Can pregnant women use oxolinic ointment? Instructions for use of oxolinic ointment during pregnancy
Oxolinic ointment is a medicine used to protect against the penetration of viruses into the body through the nasal sinuses. Doctors often recommend it during pregnancy during a flu epidemic to prevent infection. However, there are different opinions regarding the action produced by the ointment and the admissibility of Oksolin for use by expectant mothers.
Composition and effect of the drug
Oxolinic ointment is an antiviral drug for external and local use. It contains the active substance oxolin, which is effective against the herpes virus, influenza and adenovirus. Its task is to transfer microorganisms into a passive state after entering the nose and prevent them from moving further along the respiratory tract. Paralyzed pathogens remain on the mucous membrane, from where they are removed over time.
In addition to oxolinum, Oxolinic ointment contains paraffin and petroleum jelly. There are no dyes, preservatives or other additives in the preparation.
Use during pregnancy according to instructions at different stages
The prescription of Oxolinic ointment during pregnancy is not prohibited by the instructions for the drug. However, no studies have been conducted to prove its safety for the fetus. Doctors advise minimizing the use of medications while carrying a child, especially in the 1st trimester. But if you become pregnant during the season of increased incidence of viral infections, then after the approval of a gynecologist, the ointment can be used for preventive purposes.
Why can a doctor prescribe Oxolin, in what trimester?
The spectrum of action of the drug is extensive. Oxolinic ointment is used to prevent and combat the following diseases of viral origin:
- rhinitis;
- diseases of the eyes, skin;
- influenza (for prevention);
- herpes;
- lichen;
- warts
During pregnancy, nasal ointment based on oxoline is often prescribed to prevent influenza and other viral diseases transmitted by airborne droplets. It is sometimes used by women to treat stomatitis. But the effect of the medication remains questionable, since damage to the oral mucosa can be caused not only by viruses, but also by fungi or bacteria. If such a problem occurs, it is better to consult a dentist, who will select a proven remedy.
Most of those who use ointment with oxoline know only about its release form for nasal use, but there is another variety - for external and local use. The ratio of the active substance content in them is 0.25% and 3%, respectively.
Contraindications, side effects and the likelihood of other harmful effects of the ointment
The only contraindication indicated in the instructions for the drug is individual intolerance to the components of the ointment. Possible side effects include:
- fast-passing burning sensation of the nasal mucosa or skin, depending on the location and method of application;
- rhinorrhea (increased secretion of mucus from the nose);
- dermatitis (in 1% of cases).
This is interesting! As a result of using the ointment, the skin turns blue.
The ointment is considered safe by doctors during pregnancy. The level of absorption of oxoline through the skin is 5%, through mucous membranes - 20%. Within a day, the substance is completely eliminated from the body.
Oxaline ointment in the practice of a general practitioner - video
The effectiveness of the drug according to experts
Although oxolinic ointment continues to be prescribed by doctors and used for the prevention of viral diseases for 40 years after its creation, its effect is questioned.
Oxolin paralyzes viruses that enter only the respiratory tract, while infection can occur through the mucous membrane of the oropharynx, trachea and bronchi. The drug cannot be guaranteed to protect a person from the disease. There are other arguments against its use by expectant mothers:
- for 40 years, not a single clinical trial of the ointment has been conducted, including on pregnant or breastfeeding women;
- oxolinic ointment is used only in Russia and in some countries of the post-Soviet space;
In the American FDA, which determines the degree of safety of drugs and the level of reliability of clinical trials, oxolinic ointment is not recorded. Since it is not possible to obtain officially confirmed data, patients can only rely on the reviews and experience of doctors and friends who have already used this medicine. The complete lack of reliable information should force pregnant women and doctors to finally think about whether oxolinic ointment is safe and whether there is any benefit from its use.
- Doctors do not deny the placebo effect when using the drug.
Even doctors, in the old-fashioned way advising pregnant women to lubricate their nose with oxolinka before leaving the house, understand that the ointment is not able to protect 100% from infection.
Pediatrician Dr. Komarovsky also has a negative opinion about the use of oxolin. He opposes all kinds of nasal ointments, arguing that they bind the villi and prevent them from trapping microorganisms that penetrate the respiratory tract. From this point of view, the drug is useless and even harmful, because it negates the protective function of the nose.
Komarovsky's opinion on Oxalic ointment - video
Features of using the drug
To prevent infection with the influenza virus, Oxolin is applied in a thin layer to the mucous membranes of the nose before potential contact with a patient or visiting public places during epidemics. The volume of the product for one-time use is no more than a match head. An hour before the next application of the drug, you need to rinse your nasal passages with warm water to wash away the remaining ointment with the microbes that have accumulated on them. How often and for how long you can resort to such a preventive measure is best discussed with your doctor.
Oxolinic ointment is used together with other nasal products, since its absorption threshold is minimal.
