Plants immunomodulators list. Immunostimulants

We should immediately distinguish between two concepts: immunomodulators and immunostimulants. The first refers to drugs that affect the human immune system. Immunomodulators are divided into two types: immunostimulants - drugs that improve immunity, and immunosuppressants - drugs whose action is aimed at reducing immunity.

From this we can conclude that anyone falls under the concept of an immunomodulator. In this article we will look at what modern immunomodulators and immunostimulants are, what features they have, and when their use is justified.

Modern immunostimulants are divided into several categories:

  1. Natural (natural, herbal) remedies. These include tinctures of lemongrass, echinacea, etc. A distinctive feature of natural preparations is their mild effect on the human body. They are great for patients with immunodeficiency. Natural ones are also used as a preventive measure, since taking them reduces the risk of developing infectious diseases.
  2. Antimicrobial immunostimulants. For example, we can cite a fairly well-known drug - Imudon. Its action is aimed at monocytes, which help remove microbes from the body.
  3. Interferon drugs– and others. Their action is aimed at protecting the human body from attacks by viruses, bacteria and harmful bodies of other origin.
  4. Synthetic products– Amiksin, etc. Their action is aimed at stimulating the body’s immune reactions.
  5. Endogenous drugs, for example, Timalin or Thymogen, created on the basis of brain cells. With the help of this type of medicine, you can restore the number of blood cells and also increase the activity of the immune system.

Carefully! It is not recommended to take immunostimulant tablets without consulting a medical specialist. An immunologist should prescribe immunomodulators.

Natural immunostimulants and immunomodulators

For several centuries, many people have used herbs to treat diseases. There are a huge number of herbs in nature that have a positive effect on the body’s immune activity. However, you should not make up the entire course of treatment from plants and herbs alone. There are a large number of effective medications. In many cases, comprehensive treatment brings better results.

The variety of herbs that have a positive effect on human immune activity is amazing. On any continent you can find plants that effectively cope with infectious and other pathologies.

Natural immunomodulators very rarely cause adverse reactions, and also have a high degree of digestibility. Traditional medicine is derived naturally, which is important in the 21st century, when products contain chemical additives that cause severe harm to the entire human body.

Echinacea tea

Exists list of the most popular immunomodulators, which are highly effective and have no side effects:

  • echinacea;
  • ginseng;
  • rose hip;
  • lemongrass;
  • raspberry;
  • birch.

Echinacea

Echinacea contains a large number of various microelements and vitamins. The plant is highly effective. Echinacea is recommended to be taken for infectious diseases.

The plant is consumed almost entirely; not only the leaves and flowers of the herb are used, but also the stems. Take echinacea in the form of tea, after drying the parts of the plant. On 1 teaspoon herbs are recommended to be used liter of boiling water.

Ginseng

Another popular natural source is ginseng. Translation of the name of the plant from Chinese is the root of life. Ginseng is recommended to be used to improve immunity. The plant will help get rid of constant fatigue and weakness. The herb has shown greater effectiveness with physical and mental exhaustion.

For treatment, only ginseng root is used, which is thoroughly ground to a powder, then poured with boiling water.

One teaspoon should be used 1 liter of boiling water. The resulting liquid should be infused minimum 30 days, shaking the bottle from time to time.

You can buy ginseng tincture at a pharmacy or prepare it yourself at home.

Rose hip

Rosehip is very popular for cold-related pathologies. It is especially in demand in the spring and autumn months, when epidemics worsen. Its high degree of efficiency is explained high concentration of vitamin C in the plant.

You can enhance the effect with raspberries - this will allow you to recover as quickly as possible. To prepare a decoction, you need to infuse the rose hips for 24 hours, then boil the liquid. The plant can be brewed several times.

Schisandra

There is a plant in nature that is much more effective than coffee in terms of invigorating properties - lemongrass. Using a decoction from the branches of the plant, you can provide boost of energy for the whole day. Schisandra is not recommended for use by children and pregnant women.

Raspberry

If consumed daily raspberry leaf decoction, you can ensure that your body is supplied with a significant amount of active substances.

This will strengthen the uterus and increase the chances of childbirth without complications.

On one tablespoon used 200 grams of boiling water, the decoction must be infused for 60 minutes.

Birch

With the help of birch in ancient times, people fought a large number of diseases. Not only the branches and leaves of the plant have an immunomodulatory effect. Immune activity also increases when drinking birch sap. The plant is known for its high concentration of ascorbic acid.

