Umifenovir
About
Umifenovir belongs to the group of antiviral agents, with an immunomodulating and anti-influenza effect, specifically against influenza A and B, and Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) or Covid-19. Influenza is a viral infection that attacks your respiratory system. Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) or Covid-19 is an infectious disease with symptoms including fever and cough and, in some cases, progressing to pneumonia and respiratory failure. A SARS-CoV-2 virus causes it.
Umifenovir contains Umifenovir (also known as Arbidol). It works by blocking the fusion of viral lipid membranes with cell membranes, hindering virus interaction and penetration into cells. It enhances humoral and cell-mediated immunity, aids macrophage phagocytic activity, and improves the body's ability to fight infection by producing interferon. As a result, Umifenovir lowers the viral infection in the body and aids in infection therapy.
Take Umifenovir as prescribed by your doctor. Based on your medical condition, your doctor will decide how long you need to take Umifenovir. It is in the category of the least toxic drugs. It has no adverse side effects on the human body when taken orally at the recommended dosages. If you experience any undesirable effects after taking this medication, please report to your healthcare professional for further advice.
To treat your condition effectually, continue using Umifenovir for as long as your doctor has prescribed it. Do not use Umifenovir without a doctor's advice if you had a skin reaction or irritation to any medicine. Consult your doctor before using Umifenovir if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not use Umifenovir in more than prescribed doses or longer duration as it may have undesirable effects. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and all the medicines you take before taking Umifenovir to rule out any side effects.
Uses of Umifenovir
Medicinal Benefits
Umifenovir belongs to the group of medications called antiviral agents, having an immunomodulating and anti-influenza effect, specifically against influenza A and B, and SARS or Covid-19. It works by limiting the virus interaction and penetration into cells by preventing viral lipid membrane fusion with cell membranes. As a result, Umifenovir decreases virus load in the body and aids in infection therapy. It reduces the occurrence of complications linked with viral infections as well as the impact of persistent bacterial illnesses.
Directions for Use
Storage
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
To effectively treat your disease, continue using Umifenovir for as long as your doctor has prescribed it. If you have had a skin response or irritation to any medicine, do not use Umifenovir without consulting a doctor. Consult your doctor before using Umifenovir if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Umifenovir should not be used in higher or longer doses or for a more extended period because it may have unfavourable side effects. Before taking Umifenovir, inform your doctor about your medical history and other medications you are currently taking to rule out any potential adverse effects. Extreme caution should be exercised when the medicine is administered to children under two. It could make you more sensitive to the drug. Umifenovir is generally safe and has no adverse side effects. It may occasionally produce allergic reactions such as rash, but this should not necessitate medical treatment because it will resolve gradually over time. Consult your doctor if you are experiencing the symptoms persistently.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interaction: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionConsuming alcohol with Umifenovir is not advisable as it may cause unpleasant side effects, or you may become more sensitive to the effects of alcohol.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult your doctor. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies on pregnant women. Your doctor will prescribe Umifenovir only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionPlease consult your doctor; there is no substantial research yet on the use of Umifenovir in breastfeeding/nursing mothers.
Driving
cautionIt is unknown whether Umifenovir alters the ability to drive, so do not drive or operate machinery if you experience any symptoms affecting your ability to concentrate and react.
Liver
cautionThe effectiveness of Umifenovir in patients with liver impairment has not been evaluated. Please inform your doctor before taking Umifenovir if you have liver impairment. Your doctor may adjust the dose of Umifenovir if necessary.
Kidney
cautionThe effectiveness of Umifenovir in patients with kidney impairment has not been evaluated. Please inform your doctor before taking Umifenovir if you have kidney impairment or any concerns. Your doctor may adjust the dose of Umifenovir if necessary.
Children
cautionUse Umifenovir under the supervision of healthcare professionals. Caution should be exercised. Children under the age of two are more sensitive to the medicine.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Remember always to wear a mask when you're around other people. Wearing a mask aids in the prevention of illness spread.
- Keep a social distance and avoid social gatherings.
- Hands should be washed with soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitiser on a regular basis.
- Surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected on a regular basis.
- Consume plenty of fluids. Maintain proper hydration.
- Gargling with salt water and inhaling steam would be beneficial.
- Regular exercise is essential. Walking for 10 minutes in the morning, afternoon, evening, and night is a good idea.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
SARS or Covid-19: A contagious and sometimes fatal respiratory illness caused by a SARS-CoV-2 virus.
RSV (Respiratory syncytial virus): Respiratory syncytial virus is a common respiratory virus that causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most individuals recover within a week or two, but RSV can be dangerous, especially in infants and the elderly.
Influenza: Influenza is a highly contagious viral infection of the respiratory tract that causes fever, intense aching, and catarrh and is frequently spread in epidemics.
Bird Flu: Bird Flu is a severe, often fatal, influenza that affects birds, particularly poultry, and can potentially be transferred to people.
Chronic bronchitis: Chronic bronchitis is defined as a productive cough that lasts at least three months, with recurring bouts occurring for at least two consecutive years
Pneumonia: Pneumonia is a lung inflammation caused by a bacterial or viral infection
FAQs
Umifenovir contains Umifenovir (also known as Arbidol), limiting virus interaction and penetration into cells by preventing viral lipid membrane fusion with cell membranes. As a result, Umifenovir reduces virus load in the body and aids in treating the infection.
Regularly clean your hands thoroughly using soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitiser. Avoid touching your nose, eyes, and mouth without washing your hands. Clean and disinfect surfaces regularly. Always remember to wear a mask, maintain social distance and avoid gatherings.
Covid-19 spreads through respiratory droplets in close or direct contact with an infected person. The virus can spread through an infected person’s sneeze or cough. The virus can also be transmitted by touching any contaminated surfaces and touching the nose, mouth or eyes without washing hands.
Umifenovir is a synthetic antiviral drug marketed in Russia and China to treat seasonal influenza. It has shown broad-spectrum antiviral activity against other viruses, including SARS-CoV. And it is generally well tolerated.
Umifenovir falls under the category of medicines called antiviral and immunomodulating medications.