For the treatment of viral eye diseases, herpes or lichen, oxolinic ointment should be prescribed only by the decision of an experienced specialist.
How to replace Oxalic ointment?
Until 2006, oxolinic ointment did not have direct analogues, i.e., drugs with the same active ingredient. Medicines with antiviral effects, but containing other components, were used as substitutes. In 2006, an analogue of Oxonaphthylene was released, and in 2008, Tetraxoline. The concentration of the active component in them and the method of application do not differ from the Soviet oxolinka.
Ointments with local antiviral, immunomodulatory or anti-inflammatory effects are used as Oxolin substitutes.
Substitutes for oxolinic ointment - table
| Drug name | Active ingredients | Action | Release form | Contraindications | Use during pregnancy |
| Viferon | interferon | immunomodulatory |
| individual sensitivity to components | Viferon has only a local effect, so it is not contraindicated during pregnancy. |
| Pinosol |
| aseptic | ointment |
| Can be used by women during pregnancy. |
| Doctor Mom Cold Slave |
| antiseptic | ointment |
| There are no studies on the use of the drug during pregnancy; it is prescribed at the discretion of the doctor. |
A woman spends a lot of energy carrying a baby, and the immune system weakens during pregnancy so that the female body cannot reject the fetus. All this leads to increased vulnerability of the expectant mother to numerous viral diseases, which can negatively affect the health of the child in the womb. Many modern medications for the prevention of colds and flu are undesirable to take during pregnancy, so therapists prescribe oxolinic ointment, a “Soviet” remedy that has been tested for decades. But is it as effective as we used to think?
Composition and effect of the drug
Oxolinic ointment is a medical preparation, the active component of which is the chemical compound naphthalene-1,2,3,4-tetron, which is complex in structure. The more well-known name of this substance - oxolin - gave its name to the popular remedy.
The therapeutic effect of the drug is due to the ability of the active substance to block the binding sites of viral particles with the membrane of healthy skin cells and mucous membranes. As a result, viruses lose activity and, after a while, die altogether.
Oxolin demonstrates high effectiveness against the following pathogens:
- influenza pathogen;
- adenoviruses;
- herpes pathogen;
- pathogens of human papilloma and molluscum contagiosum.
In its pure form, the active component is a whitish powder that dissolves well in liquids and quickly decomposes. That is why the drug is produced only in the form of an ointment, the auxiliary (and binding) substances of which are petroleum jelly and petroleum jelly.
On pharmacy counters you can find two versions of oxolinic ointment, which differ only in the concentration of the active substance:
- 0.25 percent ointment for nasal use;
- 3% ointment for external use.
Is the drug effective?
The medical community has still not reached a consensus on the antiviral effectiveness of oxolinic ointment. If doctors of the “old school” are confident in the benefits of the drug, modern specialists are increasingly expressing doubts about the need to prescribe Oksolin, considering it a dummy.
For the first time, the probable ineffectiveness of oxolinic ointment was announced back in 1998 by Doctor of Medical Sciences Leonid Strachunsky, who argued that any popular drugs supposedly preventing infectious diseases of a viral nature do not have any real therapeutic effect.
The effectiveness of such popular drugs as oxolinic ointment, Arbidol, and numerous immunomodulators has not been proven in randomized comparative trials.
L. S. Strachunsky, Doctor of Medical Sciences
http://www.rmj.ru/articles/otorinolaringologiya/ANTIBAKTERIALYNAYa_TERAPIYa_INFEKCIY_V_OTORINOLARINGOLOGII/#ixzz4JfnYPrpP
A similar position regarding Oxolin and immunomodulatory drugs is currently occupied by a well-known pediatrician E. O. Komarovsky.
But there is also a directly opposite point of view, which is held by many doctors and scientists. According to their observations, the drug acts with average efficiency, reducing the incidence of acute respiratory viral infections and influenza during epidemics.
Thus, there really are no randomized clinical trials (involving a control group that receives a placebo) proving the antiviral activity of oxolinic ointment. But the therapists who prescribe this drug believe that its effectiveness has been confirmed by more than 40 years of use and positive feedback from grateful patients.
Video: Doctor Komarovsky about oxolinic ointment
Is Oksolin allowed for expectant mothers, including in the early stages?
An attentive future mother, when studying the medical manual for oxolin ointment, may be alerted by several controversial points regarding the use of this antiviral medication during the period of bearing a child.