To create a decoction use 10 large spoons of leaves and 500 grams of boiling water. The liquid is infused for 60 minutes at room temperature. It is recommended to strain the broth before taking it.

What immunostimulants are there for pregnant women?

During the period of bearing a baby, it is very important to pay attention to protecting the mother’s body. Any infectious disease can greatly affect the future of the baby. Therefore, it is important to know what medical means can be used to strengthen the mother’s immunity during such an important period of her life.

Before purchasing any medication, you should consult a medical professional.

In most cases during pregnancy, your doctor will prescribe one of the following medications:

Conclusion

Immunomodulators have become popular relatively recently; literally 20 years ago no one knew about them. People got along just fine without them. There are many ways to improve the activity of the immune system. For example, you can balance your diet: it must contain a sufficient amount of macro and microelements.

Medical experts recommend walking more in the fresh air, this will improve blood circulation. Chronic lack of sleep negatively affects the immune system; it is recommended to sleep at least 8 hours a day. It is also recommended to avoid stress.

Be careful! Long-term use of immunomodulators has a negative effect on the body. If you do not follow the recommendations of a medical professional, there is a risk of worsening your immune system. You should not experiment on your health, take care of yourself and be happy!

I think it’s no secret that the immune system is responsible for human health. If it is in order, immune cells destroy pathogenic bacteria without touching beneficial ones, i.e. The immune system is a regulator of the internal state of the entire body. As a result of external and internal factors negatively affecting the body's defenses, the body's internal balance may be disrupted... There can be a variety of reasons! From hypothermia, a sedentary lifestyle and daily stress to smoking, alcohol abuse, poor nutrition, etc.

What are immunomodulators?

The regulation of immunity (immunomodulation) of the body is carried out by 2 opposing systems - immunostimulants and immunosuppressants.

Immunomodulators— balance all components of the immune system by reducing the activity of some and increasing the activity of others.

Immunostimulants- substances of a natural or medicinal spectrum that activate the functions of one or another part of the immune system, increasing the capabilities of the immune response and the body’s resistance to disease.

Immunosuppressants- special medications that inhibit (reduce the activity) of the immune system as a whole or its individual components (antibacterial immunity, antiviral, antitumor, autoimmunity).

In this article you will not find the phrase “treatment with immunomodulators”, because this statement is fundamentally incorrect! Immunomodulators cannot cure the disease; they can only help the body’s own immunity to overcome it. The effect of immunomodulators on the human body is not limited to the period of illness, it continues for a longer time, often for years.

I, as a supporter of exclusively natural treatment, i.e. Using natural methods and means, I offer you a list of immunomodulators of only natural origin.

My list of naturally occurring immunomodulators includes:

1. Ginger— contains a huge amount of natural antioxidants and has excellent bactericidal properties. Thanks to its chemical composition, ginger helps normalize the body's heat balance. In addition, ginger root is an excellent metabolism stimulant; it neutralizes food toxins and improves blood supply to the entire body. Ginger tea, the recipe for which you can find, can be an excellent addition to everyone’s healthy diet.

2. Bee products— absolutely all beekeeping products can be safely classified as natural immunomodulators.

Honey, beebread, pollen, royal jelly, zabrus, dead meat, wax and other products are the most valuable products for our immunity. It is impossible to convey in a few words the entire range of healing and preventive properties of these products. Each product must be considered individually and in great detail. As an example of such a detailed consideration, I can cite what has already been published on the blog.

3. Ginseng— absolutely all parts of the plant (leaves, stem, roots) are capable of having a complex effect on the entire body, giving strength, increasing stress resistance to environmental factors, and balancing the psychological state. Ginseng root has the ability to remove toxic compounds from the body. Thanks to its rich vitamin composition, ginseng ensures the normal functioning of the endocrine system. Among other things, ginseng contains a lot of natural antioxidants. We also recommend reading - with our nutrition and our ecology, this information will be useful to everyone, without exception!

4. Eleutherococcus- this prickly shrub with a branched horizontal rhizome is considered the domestic brother of ginseng. And the point is not so much in the external similarity, but in the similarity of the healing effect. In more detail, the main medicinal properties of this shrub can be called stimulating and adaptogenic, as well as anti-inflammatory and wound healing.

