Rimantadine (INN - rimantadine) - an effective antiviral drug that is available in tablets (rimantadine, Alguire; polished, rimantadine, NS., Rimantadine-STI, rimantadine, UWI, rimantadine-FPO, rimantadine hydrochloride, flumadin) and in syrup (orvirem).

Mechanism of action

Rimantadine action based on the fact that it inhibits the multiplication of viruses after their introduction into the cell, therefore it is active during the first hours and days of the disease. Under the influence of the acidity is reduced within rimantadine cells which were viruses that prevents penetration of genetic material into the cell cytoplasm and virus reproduction. Rimantadine also inhibits virus yield from the cells, that is, not allowing them to spread to neighboring cells.

Sensitive to rimantadine influenza virus type A (especially A2) and tick-borne encephalitis viruses. In addition, rimantadine can reduce symptoms of toxicity in diseases caused by not only the influenza A virus, and influenza B. Finally, rimantadine has immunostimulatory properties, as it stimulates the production of alpha- and gamma-interferon and increases the functional activity of lymphocytes involved during cellular immunity.

Admission rimantadine

After oral administration, rimantadine is rapidly absorbed in the intestine, where it comes first in the blood, and then distributed to tissues. Thus, in the nasal cavity it contains more than in the blood. After 24-36 hours, it is decomposed in the liver and excreted by the kidneys in an unmodified form part of a part - in the form of metabolic products. The danger here is that when the kidney function it can accumulate in the body in toxic concentrations. Therefore, it is not permitted to apply to children up to a year in which kidney function is still imperfect.

Treatment rimantadine

Assign children rimantadine for the treatment and prevention of influenza during an epidemic. Appointment rimantadine before the disease reduces the risk of getting the flu and reduces the severity of its course. When assigning rimantadine after onset of the disease (if not older than 18 hours) are less effective, however, against its receive notes easier for the disease. For children, especially, visiting children's groups, it is desirable to take rimantadine as a prophylactic measure, in this case reduced the incidence in children's groups and course of the disease in those children who are still sick, becoming less severe.

How to take rimantadine children?

Rimantadine tablets allowed to take the children to 7 years in syrup - to one year. Prior year rimantadine is not prescribed. Schemes destination rimantadine children:

• pills aged 7 to 10 years - 1 tablet 2 once daily for 5 days;
• pills aged 11 to 14 years - 1 tablet 3 times a day for 5 days;
• reception syrup rimantadine (orvirema) from 1 to 3 years: the first day to 2 teaspoons (10 ml or 20 mg) three times a day, the second and third day - 2 teaspoon 2 times per day, the fourth day - 2 teaspoons 1 per day;
• reception syrup rimantadine (orvirema) for children from 3 to 7 years: the first day of 3 teaspoons (15 ml or 30 mg) three times a day, the second and third day - 3 teaspoons 2 times a day, the fourth day - 3 teaspoons 1 per day.

For the prevention of influenza rimantadine prescribed one tablet 1 time a day for two weeks, the children after 7 years.

Contraindications

Rimantadine should not be used when you are hypersensitive to the child, as well as for violations of liver and kidney function and elevated thyroid function The thyroid gland - is responsible for your hormones . This is due to the fact that the drug is decomposed in the liver and excreted through the kidneys, if the function of some of these bodies is broken, then there is an accumulation of rimantadine in the body, which is very dangerous for the baby. With increased function of the thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism), rimantadine is not prescribed, since it has the side effect of irritability Irritability - you try to control my temper , Insomnia, trembling limbs - all these features are typical for hyperthyroidism Hyperthyroidism: increased secretion of thyroid hormone So the disease can be exacerbated.

Be wary appoint rimantadine and seizure of the child, especially in epilepsy, as remandadin may exacerbate these effects. Some children in its application may arise from violations of the digestive system - poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain Abdominal pain: Types and Symptoms . If these phenomena are expressed insignificantly, the receiving rimantadine can not interrupt, but expressed signs of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract should be abolished.

There may also appear weakness, headaches, dizziness and impaired concentration. If a child suffers heavily rimantadine, it is better not to apply.

Allergic reactions can be expressed in the form of urticaria and itching. When allergy rimantadine should be lifted immediately.

Galina Romanenko

Despite popular belief, is not very infectious mononucleosis. People living in the same apartment, they rarely get sick at the same time. It is most common among 15-25-year-olds. Most people faced with the Epstein-Barr virus in early childhood, with the typical symptoms of mononucleosis may not develop. What threatens mononucleosis in children?

Causes of mononucleosis in children

Mononucleosis - a viral infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. This virus is transmitted through infected saliva. It can be transmitted through food or utensils and also by kissing, coughing or sneezing.

