Umifenovir: Difference between revisions

Umifenovir
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Latest revision as of 03:18, 17 February 2025

Antiviral medication used to treat influenza and other viral infections

Umifenovir, sold under the brand name Arbidol, is an antiviral medication used primarily for the treatment and prevention of influenza and other viral infections. It is known for its ability to inhibit the fusion of the viral membrane with the host cell membrane, thereby preventing the virus from entering the cell and replicating.

Mechanism of Action[edit]

Umifenovir acts by inhibiting the fusion of the viral envelope with the cell membrane. This is achieved by targeting the hemagglutinin protein of the virus, which is responsible for the fusion process. By preventing this fusion, umifenovir effectively blocks the entry of the virus into the host cell, thereby halting the infection process.

Uses[edit]

Umifenovir is primarily used for the treatment and prevention of influenza A and B. It has also been studied for its potential effectiveness against other viral infections, including coronaviruses and hepatitis C.

Influenza[edit]

Umifenovir is used both as a prophylactic and therapeutic agent against influenza. It is believed to reduce the duration and severity of symptoms when administered early in the course of the infection.

Other Viral Infections[edit]

Research has explored the use of umifenovir in treating infections caused by other viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. However, its efficacy in these cases is still under investigation.

Side Effects[edit]

Common side effects of umifenovir include gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea and diarrhea. It is generally well-tolerated, but as with any medication, adverse reactions can occur.

History[edit]

Umifenovir was first developed in Russia in the late 1980s and has been widely used in Russia and China. It gained attention during the COVID-19 pandemic as a potential treatment option, although its effectiveness for COVID-19 remains uncertain.

Research[edit]

Numerous studies have been conducted to evaluate the efficacy of umifenovir against various viral infections. While some studies suggest potential benefits, others have shown limited or no effect, particularly in the context of COVID-19.

Related Pages[edit]

References[edit]

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-'''Umifenovir''' (brand name '''Arbidol''') is an [[antiviral drug]] used primarily in [[Russia]] and [[China]] for the treatment of [[influenza]]. Umifenovir has been claimed to inhibit viral entry into host cells and stimulate the immune response. Despite its widespread use in some countries, the clinical evidence regarding its efficacy and safety for treating influenza is mixed, and it is not approved for use in the United States, Europe, or other parts of the world.
+{{Short description|Antiviral medication used to treat influenza and other viral infections}}
+{{Drugbox
+| verifiedrevid = 477241679
+| image = Arbidol.svg
+| image2 = Umifenovir_ball-and-stick_model.png
+| width2 = 200
+}}
+'''Umifenovir''', sold under the brand name '''Arbidol''', is an antiviral medication used primarily for the treatment and prevention of [[influenza]] and other viral infections. It is known for its ability to inhibit the fusion of the viral membrane with the host cell membrane, thereby preventing the virus from entering the cell and replicating.
 ==Mechanism of Action==
-Umifenovir is believed to inhibit the fusion of the influenza virus with host cell membranes, preventing the virus from entering the cell and thereby halting the infection process. It is thought to interact with the hemagglutinin surface protein of the influenza virus, which is crucial for the virus's ability to infect cells. Additionally, umifenovir may exert immunomodulatory effects, enhancing the body's antiviral immune response.
+Umifenovir acts by inhibiting the fusion of the viral envelope with the cell membrane. This is achieved by targeting the hemagglutinin protein of the virus, which is responsible for the fusion process. By preventing this fusion, umifenovir effectively blocks the entry of the virus into the host cell, thereby halting the infection process.
+==Uses==
+Umifenovir is primarily used for the treatment and prevention of influenza A and B. It has also been studied for its potential effectiveness against other viral infections, including [[coronavirus]]es and [[hepatitis C]].
+===Influenza===
+Umifenovir is used both as a prophylactic and therapeutic agent against influenza. It is believed to reduce the duration and severity of symptoms when administered early in the course of the infection.
+===Other Viral Infections===
+Research has explored the use of umifenovir in treating infections caused by other viruses, such as [[SARS-CoV-2]], the virus responsible for [[COVID-19]]. However, its efficacy in these cases is still under investigation.
+==Side Effects==
+Common side effects of umifenovir include gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea and diarrhea. It is generally well-tolerated, but as with any medication, adverse reactions can occur.
-==Clinical Use==
+==History==
-Umifenovir is indicated for the prevention and treatment of [[Influenza virus|influenza]] and other acute respiratory viral infections in adults and children. In countries where it is approved, it is available in various formulations, including tablets and capsules. The recommended dosage and treatment duration vary depending on the patient's age, the formulation of umifenovir, and the indication for use.
+Umifenovir was first developed in [[Russia]] in the late 1980s and has been widely used in Russia and China. It gained attention during the [[COVID-19 pandemic]] as a potential treatment option, although its effectiveness for COVID-19 remains uncertain.
-==Efficacy and Safety==
+==Research==
-The efficacy of umifenovir in treating influenza has been the subject of several studies, with mixed results. Some studies suggest that umifenovir may reduce the duration of influenza symptoms and the risk of complications associated with the virus. However, other studies have not found a significant benefit of umifenovir over placebo or standard care in treating influenza. The safety profile of umifenovir is generally considered favorable, with most adverse effects being mild and transient.
+Numerous studies have been conducted to evaluate the efficacy of umifenovir against various viral infections. While some studies suggest potential benefits, others have shown limited or no effect, particularly in the context of COVID-19.
-==Controversies and Global Use==
+==Related Pages==
-The use of umifenovir outside of Russia and China is limited, and its acceptance by the international medical community is controversial. The lack of large, high-quality, randomized controlled trials conducted according to international standards has been a significant barrier to its acceptance. Critics argue that the available evidence does not support the widespread use of umifenovir for influenza treatment or prevention, calling for more rigorous studies to determine its efficacy and safety.
+* [[Antiviral drug]]
+* [[Influenza treatment]]
+* [[COVID-19 pandemic]]
-==Conclusion==
+==References==
-While umifenovir is used in some countries as an antiviral treatment for influenza, the international medical community remains divided on its efficacy and safety due to the lack of robust clinical evidence. Further research, including well-designed clinical trials, is needed to clarify the role of umifenovir in the treatment of influenza and other viral respiratory infections.
+{{Reflist}}
 [[Category:Antiviral drugs]]
 [[Category:Influenza]]
-[[Category:Pharmacology]]
+[[Category:COVID-19 pandemic]]
-{{medicine-stub}}
+<gallery>
+File:Umifenovir_ball-and-stick_model.png
+</gallery>