5. Schisandra— this plant was included in our list of immunomodulators not by chance! It is also called the elixir of health and youth because of its many unique properties. It is especially worth noting its tonic and restorative effects. Schisandra fruits also activate metabolism and improve immunity. The therapeutic effects are explained by the ability of fruits to increase blood circulation in a diseased organ, and the biologically active substances contained in them help the coordinated functioning of the entire organism as a whole.

6. golden root- in fact, this is the “folk” name of this plant. The real name of this herb is Rhodiola rosea. Golden root contains about 140 different organic compounds - this is what determines its medicinal properties. Among the main beneficial properties for our body, I would highlight: stimulation of the nervous system, increased efficiency and mental activity, very active antimicrobial and antiviral effects.

7. Aromatic oils— the list of immunomodulators of natural origin is completed by a very large group of aromatic oils.

Not only essential oils are used in aromatherapy; fatty oils obtained by cold pressing have a huge therapeutic effect. The range of biological activity of oils is unusually wide: some of them are excellent antispasmodics, others are antiseptics, there are oils for calming, stimulating mental activity, etc.

A few more important points!

Well, that's it, my list has come to an end. Of course, if desired, this list can be supplemented and expanded with other natural products, but today I recommend using these 7 groups of immunomodulators due to the absence of problems with finding them, their wide spectrum of action and ease of use.

I also draw your attention to the fact that you should not confuse immunomodulators with immunostimulants. The similarity here is only one-sided - all immunostimulants are immunomodulators, but not all immunomodulators are immunostimulants. Like this.

Immunostimulants are substances that stimulate immune responses at the cellular level. We urgently need them to protect the body and fight external pathogens (bacteria, microorganisms, viruses).

Immunostimulants - the list of drugs includes: vaccines, hormones, vitamins, synthetic stimulants. We most often meet with this group for the prevention and treatment of acute respiratory viral infections.


Natural immunostimulants - list

Made with Echinacea purpurea extract. Contain active substances that help strengthen the immune system, suppress the growth and reproduction of microorganisms:

  • Immunal
  • Echinacea-ratiopharm
  • Echinacea tincture
  • Echinacea compositum

Indications for use:

  1. Uncomplicated viral infections
  2. Prevention during epidemics
  3. Antibiotic therapy against the background of reduced immunity

Their effectiveness in the fight against herpes and hepatitis viruses has also been proven.

Synthetic immunostimulants - list

The list includes the best immunostimulant drugs obtained in a laboratory, but no less effective.

  • Cycloferon(Acredonacetic acid)
  1. Stimulates the body's own interferon production.
  2. It has immunostimulating, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antitumor effects.
  3. Effective against influenza, herpes, hepatitis, papilloma, and HIV viruses.
  4. Enhances the effectiveness of antibiotics and can be prescribed for intestinal infections.
  • Amiksin (tilorone)– immunomodulatory and antiviral agent.
  1. Stimulates the production of interferon, enhances the formation of antibodies and inhibits the reproduction of viruses.

For the treatment of acute respiratory viral infections, drugs containing interferon directly, and not just stimulating its production, are also used.

  • Interferon- a whole group of specific proteins that are produced by the body during the introduction of infectious agents.
  1. Stimulates the immune system to fight viruses by making changes inside infected cells.
  2. Suppresses the synthesis of viral proteins and prevents further reproduction of viruses.

There are several forms of interferon release:

For nasal administration:

  • Nazoferon
  • Laferon
  • Laferobion

Once on the mucous membrane, it plays the role of a substance that enhances the immune response. According to some researchers, this form of release is not effective due to the short period of exposure to cells. However, clinical trials prove the effectiveness of this use in the prevention of viral infections.

Interferon-based immunostimulant drugs presented in the list can be recommended for children almost from birth, as well as for pregnant and lactating women due to their high safety and low number of side effects.

Immune preparations for vaginal and rectal administration

Available in the form of suppositories (candles). This list complements the list of effective immunostimulant drugs:

  • Laferobion
  • Viferon
  • Genferon

This group of immunostimulant drugs ensures longer circulation in the blood than with other methods of administration. Prescribed as part of complex therapy of infection-inflammatory processes, urogenital infections, treatment of chronic and acute viral hepatitis.

Intramuscular administration - used on the recommendation of a doctor if there is a need for higher doses of the substance.