Table: controversial points regarding the use of oxolinic ointment
| Controversial point | Explanation |
| The instructions contain an ambiguous phrase saying that the use of the medication is possible if the potential benefit outweighs the likely harm to the child. | The standard phrase about the balance of benefit and harm is indicated in the annotation for all medicines for which serious clinical trials have not been conducted. This is a common precaution. |
| Despite the local effect, the components of the drug are absorbed into the blood: when applied to the skin, 5% of the active ingredient penetrates into the body, when used nasally - up to 20%. | The active component does not accumulate in the body, but is excreted by the kidneys within 24 hours. Therefore, you should not be afraid of long-term negative consequences for the child. |
| The American Food and Drug Administration has not assigned Oxolin a category of action on the fetus. | This fact is easily explained by the fact that the ointment is used exclusively in the countries of the former USSR and does not enter Western pharmaceutical markets. |
More than forty years of observations have not found any negative effects when using Oxolin by pregnant women. That is why doctors, without any fear, prescribe this medication during epidemics of colds and flu, including in the first trimester of pregnancy.
Viral attacks pose a greater danger to a child’s health than Oxolin.
Indications for use
It is important to understand that medications with different concentrations of the active ingredient have completely different indications. Thus, 3 percent oxolinic ointment is intended for the treatment of the following skin diseases caused by viral infections:
- various types of lichen;
- herpes simplex;
- Dühring's dermatitis;
- warts that are caused by the human papilloma virus;
- molluscum contagiosum.
Today, Oksolin is rarely prescribed for the treatment of lichen, as manufacturers have developed more advanced antilichen drugs. If, for various reasons, they are not available, oxolinic ointment will help cope with this viral skin lesion.
Oxolin at a concentration of 0.25% is used for the treatment and prevention of diseases and conditions of viral origin such as:
- runny nose (with a cold, ARVI);
- diseases of the eye mucosa (conjunctivitis, keratitis);
- herpetic stomatitis;
- prevention of influenza and respiratory viral infections.
Important! Oxolin is not able to help prevent infections caused by bacteria (sore throat, pneumonia). If the expectant mother is forced to contact patients who have been diagnosed with these diseases, she needs to take care of her health, for example, by using a gauze bandage.
Contraindications and possible harmful effects
Oxolinic ointment is a fairly safe medicine. This is confirmed, among other things, by a short list of restrictions on its use. Thus, the medication is prohibited for use by pregnant women who are found to have:
- tendency to allergic reactions;
- intolerance to oxoline or other components of the drug.
Oxolinic ointment can increase the manifestations of allergies. This is especially dangerous at the beginning of pregnancy, since the severity of the reaction cannot be predicted, and to relieve symptoms you will have to resort to strong antihistamines, which can harm the fetus.
When using Oksolin, undesirable consequences are observed very rarely. The main adverse reactions include:
- slight burning and discomfort at the site of application;
- lacrimation;
- dermatitis;
- significant discharge of mucous fluid from the nose;
- slight coloration of the skin in a blue tint.
Most side effects do not pose a danger to the woman and child and do not require discontinuation of the drug.
Important! The use of a medication with a high concentration of the active substance for application to the nasal mucosa can cause or intensify undesirable effects and provoke acute allergic reactions.
Instructions for use
Before using oxolinic ointment, especially in the early stages of pregnancy, it is necessary to consult with your doctor, who will determine the duration, frequency of use and amount of the drug required for application to the skin or mucous membranes.
Table: features of the drug during pregnancy
| Indications | Application features | Duration of therapeutic or preventive measures |
| Lichen, molluscum contagiosum | 3 percent ointment is applied 2-3 times a day to the affected area | From 4 weeks to 2 months |
| Warts caused by the human papillomavirus | 3 percent ointment is applied to the affected skin several times a day | Before cure |
| Prevention of skin lesions | 3 percent ointment should be applied to the area of intended contact with the patient (most often the palms) | 3–5 days |
| Viral conjunctivitis, keratitis | 0.25 percent ointment is applied behind the eyelid 1–3 times a day | 14 days |
| Herpetic stomatitis |
| Usually 5–7 days |
| Viral rhinitis (as part of complex therapy) |
| Usually less than 7 days |
| Prevention of influenza and ARVI |
| Up to 25-30 days |
Oxolinic ointment is used to treat skin diseases and acute respiratory infections of viral origin. However, the main area of \u200b\u200buse of Oxolin at the present time is the prevention of influenza and colds.
How can I replace oxolinic ointment?
If an intolerance to the components of oxolinic ointment is found in a woman in position, the attending physician may prescribe another antiviral agent intended for the treatment and prevention of diseases caused by viruses.
