Arbidol

Arbidol (Russian: Арбидол) is an antiviral drug manufactured by Masterlek in Moscow, Russia. It is an alternative to Tamiflu (manufactured by Roche Pharmaceuticals) used in the fight against avian influenza. Its antiviral inhibitory effect is still being tested and the current results range from being well accepted in pharmaceutical industry to accepted with a dose of suspicion.

Chemically, Arbidol features an indole core, functionalized at all positions but one with different substituents. The drug has mainly been tested in Russia and China, and has been shown to be effective against avian flu, suggesting it might be a more affordable and cost-effective drug than the widely used Tamiflu.

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Mechanism of action

According to the manufacturer, the drug exhibits immunomodulation as well as a specific anti-influenza action against the influenza A and influenza B viruses. It prevents contact between the virus and host cells and penetration of virus particles into the cell by inhibiting the fusion of the virus lipid shell to the cell membranes. It possesses interferon inducing action, by stimulating the humoral reaction and the phagocytic function of macrophages.

Dosage forms

The drug is manufactured in the form of tablets and capsules, each tablet containing Arbidol® as its active ingredient (50 mg and 100 mg).

Pharmacokinetics and usage

An orally administered dose of 50 mg reaches its maximum concentration in the blood in about 1 h, and a dose of 100 mg reaches its maximum concentration within 1.5 h. It is metabolized in the liver. The period of half-life is about 17-21 h. Both the tablet and capsule forms should be taken before a meal. Dosage for children of ages 2-6 is 50 mg daily, for 6-12 years of age 100 mg daily, and 12 years and older should take 200 mg daily. Side effects in children include sensitization to the drug. No known overdose cases have been reported and allergic reactions are limited to people with hypersensitivity.

References

• "Мастерлек" Pharmaceuticals, Moscow, Russia. Patent number № 2033157, Registry number № 003610/01.
• Leneva IA, Fediakina IT, Gus'kova TA, Glushkov RG (2005). "[Sensitivity of various influenza virus strains to arbidol. Influence of arbidol combination with different antiviral drugs on reproduction of influenza virus A]" (in Russian). Ter. Arkh. 77 (8): 84-8. PMID 16206613. Retrieved on 2007-09-08.
• Wang MZ, Cai BQ, Li LY, Lin JT, Su N, Yu HX, Gao H, Zhao JZ, Liu L (2004). "[Efficacy and safety of arbidol in treatment of naturally acquired influenza]" (in Chinese). Zhongguo Yi Xue Ke Xue Yuan Xue Bao 26 (3): 289-93. PMID 15266832. Retrieved on 2007-09-08.
• Arbidol antiviral for influeza (flu), hepatitis, herpes, SARS.... Retrieved on 2007-09-08.

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