Immunostimulant preparations based on lyophilisate and bacterial lysates

Their mechanism of action is similar to vaccines. After entering the body, they are perceived as foreign bodies and provoke the production of specific antibodies. They include the most common causative agents of infections of the ENT organs and respiratory tract.

  • Ribo-munil
  • Broncho-munal
  • Broncho-vaxom
  • Imudon
  1. Indicated for the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases of the respiratory system (otitis media, bronchitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, tonsillitis).
  2. They can be prescribed to children from six months of age.

We hear the word “immunity” all the time, especially when it comes to seasonal diseases. What is the human immune system and how does it work?

This is one of the systems of the human body that regulates the body’s protective response to the penetration of viruses, microbes and other infectious agents. It is believed that immunity needs proper correction. Immunity decreases in the autumn-winter period, especially in large cities, where not everything is in order with the environment. Reduced production of immunocompetent cells is manifested by frequent morbidity. We are talking about a person's immunodeficiency state.

Accordingly, to correct this condition, there are drugs such as immunostimulants and immunomodulators.

How do immunomodulators differ from immunostimulants?

Immunostimulant drugs, stimulate the production of certain cellular units, force the immune system to work more efficiently. When prescribed and taken correctly, the drug helps to cope with the disease, treatment proceeds faster, without complications. In some especially severe cases, even children and pregnant women cannot do without them. But it should be remembered that for some diseases immunostimulant drugs cannot be used. These are such as disorders of the immune system and exacerbation of chronic pathologies. Also, immunostimulant drugs can cause an allergic reaction or intolerance to any substances.

In what cases are immunostimulant drugs prescribed?

The list of indications for use is quite extensive, here are some of them:

But there is also the other side of the coin: You can’t endlessly stimulate your immune system. You cannot force the body to give up the last reserves of immunity that exist “in reserve”; this is dangerous. Self-medication can lead to the exact opposite effect - weakening of the immune system, dependence on immunostimulant drugs, and the inability to cope with the disease without them. Therefore, these drugs should be used according to indications and as prescribed by a doctor. This is especially true for children whose immunity is just developing.

Immunomodulators– balance the work of the entire immune system, change its work depending on which of its components needs to be strengthened and which should be reduced. In some cases, when a person's immunity works against the person himself (these diseases are called autoimmune), they are prescribed to reduce immunity.

Who is prescribed immunomodulators?

Immunomodulators are often prescribed for the treatment of indolent diseases, such as chronic rhinitis, complex forms of influenza as part of complex therapy.

  • children with weak immune systems,
  • elderly people with a weakened immune system,
  • people with a busy lifestyle.

The list of immunomodulators is quite large, they can be classified according to origin:

Exists a large number of natural immunomodulators of natural origin. People have long used them in traditional medicine recipes, and very successfully. These are well-known products: honey, cranberries, onions, garlic, ginger. Herbs: echinacea, lemongrass, nettle. The list is very large, each locality grows its own immunomodulators. The most delicious and sweet natural immunomodulator is honey. This is a natural storehouse of trace elements and minerals that can be consumed by everyone, both children and adults. The only contraindication may be an allergy to a sweet treat.

There is one significant difference from dosage forms: herbal preparations are less effective than those produced industrially, as a rule, have a cumulative effect. But they also act gently, without harm to health.

The preventive use of herbal immunomodulators helps the body resist ARVI, influenza, and strengthens the body's defenses. Echinacea and Eleuthera deserve special attention.

Based on echinacea, the drugs Immunal and Immunorm are produced. Take courses lasting one month three times a year. Can be given to children.

Eleutherococcus tincture is a unique natural immunostimulating drug. In addition to stimulating the immune system, it restores the nervous system, physical and mental activity.

In addition, there is a group of herbal preparations with a narrow spectrum of action that have both powerful immunostimulating and immunosuppressive effects. These are herbs such as yellow capsule, licorice, milky iris, licorice etc. They can only be used under the strict supervision of an immunologist and as prescribed.

There is also a classification of immunomodulators according to the time of their creation: drugs of the first, second, third, fourth generations. Latest generation drugs: “Kagocel”, “Polyoxidonium”, “Immunomax”, “Sellesept”, “Sandimmune”, “Transfer Factor”. All of them, with the exception of Transfer Factor, are used only as prescribed by a doctor, as they have a narrow spectrum of action.

Transfer Factor drug has no side effects or contraindications, and is the most modern immunomodulator. It is made from bovine colostrum. It is used both for preventive purposes and in the treatment of various diseases. Can be used by both adults and children.