Table: medicines for herpes and respiratory viral infections prescribed for pregnant women
| Name | Dosage forms | Active ingredients | Indications | Contraindications | Features of use during pregnancy |
| Viferon |
|
| Ointment and gel are allowed at all stages of pregnancy, candles can only be used from 14 weeks | ||
| Arbidol | Capsules | Umifenovir |
| Intolerance to active and auxiliary components | Prescribed with caution, since there is no reliable clinical data on the safety of the drug during gestation |
| Interferon | Lyophilisate | Leukocyte human interferon |
|
| Prescribed if the benefit to the mother outweighs the potential harm to the fetus |
| Ergoferon | Pills |
|
| Drug intolerance | Prescribed with caution, since the use of the drug during gestation has not been studied |
| Grippferon | Drops | Interferon alpha-2b human | Prevention and treatment of flu and colds |
| Allowed during the entire gestation period |
| Oscillococcinum | Granules |
|
|
| The drug is allowed in all trimesters of pregnancy as prescribed by the attending doctor |
It is extremely important for a pregnant girl to maintain her immunity under protection. Unfortunately, no matter how good a person’s health is, during an epidemic of influenza or ARVI, the risk of illness increases hundreds of times. For this reason, it is necessary to take preventive measures. And one of the most effective means for preventing the disease is Oxolinic ointment. This medicinal ointment, familiar to everyone from childhood, copes well with viral infections, which is especially important during pregnancy. We will tell you about all the intricacies of using Oxolinic ointment during pregnancy in this article.
This medicine is available exclusively in ointment form. Today it goes on sale in the following forms:
- naphthalene-1,2,3,4-tetron content 0.25% (taken nasally);
- active ingredient concentration 3% (for external use).
In terms of its consistency, the substance is a translucent mass with high density and viscosity, as well as a grayish-white tint. The product is homogeneous, without any inclusions. Depending on the percentage of Oxolin, the ointment can be applied to various areas of the human body - mucous membrane, conjunctival sac, skin, eye shell, etc.
Currently, the drug with any degree of concentration of the active substance is produced in aluminum tubes. Oxolinic ointment 0.25% can be found in packages of 5 ml, 10 ml, 25 ml and 30 ml, and a more saturated 3% solution is supplied to pharmacists in tubes of 10 ml, 25 ml and 30 ml.
Impact of Oxolin
While carrying a baby, the mother’s main task is to protect the fetus from all kinds of negative influences and give it maximum nutrients for development. Therefore, the spread of a viral disease becomes a real challenge. The situation is further aggravated by the fact that during pregnancy, traditional antipyretic and antiviral drugs are not allowed, and the list of folk remedies is extremely limited.
Oxolin is a synthetic antiviral substance. The mechanism of action of such an ointment is quite simple: when the drug enters the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, the active components are absorbed and enter the bloodstream, exhibiting an immunostimulating effect.
A person using Oxolinic ointment literally creates a protective barrier through which the virus cannot enter body tissue. Thus, infectious agents become passive. However, it is important to take into account the fact that the medicinal effect of the drug during pregnancy is aimed exclusively at adenoviruses, i.e. herpes, flu. Otherwise, the use of Oxolinic ointment will not give a noticeable effect.
The advantages of such a drug are its low cost and wide availability. The ointment can be bought at a pharmacy without a prescription and used as a preventive measure. In addition, Oksolin is often used after infection with a virus to reduce the activity of upper respiratory tract infections. This will eliminate the symptoms of a prolonged runny nose, reduce irritability of the mucous membrane and mucus secretion. If necessary, the ointment can be used not only nasally, but also placed in the conjunctival sac of the eye.
The advantages of using Oksolin during pregnancy also include the possibility of use in the early stages, when the formation of the child’s systems and organs is still underway. Since during this period the fetus is most vulnerable, even the slightest negative impact can result in tragic consequences. Therefore, Oxolinic ointment becomes a kind of “lifesaver” that helps create a protective barrier for maternal and child organisms.
However, during pregnancy, any use of the drug is allowed only after consultation with your doctor.
Indications for use of Oxolin
Oxolinic ointment with 0.25% content of naphthalene-1,2,3,4-tetron 0.25% is used for preventive measures, as well as for the treatment of such common diseases as:
- rhinitis (runny nose);
- keratitis;
- inflammation, burning, dryness of the nasal mucosa;
- conjunctivitis;
- prevention of infection with influenza and ARVI.
Oxolinic ointment with a 3% concentration of naphthalene-1,2,3,4-tetron is used to treat external problems and is intended to eliminate symptoms in the following conditions:
- molluscum contagiosum;
- psoriasis (partially, combination with other means of therapy is necessary);
- warts, papillomas;
- herpes zoster;
- herpes (simple);
- eczema;
- ringworm;
- lichen scaly.
Oxolinic ointment during pregnancy: instructions
A medicinal ointment with 0.25% active substance content is intended for the treatment of rhinitis caused by an infection of viral origin. To do this, you must adhere to the following rules of use:
- The ointment is applied to each nasal passage daily for 3-4 days. The recommended frequency of nasal applications is 2-3 times a day.
- The product should be applied carefully without damaging the mucous tissue.
- The ointment layer should be small so as not to interfere with the natural process of human breathing.
- The optimal tool for applying Oxolin is a plastic spatula or a cotton swab for cleaning the ears, with which you can place the drug deep enough without injuring the mucous membrane of the nasal passages.