Signs of mononucleosis in children

Children mononucleosis usually asymptomatic. This means that the symptoms are negligible or non-existent. Often the symptoms of mononucleosis Symptoms of mononucleosis - easy to make a mistake   children resemble symptoms of a cold or moderate fever. It can take up to two weeks. This is not dangerous.

Teens experiencing symptoms of mononucleosis. These may include:

• severe pain in the throat
• weakness, loss of energy and body aches
• enlarged red tonsils covered with pus
• swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, groin and other parts of the body
• elevated temperature for 7-14 days
• enlarged spleen
• slightly enlarged liver
• rash

Most children experience only mild symptoms for a week. Even those who have severe symptoms often feel much better after 2-4 weeks.

Complications of mononucleosis in children

Most children with mononucleosis may be treated at home. Most likely, your child not necessarily put in the hospital. Sometimes complications can occur, for which the doctor has to observe. These include:

• Dehydration

The most common complication of mononucleosis - is dehydration due to insufficient fluid intake. Try to avoid it, often giving the baby to drink.

• Enlarged spleen

Mononucleosis, a child may cause enlargement of the spleen, so it is important to protect his stomach and lumbar region. A blow to the stomach could rupture the enlarged spleen and cause internal bleeding. This is a critical situation.

All children with mononucleosis should avoid contact sports for at least four weeks. Athletes should restrict their activity until the spleen returns to normal size.

Try to keep the child did not have constipation. The child also should not lift anything heavy. It can load the spleen. If the child appeared sudden severe pain in the abdomen, immediately call "ambulance."

• Heavy breathing

Your child can be difficult to breath. Inhalation may be partially blocked due to the increase of the tonsils, adenoids Adenoids - the expansion of the pharyngeal tonsil And other lymphatic tissues at the back of the throat. The child might feel as if something was stuck in her throat. The doctor can check her throat to find out whether there is a risk of blockade breathing. You may need a medicine that reduces swelling of the throat.

• The rash of mononucleosis in children

Some children with mononucleosis, there is a strong eruption, if they take the antibiotics ampicillin or amoxicillin. If your child has mononucleosis, these drugs should be avoided. If the doctor suspects the child has a bacterial infection in addition to mononucleosis, it is safe to take other antibiotics.

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Chronic fatigue - if life is not a pleasant experience

Mononucleosis, a child may cause chronic fatigue syndrome. Its symptoms - is extreme fatigue, weakness, and recurring pain. These symptoms lasting for at least six months.

How to treat mononucleosis in children

Doctors diagnosed a child asks you about his symptoms, seeing the child and possibly blood tests.

Special cures for this virus. The immune system fight the infection. Treatment of mononucleosis in children is mainly aimed at improving the well-being of the child.

If the tonsils are so enlarged that almost touching, the doctor may prescribe steroids to reduce swelling.

Caring for a child suffering from mononucleosis

Discomfort due to swollen lymph nodes, and often high temperatures can be facilitated by paracetamol or ibuprofen.

Make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids. You can drink milkshakes and cold drinks. Children older than 1 year can drink warm chicken broth.

The baby is getting enough fluid if:

• he pees at least 2 or 3 times a day
• When the baby cries, his eyes moist, and there are tears
• the child has the saliva in the mouth

If a child hurts to swallow, try the following:

• Give him soft foods that are easy to swallow: soups, ice cream, pudding or yogurt. Avoid salty, spicy, acidic or citrus foods if they exacerbate the pain. Let's more fluid. Perhaps the child will be easier to drink through a straw.
• If the child is more than a year, try to give it 1-2 teaspoons of honey to soothe the throat and reduce coughing. Older children can gargle with warm salt water.
• Older children and adolescents may be given for sucking lozenges. Do not let their small children, as they may choke.

Recreational Activity

The child is not necessarily all the time to stay in bed, or sit alone. Children usually go to when they have a fever, and then become active again.

The school or kindergarten can return when the temperature is normal, and the child does not hurt to swallow. Most children return to normal life after 2-4 weeks.

The doctor will determine how long you need to release the child from the athletic training.

The consequences of mononucleosis in children

The majority of children who become ill with mononucleosis recover completely without consequences. But in rare cases, complications can occur. This may be a problem with the liver or the spleen, anemia, meningitis Meningitis - an inflammation of the meninges , Shortness of breath, or inflammation of the heart.

Prevention mononucleosis in children

Vaccines against Epstein-Barr virus does not exist, but you can try to protect their children from mononucleosis, making sure that they avoid close contact with those children who are sick with mononucleosis. But sometimes people can have the virus without experiencing symptoms, and still passing it to others. Therefore, teach your children to wash hands frequently and not sharing drinks, food or utensils with other people, even if they seem healthy.

Urgent Call your doctor if your child:

• dehydration
• heavy breathing
• abdominal pain, especially high on the left side
• very poor health