Conclusion

In the medical community today there is no consensus on what is more harmful or beneficial from immunomodulators and immunostimulants. They can be bought abroad only with a doctor's prescription; in our country they are sold freely in any pharmacy.

Thus, the difference between immunostimulants and immunomodulators exists, but is not so great. The main thing to remember is that they can mostly be use only for its intended purpose and under the supervision of a doctor. The intake of natural immunomodulators and immunostimulants does not require strict control.

Modern immunostimulating drugs are classified according to their origin into the following groups:

  • Herbal remedies - extracts or tinctures of Echinacea, Eleutherococcus, Schisandra, Immunal, etc. These remedies have a mild adaptogenic and immunostimulating effect and are prescribed to patients with immunodeficiencies. When taken prophylactically, such drugs significantly reduce the risk of influenza or respiratory infections, prevent radiation pathology and reduce harm from cytostatics;
  • Microbial preparations - Imudon, IRS-19, etc. The drugs act directly on macrophages and monocytes, which, after activation, intensively produce cytokines that trigger immune reactions that promote the elimination of microbes;
  • Interferon agents – Anaferon, Viferon. The drugs protect the body from various types of antigenic attacks of bacterial, viral and other origins;
  • Synthetic drugs - Amiksin, Trekrezan, etc. Increase overall organic resistance to negative external influences and stimulate immune reactions;
  • Endogenous agents – Thymogen, Timalin. These are drugs based on placental or bone marrow cells or thymus. They restore the normal number of blood cells, cause increased interferon production and immune activity.

It is strictly not recommended to take drugs with adaptogenic or immunomodulatory activity on your own; the need for their use should be determined by an immunologist.

Popular drugs

Trekrezan (250 RUR*)

The adaptogenic immunomodulator Trecrezan stimulates interferon production, corrects and improves the patient's immune status. As a result of using the medication:

  • Increases the body's endurance during mental and physical stress;
  • The toxic effects of various medications and chemicals are reduced;
  • The body becomes especially resistant to oxygen deficiency, temperature changes and other aggressive factors.

Thanks to such effects, Trekrezan is successfully used for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes for respiratory infections, flu or colds. In the presence of stressful influences (for example, lack of oxygen, hypothermia or overheating), it helps to increase the performance and resistance of the body.

This immunomodulator is prescribed for the complex treatment of alcohol withdrawal or heavy metal poisoning. The drug is contraindicated during pregnancy, children under 12 years of age and pregnant women with lactose intolerance.

Immunal, Echinacea (300 RUR*)

Immunal contains components of plant origin (echinacea juice). The drug provokes an increase in nonspecific immunity. By activating phagocytosis and increasing leukocytes, the drug inhibits the reproduction and growth of pathogenic microorganisms. In addition, Immunal has antiviral activity against herpes or influenza. The preparations Echinacea and Immunal are analogues, having the same active ingredient (extract from the Echinacea herb), so they have a similar effect.

Both drugs are used:

  1. When initial signs of influenza or colds occur, as well as for the prevention of these pathologies;
  2. In order to improve the immune status during long-term treatment with antibiotics;
  3. In the treatment of recurrent genitourinary and respiratory pathologies.

Echinacea is contraindicated in case of autoimmune pathologies, immunodeficiency (HIV), AIDS, multiple sclerosis, hypersensitivity to the plant and its components, children under 12 years of age, in the presence of systemic pathologies such as leukemia, tuberculosis, etc. It is not recommended to take it unless particularly necessary and for pregnant women , because there are no definitive research results on the effect of the drug on the fetus and the course of pregnancy.

Immunal in solution form is contraindicated for children under one year of age, and in tablet form for children under 4 years of age. The drug should not be taken if you have autoimmune and systemic pathologies such as AIDS or HIV, multiple sclerosis and leukemia, tuberculosis, etc. Immunal should not be taken by persons who have hypersensitivity or intolerance to echinacea and other components of the drug. Unlike Echinacea, Immunal can be taken by nursing and pregnant women, but only with a doctor's prescription.

Immunomax (800 RUR*)

An effective immunostimulant, under the influence of which there is a threefold increase in the activity of the cellular structures of the immune system. Immunomax increases the body's resistance to viruses like herpes or plague, papillomavirus or parvovirus. In addition, the drug protects the body from bacterial microorganisms such as chlamydia, staphylococcus, E. coli, salmonella or mycoplasma, ureaplasma, etc.