- Before using medicinal ointment, it is strictly not recommended to treat the nasal passages with vasoconstrictor drops for a runny nose.
If it is necessary to treat an eye damaged by a viral infection, then the ointment should be applied with a special plastic spatula, placing it in the conjunctival sac 2-3 times a day. In the case of complex therapy for eye damage, Oxolin is applied once a day, before bedtime. The duration of the course of treatment is determined by how quickly normal eye functions are restored, i.e. until complete recovery.
For preventive purposes, pregnant women are recommended to use the drug every time before going outside. Especially if you plan to go to crowded places - supermarket, public transport, office, theater, market, etc. To do this, simply lubricate the mucous membrane of the nasal passages and rub lightly. Also, do not forget to wash off any remaining Oxolin with warm water every time you return home.
Oxolinic ointment 3% for external use is applied to the affected area of tissue 2-3 times a day. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the following features:
- The volume of ointment should be distributed over the skin with light massaging movements, without trying to rub the drug.
- After this, a sterile gauze bandage is applied to the treated area of the body. It must be secured with an elastic bandage without pressing on the vessels.
- When treating severe diseases, an occlusive bandage with wax paper should be applied over the applied ointment, which is wrapped with polyethylene on top. This bandage must remain on the body for at least 24 hours.
The duration of use of Oxolin depends on the speed of skin restoration, however, as a rule, it is 2 – 8 weeks.
Oxolin for warts
Particular attention should be paid to the treatment of warts. This skin disease is caused by the proliferation of epithelial tissue. As a rule, papilloma does not pose a danger to the development of the fetus and does not cause pain. However, with careless movement, there is a risk of tearing off the wart, as a result of which multiple bacteria enter the wound. In addition, such growths bring an unaesthetic appearance and also have a tendency to quickly multiply on the skin.
Using medicinal ointment to eliminate papilloma is quite an effective, but lengthy process. Therapy usually lasts 2-3 months. For the course of treatment, a 3% ointment is used, which must be applied daily 2-4 times a day. Features of the wart treatment process come down to the following aspects:
- Oksolin must be applied to the papilloma itself in a thin layer so that it covers the entire diameter of the growth.
- A gauze pad should be placed over the treated area of skin.
- Finally, you need to cover the affected surface with wax paper or a regular napkin, securing it with polyethylene. In order for the bandage to hold well, you can secure all layers with a tightly wound elastic bandage.
Each time you change the bandage, you should wash the wart and reapply Oxolinic ointment to clean skin.
Is it possible to use Oxolinic ointment during pregnancy?
When studying the instructions for use of the drug, you will notice that it does not indicate any restrictions for use by pregnant women, however, the ointment should be used with extreme caution. Due to changes in hormonal levels and other changes in the body of the expectant mother, many biochemical processes are distorted. Therefore, the use of Oxolin, which previously did not cause harm, may have other reactions and consequences during the period of gestation.
From the point of view of traditional medicine, there is no evidence of the effectiveness of nasal use of Oxolin. For this reason, many therapists, in order to prevent infection by ARVI, influenza, and herpes viruses, give preference to vaccination and recommend that women in an “interesting situation” resort to general measures to protect against infection - taking vitamin supplements, limiting communication with unfamiliar people on the street as much as possible, as well as rinsing sinuses with a weak salt solution.
However, there is an alternative opinion. Other doctors, on the contrary, recommend taking preventive measures using medicinal ointment in order to create additional protection for yourself and the baby in the womb from the penetration of a viral infection inside. Therefore, it is recommended to put a small amount of the substance into the nasal passages before each visit to any institution or travel by public transport, especially during a viral epidemic.
Oxolinic ointment in early pregnancy
Exposure to external factors has virtually no effect on the division of the egg in the first two weeks of pregnancy, so the development of the fetus will not be affected in any way if the cell is viable. For this reason, the use of Oxolinic ointment is allowed in the early stages of gestation. Let's look at the picture in more detail.
1st trimester
Starting from the second week of pregnancy, the process of laying the fetal organs begins. Therefore, the use of Oksolin should be treated with caution, due to the possible occurrence of an allergic reaction to the active substance of the drug.
2nd trimester
At 12 weeks, fetal development is active, its organs are partially formed. The use of Oxolinic ointment will not harm the baby at all; on the contrary, it will create an additional protective barrier against damage to the mother’s body by a viral infection.
3rd trimester
At this stage of pregnancy, the fetus is fully formed and this drug can be taken without fear. Despite the synthetic origin of Oksolin, its action is completely harmless and cannot harm a formed, developed baby.
Side effects
The only contraindication to the use of the ointment is individual intolerance to the chemical elements of the drug. In this regard, in rare cases, rhinorrhea, burning and dryness of the nasal mucosa are observed. In exceptional cases, a bluish tint may appear on the nasal mucosa.
