult to clearly identify the causative agent of the disease, and therefore confidence in positive result There is no treatment for stomatitis with oxolin. And, therefore, it is not worth using this drug as the main remedy for the treatment of stomatitis.

Oxolinic ointment: what to replace? Analogues of the drug

For a long time the drug had no analogues or competitors. It was only in 2006 that a product called Oxonaphthylene was registered. "Tetraxoline" is another analogue of "oxolinka", which appeared on the market in 2008.

I would like to note that by “analogs” of Oxolinic ointment, as, indeed, of any other drug, experts mean drugs with the same active ingredient. The release forms of oxonaphthylene and tetraxoline correspond to the concentrations of the original Oxolinic ointment - 0.25% and 3%.

There are others local drugs, which have an antiviral effect, which cannot be classified as direct analogues of Oxolinic ointment. These include nasal drops and rectal suppositories with interferon, the most famous representative of which is Viferon.

It is difficult to answer the question of what to choose as flu prevention - Oxolinic ointment, nasal drops or Viferon suppositories. After all, the mechanism of action of interferon drugs has nothing to do with pharmacological effect“Oxolinks” and is based on stimulation of immune forces. However, given that suppositories are absorbed into the blood and have a systemic effect, sometimes the advantages are on the side of Viferon. The final decision on the selection of a drug, especially in the case of disease prevention in frequently ill children, should be made by the attending physician.

If the doctor prescribed Oxolinic ointment, you can confidently replace it with the analogues Oxonaphthylene or Tetraxoline. At the same time, you can rest assured that these medications are completely identical.

Side effects

Side effects are extremely rare after using Oxolinic ointment. This is again directly related to the low absorption of the product and low toxicity.

Main side effects:

• short-term burning or discomfort in the area of ​​application. Most often, this effect is observed after applying the ointment to the mucous membranes;
• allergic dermatitis after using oxoline in sensitized, that is, sensitive patients. I would like to note that during many years of practice, the use of the drug has been registered isolated cases allergies. The chance of this side effect is less than 1%;
• blue coloration of the skin, which is easily washed off and cannot be a reason for discontinuation of the drug;
• rhinorrhea, that is, increased secretion of nasal mucus. This effect can be easily stopped with any vasoconstrictor drops and does not cause discomfort.

Oxolinic ointment: are there any contraindications?

We have come to the section that concerns all patients purchasing the drug. But this point will probably be one of the most laconic. There are simply no contraindications to the use of Oxolinic ointment. With the exception of individual sensitivity to the active substance.

Any average person can have an individual reaction to any, even the most harmless drug or cosmetic product. However, the vast majority of patients do not need to worry. Most often, people faced with similar manifestations, suffer from severe allergies and are aware of the peculiarities of their body.

In light of the numbers, the probability of individual sensitivity to Oksolinova ointment looks almost illusory: it barely reaches 0.1%.

How much is the medicine?

The cost of Oxolinic ointment is more than affordable. It depends on the concentration of the drug and its mass and varies from 20 to 120 rubles. Compared to the prices of other antiviral drugs, oxolin is almost the most affordable medicine.

For example, the cost of the famous Viferon is approximately ten times higher. Considering that in most cases antivirals needs to be used for a long time, often it is the price that becomes the decisive factor when choosing Oxolinic ointment.

Storage conditions

Efficiency medicinal product largely depends on compliance with storage conditions. Oxolinic ointment remains active at temperatures no higher than 10 degrees, so the drug must be stored in the refrigerator.

Let's not forget one more thing important condition: any medicine, including Oxolinic ointment, should be stored in a place inaccessible to children.

I wrote in a previous post that I was thinking about whether it is possible to use oxolinic ointment to prevent flu and colds in children. And from what age. I know that many people smear their children’s noses before going to crowded places, or simply during the period of rampant flu. So I thought, maybe it should too. It seems like an old, well-known, proven remedy. I wanted to ask the mothers. But no one answered me. As a result, I found one interesting article. Maybe someone will need it too.

Well, what mother doesn’t strive to protect her children from viruses and? We are ready to crush garlic, cook decoctions, prepare tinctures and do whatever is needed. But what you really want is not to cure quickly and effectively, but to reliably protect the child from the disease. Does such a thing exist? magic remedy?