Immunomax contraindications:

  • Up to 12 years of age;
  • Breastfeeding and pregnancy;
  • Hypersensitivity to the drug or its individual components.

The drug does not cause any adverse reactions. And in exceptional cases it can be prescribed during pregnancy.

Galavit (tablets RUR 300*, injections RUR 600*)

A modern immunomodulator, which is available in the form of suppositories, tablets and powder for injection solution. The medication has an additional anti-inflammatory effect. Galavit is a synthetic immunostimulant and currently has no analogues. The drug has a broad-spectrum effect:

  1. It enhances the production of necessary antibodies;
  2. Enhances the production of macrophages, which are distinguished by their ability to eliminate pathogenic pathogens;
  3. Increases the production of interferons, which promote resistance to various infections;
  4. Has an antioxidant effect;
  5. It has hepatoprotective activity, i.e. it protects the liver.

Galavit is contraindicated for use in patients under 6 years of age, nursing, pregnant women, or people intolerant to this medication.

Arbidol (250 RUR*)

An antiviral agent with moderate immunomodulatory activity. The drug is indicated for diseases such as:

  • ARVI, severe cases of respiratory diseases complicated by pneumonic or bronchial processes, types of influenza A and B;
  • Pneumonic lesions, complex treatment of chronic inflammation of the bronchi, recurrent herpes, pneumonia;
  • Restoration and improvement of immune status, prophylactic administration of the drug after surgery;
  • In the complex treatment of acute intestinal lesions of rotavirus origin in pediatric patients (over 3 years).

The drug has virtually no contraindications or side effects. It is not prescribed to children under three years of age, as well as to patients hypersensitive to the drug. Among the possible adverse reactions, allergic manifestations are very rarely observed.

Isoprinosine (600 RUR*)

Tablet drug with antiviral and immunostimulating effects. A product of synthetic origin, a purine derivative, used for diseases such as:

  1. Papillomavirus, including with lesions of the genital organs and larynx;
  2. Various forms of ARVI and influenza;
  3. Shingles and chickenpox;
  4. Cytomegalovirus;
  5. Various modifications of herpesvirus of all types, as well as herpetic keratitis, genital herpetic lesions, etc.;
  6. Molluscum contagiosum;
  7. Corey;
  8. Mononucleosis of infectious origin, etc.

Among the disadvantages of the drug, patients note the presence of adverse reactions in the form of nausea and vomiting syndrome and epigastric pain, itchy sensation on the skin, joint pain and dizziness, sleep disorders and headaches, exacerbations of gout or intestinal disorders. Since the drug causes an increase in urea in the blood, it is contraindicated in cases of urolithiasis, gout, insufficient renal activity and arrhythmia. In addition, Isoprinosine is contraindicated in children weighing less than 20 kg and under 3 years of age.

Imunofan (500 RUR*)

The drug Imunofan is an immunomodulatory drug with hepatoprotective, detoxification, antioxidant and immunostimulating activity. In addition, the drug prevents the occurrence of cellular resistance to antitumor drugs.

The drug is available in the form of injections, rectal suppositories or nasal spray. Imunofan is effective in treating:

  • HIV infections;
  • Various types of immunodeficiency conditions;
  • Papillomavirus;
  • Cytomegalovirus;
  • Viral hepatitis of various types;
  • Herpes;
  • In complex antitumor therapy, etc.

The drug is not used in the treatment of children under 2 years of age and pregnant women with a Rhesus conflict with the fetus.

Tiloron (600 RUR*)

The medications Lavomax, Amiksin and Tiloram are analogues, have the same active ingredient (tilorone) and belong to the group of drugs - inducers of interferon synthesis, which have immunomodulatory and antiviral effects. The drugs are produced in tablet form.

  1. Lavomax provokes an increase in the formation of antibodies, stimulates bone marrow stem cell structures, and reduces immunosuppressive activity. It is used for herpetic and cytomegalovirus infections, viral hepatitis, respiratory and influenza infections in adult patients. Contraindicated for pregnant women, children and adolescents under 18, and nursing mothers.
  2. Amiksin has a similar effect and is able to stop viral reproduction. Can be used in pediatrics from the age of 7, however, it is contraindicated during breastfeeding and pregnancy.
  3. Tiloram, like Lavomax, is contraindicated in patients under 18 years of age, pregnant and breastfeeding patients. Adverse reactions sometimes include allergic rashes, slight chills and dyspepsia (digestive disorders).