Colds during pregnancy overtake expectant mothers, both during cold and hot periods. This is due to a weakened body and immune system. Most tablets and syrups are contraindicated while pregnant, so women fight colds with antiviral ointments. The trend in recent years has been the use of Oxolinic ointment during pregnancy; this drug is used both in the treatment of acute respiratory infections and for preventive purposes.
Action and use of Oksolin
Oxolinic ointment is an antiviral drug for local use. The ointment effectively reduces the activity of viruses and prevents their spread at the cellular level. Oxolin is a potent synthetic substance, and over the decades of its existence, viruses have not developed resistance to it.
The spectrum of action of the drug mainly extends to:
- herpes;
- chickenpox;
- ARVI;
- adenovirus;
The action of Oksolin is based on direct penetration into the biological material in which viruses are located, preventing their reproduction. As a result, the viral particles die and the person recovers. A distinctive feature of the ointment is its ability to prevent the penetration of pathogenic material into cells and block all movement.
Oxolin partially enters the circulatory system and is excreted by the kidneys within 24 hours.
Important! When using the drug externally, no more than 6% of oxolinic ointment enters the bloodstream, while when applied to the mucous membrane, absorption will increase to 20% of the substance.
Oxolinic ointment comes in two types: for nasal and external use, they differ in the concentration of the active substance, Oxolin. The difference in concentration suggests the use of the drug for different symptoms and viruses. For example, a 3% drug is intended for the treatment of lichen, herpes, warts and dermatitis, and oxolin 0.25% is used for rhinitis, conjunctivitis, prevention and treatment of ARVI.
Is it possible to use Oxolinic ointment for pregnant women?
While carrying a child, the ointment should be used in moderation; a particularly dangerous period is pregnancy at 4-12 weeks. Oxolin is prescribed during pregnancy if the risk to the fetus is minimal, the degree of risk is determined by the attending physician. Although pregnancy is not a contraindication for use, the effect of the drug on fetal development has not been fully studied. If a pregnant woman has a hard time tolerating the symptoms of ARVI, she is prescribed Oxolin with restrictions in use; as a rule, treatment does not last longer than two weeks. The most common model of use recommended by doctors is daily lubrication of the nasal cavity and sinuses with the drug.
Oxolinic ointment during pregnancy provides good protection during periods of epidemics, and if we compare the risks from ARVI with the risks from using the ointment, the latter are minimal. The virucidal activity of the drug does not have a direct effect on the fetus, but can cause allergic reactions, as a result of which the pregnant woman will experience discomfort. Many expectant mothers are afraid that Oxolin penetrates into the blood. In fact, the degree of its penetration is minimal and, according to Russian doctors, cannot affect the development of the child.
If a pregnant woman is not sick, but wants to use Oxolin as a preventive measure, then the nasal method can be used. During a flu epidemic, expectant mothers are advised to place a thin layer of ointment in their sinuses.
Important! In early pregnancy, excessive use of the drug can cause nausea and dizziness, and in rare cases even vomiting.
A number of foreign doctors do not agree with domestic gynecologists and advise against using the ointment during the formation of the fetal nervous system. Oxolinic ointment during pregnancy is not recommended by specialists from countries such as Turkey, Iran and Argentina, which is determined not by the evidence base, but only by the lack of clinical studies.
Instructions for use
Oxolinic ointment is quite easy to use - the instructions included with the drug give a complete picture of its use.
If Oksolin is used as a prophylaxis, then an ointment with a concentration of 0.25% should be applied in a thin layer to the nasal mucosa; It is important to remember that the drug is concentrated and a small amount is enough. The nostrils should be lubricated twice a day. During difficult epidemiological conditions, use three times a day is allowed. When the drug is used by a pregnant woman, and the pregnancy occurs with a number of complications, the ointment should not be used more than once within 24 hours.
For conjunctivitis, Oxolin is used to lubricate the inner surface of the eyelid. The number of procedures depends on the stage of the disease, but it should not exceed 3 times a day.
If you have rhinitis, or in close contact with an infected person, the duration of use of the ointment increases and can last up to 2 or 3 weeks. Application is similar to the preventive procedure: Oxolin is placed in the nose.
Oxolinic ointment with a concentration of 3% is used to treat skin diseases; it should be applied directly to the affected areas of the epidermis. Sometimes treatment can be lengthy, from 3 weeks to one and a half months.
The instructions for Oxolinic ointment clearly describe the nuances of use at various stages of diseases.