Many pediatricians and therapists recommend Oxolinic ointment as such a “lifesaver” - both for children and adults. Many, but not all. And opinions are also divided among parents. So is it worth smearing children's noses with Oxolinka or something else?

Action of Oxolinic ointment

Let's immediately clarify that Oxolinic ointments come in different forms, or rather in different dilutions. For the prevention and treatment of viral diseases, only 0.25% ointment is used. All others are intended to treat other ailments. Therefore, in this article we will talk specifically about this.

So, why do you need Oksolinka? The instructions indicate that it has a pronounced antiviral activity, that is, it helps the body fight the virus, prevents the penetration of pathogenic bacteria inside through the nasal mucosa and stops their reproduction in initial stage. This action clinically proven against viruses and adenovirus.

Most of us believe that the effect of Oxolinic ointment is purely mechanical: bacteria settle on the surface lubricated with ointment, losing the ability to move further. But there is evidence that some studies prove the antiviral effect of the ointment, that is, the possibility of using it not only in preventive, but also in medicinal purposes.

However, regarding the flu, the ointment is used primarily as a prophylaxis. This should not be done uncontrollably: the use of Oksolinka should be carried out according to the recommendation and prescription of a doctor.

For preventive purposes, Oxolinic ointment is used 2 times a day. This must be done during epidemics before visiting crowded places indoors (kindergartens, schools, clinics, theaters, etc.) or in the case when one of the family members gets sick - so as not to become infected from the patient. The duration of use can be from 25 days to a month. Every time you return home (or after several hours, if this happens at home), the nasal passages must be rinsed - because this is where bacteria settle.

The ointment is applied 2-3 times a day for several days.

It is very important to apply the ointment in a thin layer, otherwise the child will begin to breathe through the mouth and the effect of prevention will be the opposite of what was expected: mouth breathing is what facilitates the penetration of bacteria into the body.

As for application, some argue that it is necessary to lubricate only around the nasal passages, others assure that the ointment should be placed in the nose. Things are not very clear here.

“For” Oxolinic ointment

Regarding the effectiveness of such prevention. Many pediatricians are confident in the effectiveness of the method. And among parents there are also many positive reviews that Oksolinka really protects children from diseases.

Many mothers are not even bothered by the restriction on the use of ointment for children under two years of age. Pediatricians reassure some: children should dilute Oxolinka with cream or Vaseline. But even in undiluted form, the ointment works great and rarely causes side effects even in newborns, doctors say.

“Against” Oxolinic ointment

However, side effects are still possible. This is primarily dryness of the nasal mucosa, as well as burning of the skin when applying the ointment.

But this is not the reason why other doctors and parents oppose Oxolinic ointment, especially in pediatric practice. First of all, it is a fact that there are no scientific research There have been no studies regarding the safety of using Oksolinka in children. Secondly, the effect of applying Oxolinic ointment does not exceed that of applying any other product, for example, regular Vaseline. The principle of operation is the same - to serve as a mechanical barrier for bacteria, pediatricians say. And homeopaths are completely against smearing a child’s nose with anything, including and especially Oxolinic ointment.

Therefore, it is best to simply rinse the spout sea ​​water, for example, and let him fight pathogenic bacteria on his own, developing his own immunity. After all, the ointment does not protect the child’s body from virus attacks, but only delays and extends the period of adaptation and the process of developing immunity. If a child is “ready” to get sick, he will get sick. And that’s what allocations are for, to stand out. Any ointments and sprays (including Oxolinic ointment) interfere with such an important process. And this can entail many serious consequences. Snot is natural, there is nothing to be afraid of. Of course, a sick baby should be kept at home. And not all parents do exactly this. But if your loved one is predisposed to get sick, then this will happen without visiting the garden. Just maybe a little later. So leave children's noses alone, homeopaths advise. This is the only way they can become healthy and develop their own protection, which does not require any ointments.

In fairness, we note that such parents whose children Oxolinic ointment does not help at all and who refused this method prevention and treatment, also a lot. They are sure: there is no benefit from Oxolinka, but you should think twice about the harm.

What to do is always up to you, of course. Unfortunately, there is no single correct method prevention of viral diseases and treatment of children. After all, every doctor and mother has their own views on this matter. Listen to your heart and mind and do right choice. Let your baby grow up healthy and strong!

Especially for– Elena Kichak