Timalin (500 RUR*)

The drug is produced in the form of a lyophilisate for the preparation of injection solutions. The active substance of the drug is thymus extract, which is obtained by extracting from the thymus gland of animals.

The drug is effective when it is necessary to restore immune activity. In addition, while taking Timalin, patients experience an improvement in cellular metabolic processes, hematopoiesis is restored and regeneration is accelerated.

Timalin is indicated:

  • With a reduced immune status against the background of various types of soft tissue and bone purulent-inflammatory pathologies;
  • For infectious lesions of bacterial or viral origin;
  • When hematopoietic and immune functions are suppressed due to chemotherapy or radiation treatment of tumor and oncological processes, as well as during long-term antibiotic therapy, etc.

The drug has no contraindications and is not prescribed only to people with hypersensitivity to it. In rare cases, the use of Timalin is accompanied by adverse allergic reactions.

There is an analogue based on the same substance - Taktivin.

Riboxin

It is a metabolic regulator and has antiarrhythmic and antihypoxic activity. As a result of taking the drug, blood circulation in the coronary network is normalized and the energy balance of the heart increases. The active substance is inosine. The drug is used only in adult patients in the treatment of myocardial ischemia and arrhythmia caused by taking cardiac glycosides.

Cytoflavin

A multicomponent preparation containing inosine, succinic acid, vitamins B₂ and PP. Cytoflavin is a metabolic drug that improves tissue nutrition, cellular respiration, and blood circulation. Has anti-ischemic and neuroprotective activity. Produced in tablets and injections, it is used in the treatment of patients of any age. It is not advisable to use in pregnant and lactating patients.

Can pregnant women take it?

Doctors do not have a clear opinion regarding the use of immunomodulators in pregnant women, however, the majority is inclined to believe that they should not be taken. Most of the drugs in this group have been on the pharmaceutical market for a relatively short time, so the long-term side effects of taking them are still unknown.

To increase immunity, it is better for pregnant women to adjust their diet, enriching it with vegetables, herbs and fruits, rationally organize their regime, spend more time walking in the fresh air, etc.

In childhood

In the treatment of children, the use of immunomodulators and adaptogens is justified in the following cases:

  • Frequent ARVI, colds and flu;
  • In the absence of hyperthermic symptoms during respiratory infections and influenza;
  • For sleep disturbances, severe weakness, frequent headaches;
  • For food allergies;
  • With a noticeable increase in lymph nodes.

Up to 1.5 years of age, immunomodulators are used only in exceptional cases. Older children, strictly according to medical indications, can be given immunomodulators of the interferon group. It is pointless to give specific names of such drugs, because only a pediatrician should prescribe them. As immunostimulants and adaptogens in children, it is better to use natural remedies such as honey, rose hips, garlic or onions, eucalyptus, etc.

General operating principles

Immunomodulatory drugs are intended to balance the level of cellular structures of the immune system in the presence of autoimmune pathologies. These drugs balance the activity of all immune components, if necessary, suppressing their activity or activating it. The action of adaptogens is aimed at increasing the resistance of organic structures to infectious, viral and other types of external influences.

Immunomodulatory drugs are prescribed to patients with serious health problems. There are a number of pathologies against which the body is unable to resist even the simplest infectious lesions. The most famous such pathology is the human immunodeficiency virus. To avoid constant colds and flu with any minor hypothermia, such patients are prescribed immunomodulators.

Premature children also need immunomodulatory therapy, especially when they begin to attend preschool educational institutions. In such a situation, children find themselves in a completely new environment that has its own bacteria and microorganisms, so sometimes during the adaptation period children are prescribed adaptogens, which:

  1. Has little effect on nervous system structures;
  2. Restore endocrine activity;
  3. Accelerate material exchange reactions;
  4. Form the body's resistance to adverse external influences;
  5. Helps improve performance, tolerance of excessive loads, etc.

At the same time, adaptogenic drugs do not disrupt the processes of normal functioning of the body. They are recommended to be taken by workers in hazardous industries and hard work, athletes and people in a state of stress or depressive disorder. If you take adaptogens during increased mental and physical stress, the drugs will accelerate the body's adaptation without harm to brain and muscle activity.