Contraindications and side effects
Among the side effects caused by Oxolinic ointment, the most common are:
- clear, copious nasal discharge, rhinitis;
- burning sensation of varying intensity, from weak to strong, sometimes itching;
- blue discoloration of the epidermis at the sites of application
- nausea (occurs if a pregnant woman uses the drug and the pregnancy is at an early stage)
- mild tremors in the limbs (caused by conditions such as pregnancy and severe influenza)
Oxolinic ointment is not recommended for use when the body contains even a minimal dose of alcohol. The drug is absorbed into the blood and its interaction with alcohol can cause increased dizziness, darkening of the eyes and drowsiness.
Also, the drug should not be used simultaneously with a number of adrinomimetic drugs, this leads to drying of the mucous membranes, itching in the sinuses and complications of rhinitis.
In case of overdose, Oxolinic ointment causes severe itching and burning; in conditions such as pregnancy, vomiting may occur. If the drug is ingested, an urgent gastric lavage is necessary, otherwise the pregnancy may end in miscarriage in expectant mothers.
Analogues of Oxolinic ointment
Oxolinic ointment has no absolute analogues, but there are a number of drugs that are similar in pharmacological group. These include:
- Infagel. This is a nasal gel, which, like Oxolinic ointment, is used in the treatment of ARVI. Its active ingredient is interferon. The drug is not recommended for children, and its effects on conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and pregnancy have not been studied.
- Viferon. This antiviral drug is often confused with Oxolin, but it differs in composition and action. It is readily recommended to pregnant women and is also prescribed during lactation. Approved for children from 12 months. Viferon is minimally absorbed into the blood - instructions for Viferon during pregnancy.
- Amiksin. A drug produced in tablet form that has an antiviral effect. Prohibited for children under 6 years of age and not recommended during pregnancy and lactation. An overdose of the drug can lead to gastrointestinal problems and poisoning.
- Kagocel. The action is similar to Oxilin, but is taken orally in the form of tablets. The drug is considered potent and is not recommended for children under three years of age. Kagocel is characterized by a number of side effects, such as nausea, weakness and dizziness.
Oxolin has been proving its effectiveness for decades, having such features as an affordable price and a gentle effect on the body. You can find somewhat conflicting reviews about the drug, from enthusiastic to negative, but 60 out of 100 patients are satisfied with the result of the treatment. Regarding the use of Oksolin during pregnancy and lactation, if the dosage is observed and used correctly, complications occur in only 2% of a hundred.
Important! When purchasing Oxolinic ointment, it is important to pay attention to the expiration date and storage conditions, as well as the integrity of the packaging.
A pregnant woman spends enormous amounts of energy carrying a child. During such a crucial period, it is extremely difficult for expectant mothers to resist even harmless diseases, not to mention ARVI, influenza and other infectious diseases. Against the backdrop of intensive growth of the baby, hormonal changes occur, the immune system weakens, the body becomes vulnerable as never before.
There is no need to expect support from modern pharmaceuticals, since almost all of them are contraindicated at the stage of formation and gestation of a child. How to get out of such a difficult situation? Shouldn’t we rely on “maybe it will blow by”? It turns out that the problem has long been solved - oxolinic ointment during pregnancy will be the best preventive aid in the fight against pathogens.
But how effective and safe is this drug in the realities of the 21st century? It's time to get to know the medicine in more detail.
Is it possible to use oxolinic ointment during pregnancy?
There is no information about serious clinical trials regarding the effect of liniment on the body of a pregnant woman. But there is also no data on any significant side effects, complications or pathologies in a child caused by oxolin. Therefore, the drug has been considered absolutely safe since the last century; it is prescribed for the prevention of influenza and ARVI, and the treatment of many diseases of viral origin.
When asked whether it is possible to smear the nose with liniment for women carrying a child under their hearts, most doctors give an affirmative answer. The “love” of doctors for the pharmaceutical drug of the last century is easy to explain.
- When applied to the surface of a damaged area of skin, no more than 5% of the active substance is absorbed into the bloodstream. This small percentage is eliminated from the body over the next 24 hours, without any “cumulative” effect.
- Pregnant women have been using the antiviral drug in question since the early 80s of the 20th century. How do you like this test of time? Can you name an analogue with such a long period of use?
- It is not officially registered and there is no mention anywhere of negative consequences for the fetus.
- The price of the medicine is affordable for everyone, a wide range of applications.
During the ARVI epidemic, the health of the expectant mother needs powerful “reinforcement”, since viral infections have an extremely negative effect on the development of the fetus. In particular, they provoke developmental delays in the child and form congenital defects. It is extremely important that a woman during pregnancy ensures the safety of herself and the baby in the womb.
How to use
The ointment is available to customers in several forms (0.25, 0.5, 1 and 3%), where the corresponding values mean the percentage of the active substance (oxoline) in the medicine. Liniment is used primarily for the prevention of viral diseases. But with its help they quickly get rid of herpes and skin lesions.
One of the main advantages of oxolinic ointment is that it is safe even in the early stages of pregnancy, when the foundations of the baby’s future organs are just being laid.
