As first-line anti-influenza drugs, what are the differences between oseltamivir and arbidol?

Spring is the season of revival, but with it come germs. After the new coronavirus withdrew from the stage of history and became a thing of the past, our "old friend" influenza virus made a shining debut and returned to people's vision. Recently, the influenza A virus has been coming fiercely, and many infants and primary school students have been infected. For a while, the anti-influenza virus drug oseltamivir has become the darling of major hospitals. However, many people have reported that oseltamivir is hard to find. In fact, in addition to oseltamivir, Abidol is also a first-line treatment for influenza. So what are the differences between the two? How to choose? Today's article will explain it clearly.

1. Mechanism of Action

Oseltamivir is a prodrug whose active metabolite, oseltamivir carboxylate, selectively inhibits the activity of influenza virus neuraminidase. The activity of this enzyme plays an important role in the release of new virus particles and the spread of infectious viruses in the body. Therefore, oseltamivir reduces the spread of influenza A or B viruses by inhibiting the release of viruses from infected cells.

Abidol is a hemagglutinin inhibitor that prevents viruses from entering human cells. In addition, it can also induce the production of interferon, thereby exerting a broad spectrum antiviral effect.

2. Indications

Oseltamivir can be used for both prevention and treatment of influenza, while Abidol can only be used for the treatment of influenza and has no preventive effect.

3. User Group

Oseltamivir can be used to treat influenza in adults and children over 1 year old. It can also be used to prevent influenza in adults and children over 13 years old.

Abidol is used in adults. There is insufficient clinical research data in children, and the safety of the drug in people over 65 years old is not yet clear.

4. Adverse Reactions

Oseltamivir mainly causes gastrointestinal discomfort, manifested as nausea, vomiting, etc. In addition, it can also cause adverse reactions of the nervous system, such as delirium, hallucinations, abnormal behavior, etc.

Abidol can cause diarrhea, nausea, dizziness, increased liver transaminase, etc.

Here we would like to remind everyone that whether it is oseltamivir or arbidol, both drugs are prescription drugs and need to be evaluated by professionals before use. They must not be taken on your own.