For prevention purposes, each nostril is treated with a thick and viscous consistency no more than 2-3 times a day. Before visiting crowded areas or objects (public transport, shopping malls, markets), the mucous membrane is lubricated when leaving the house. It is enough to put 0.5 g of ointment into each channel and rub it lightly. For viral rhinitis, the procedures are repeated 2 to 4 times a day, the duration of treatment is 2-4 days.
How effective is the drug?
The drug effectively resists pathogenic microflora, especially in the early stages of the disease. The ointment acts according to a simple mechanism: the active substances of the composition, absorbed into the mucous membrane, penetrate into the main bloodstream, due to which an immunostimulating effect is determined.
During treatment and prevention, the drug in question forms a protective barrier that is insurmountable for pathogens and viruses. Infection passes from the active stage to the passive stage, because healthy cells and tissues do not interact with pathogenic RNAs.
Despite the fact that a small part of the active substances of oxolinic ointment is absorbed into the bloodstream, they do not cross the placental barrier It is necessary to focus on one more important aspect, which many overlook. During this interesting period, the active substance is resistant only to adenoviruses, i.e. runny nose, colds, flu, rhinitis. When treating other pathologies, the effect will be minimal.
The use of a pharmaceutical drug for preventive purposes reduces the likelihood of illness during the seasonal period of ARVI activity by up to 5%. To do this, you need to lubricate the nasal membrane 2 times every day.
It was mentioned above that the main cause of infectious lesions during pregnancy is weakened immunity. In this way, nature eliminated the likelihood of fetal rejection by the mother’s body.
The following signs indicate that the infection has “adjusted” to a pregnant woman:- general deterioration of health;
- temperature increase;
- discharge of mucus from the nose;
- weakness.
Symptoms of a viral infection At the first symptoms, you should seek help from a doctor, especially in the 1st trimester of pregnancy, when the formation of the child’s future organs is underway. During this period, self-medication with oxolinic ointment is taboo.
A unique drug for papillomas and warts
The antiviral drug effectively eliminates warts and papillomas, but pregnant women must be extremely careful in handling the composition. The main task is not to tear off the growth, otherwise the wound will become “filled” with bacteria in a few minutes.
The bandage is renewed 2-3 times a day, with mandatory washing of the papilloma.
The use of oxolinic ointment for condylomas
The regimen for using ointment for condylomas is similar to that described above. This problem has the same reason as warts - high activity of the human papillomavirus. The course of treatment can last for 2-3 months, and therefore it is advisable to consult a doctor, or postpone therapy until the baby is born.
Instructions for using oxolinic ointment during pregnancy
Before applying liniment, it is important to carefully study the instructions for use. Despite the absence of contraindications for use during pregnancy, it is safest to use the composition for treatment as prescribed by a doctor, or in agreement with him. A 3% suspension is suitable for surface treatment of the skin, and a 0.25% ointment is indicated for application to mucous membranes.
For surface treatment use only 3% oxolinic ointment For preventive purposes (flu, ARVI):- Liniment (0.5-1 g) is evenly distributed over each nasal canal with gentle movements of a cotton swab.
- The procedure is repeated 2 times a day.
- Before each update of the active substance, the passage is washed with warm water, thereby removing bacteria and viruses accumulated on the mucus.
- The duration of preventive treatment is limited to 25-30 days.
You can get rid of viral rhinitis in the same way, with the only difference being that the medicine is applied 3 times a day. The duration of therapy should not exceed 4 days.
The duration of treatment is determined by the doctor, as well as the dosage of the drug. Eye diseases are eliminated by placing the drug (0.5 g) behind the eyelid, for which a special spatula is used. After that, the treated eye is carefully closed and in this state, several rotational movements are made so that the composition is evenly distributed over the problem area. The procedure is repeated 3 to 4 times a day.
Indications for use
In the early stages of pregnancy, oxolinic ointment is prescribed only by a doctor, because The opinion of doctors may be decisive in each specific case.
In most cases, a pharmacological agent is prescribed for the following diseases:
For the listed ailments, a 0.25% composition is used. The medication is used for preventive purposes.
Concentrated (3%) liniment is indicated for problems and pathologies of a dermatological nature: lichen, papillomas, psoriasis. Recently, medicines are often replaced with more effective analogues.
Contraindications for use
Oxolinic ointment has virtually no contraindications, even with the caveat of pregnancy. Women with a tendency to allergic reactions should refrain from using the drug. Some patients have individual intolerance to Vaseline and Oxoline. In this case, the medication is replaced with an analogue on the recommendation of a doctor.
Side effects
Rhinorrhea is an adverse reaction of the body to oxolinic ointment
Side effects are recorded only if the components of the drug are intolerant. They manifest themselves in the form of drying out of the mucous membranes, burning, itching, and intense rhinorrhea. In this case, it is better to avoid using oxolinic ointment.
