Rating of cheap analogues of expensive medicines for flu and colds for 2024

Getting sick in 2024 is expensive because you have to spend money on drugs in return for going to work. By the way, the cost of some drugs is really shocking. Most medicines for the flu and common cold are ineffective, but if you are comfortable with the medication, then at least you shouldn't pay more for it.

The editors of the site "mytop.desigusxpro.com/en/" have compiled for you a rating of cheap analogues of expensive drugs for influenza and colds for 2024.

The principle of action of antiviral agents

A competent choice of medicine for a cold will help you recover in a short time and without side effects. Taking antiviral agents, the patient has a beneficial effect on the body in the form of:

• reducing the risk of recurrence of a chronic form of the disease, for example, asthma or bronchitis;
• reducing the duration of the course of the disease;
• minimizing the risk of developing deterioration.

Important! Cheap drugs are recommended for adults for prophylaxis, when there are infected people in the immediate vicinity in order to prevent the disease.

Read more about antiviral drugs and the rules for their choice - in the video:

What explains the cheapness of analogues

A frequent and understandable question is why the same drugs cost differently? It is logical that no one wants to overpay. If there is a drug with the same active substance, indications and principle of action, but much cheaper, then why not buy it?

The fact is that the cost of an expensive drug includes not only the costs of production, but also of its development, and these costs are usually significant. The release of a new drug requires spending on marketing and patenting, which is why the price of some drugs is so high.

Over time, it decreases slightly when the next generation of drugs is released, but the formulations known on the market are not so expensive to produce, therefore, the price for them is lower. Cheap counterparts also differ in that they have been mildly cleaned and have many side effects.

Interesting information! Cheap analogues of expensive drugs are called generics.

TOP 5 cheapest remedies against ARVI and their cheap analogues

The best prevention of ARVI is warm drinks, silence and topical medications: vasoconstrictor drops from nasal congestion, lozenges that relieve sore throat, etc. Medicines, to which our compatriots are accustomed, will cost a pretty penny, but there are also available analogues of these medicines.

Expert advice! If you have ARVI, eat more juices, fruits and vegetables. They promote quick recovery and strengthen the immune system.

List of analogues of expensive drugs against ARVI:

EXPENSIVE MEANS	AVERAGE PRICE (IN RUBLES)	INEXPENSIVE ANALOGUE	AVERAGE PRICE (IN RUBLES)
KAGOCEL	520	CYCLOFERON	405
AMIXIN	670	CITOVIR	370
INGAVIRIN	570	ARBIDOL	500
TAMIFLU	1170	Oseltamivir-akhirin	610
REBETOL	4635	RIBAVIRIN-C3	300

Cycloferon

Cycloferon is a powerful immunomodulator that can be given to children from 4 years of age. This drug is the basis of interferon, which helps the human body to resist viral infections and other reactions manifested in conjunction with influenza, SARS and herpes.

Important! The drug is prohibited from admission if the patient has a high sensitivity to the components of the drug.

In addition, you can not take "Cycloferon" to people who suffer from severe liver disease or intestinal disorders.

The average price is 405 rubles.

• helps to cure colds;
• acts as efficiently as possible if you start taking it at the first manifestations of the disease;
• can be taken in combination with other medicines;
• strengthens the immune system.

• some patients complain of discomfort in the stomach area, which lasts about half an hour.

Tsitovir

This is a relatively cheap drug that contains bendazole, which is responsible for the production of interferons by the human body, as well as ascorbic acid. It is produced in the form of a syrup (for children), a powder for preparing a solution, and also in capsules.

Taking medication by people who have symptoms of vascular dystonia can lead to a decrease in blood pressure. In addition, the medicine cannot be taken when:

• low blood pressure;
• urolithiasis;
• ulcer and diseases of the duodenum;
• any form of diabetes;
• pregnancy.

The average price is 370 rubles.

• convenient to take;
• an excellent solution for the treatment and prevention of colds;
• no side effects;
• a small list of contraindications;
• high efficiency.

• not detected.

Arbidol

A drug that is classified as non-toxic. "Arbidol" is mainly prescribed for illnesses with influenza and ARVI. In addition, the medication is often prescribed as an element of mixed therapy for chronic diseases of the respiratory organs.

Important! Can be taken by adults, as well as children who are at least 3 years old.

Taking a medication can provoke side effects, the cause of which lies in the personal intolerance of the components contained in the composition of the product.

Important! Women in position can also take "Arbidol", but only on the recommendation of a specialist.

The average price is 500 rubles.

• high efficiency;
• one package is enough to undergo a full course of treatment;
• no side effects, except for individual intolerance.

• absent in the recommendations of the World Health Organization for the treatment of influenza.

Oseltamivir-acriquine

This is a medicine for colds that selectively inhibits the development of neuraminidase from viral infections of groups A and B.

Interesting information! Neuraminidase is a glycoprotein that catalyzes the breakdown of the terminal sialic acid compound with sugar, thus helping a viral infection to enter and multiply in the respiratory system.

Oseltamivir is activated outside the cells and destroys the neuraminidase of the viral infection.In addition, it inhibits the development of a viral infection such as in vitro and reduces the likelihood of recurrence of the disease.

The average price is 610 rubles.

• more than 80% of patients speak positively towards this medication, which proves its effectiveness;
• the effect of the agent becomes noticeable after 1-2 days of application.

• most patients complain of side effects such as repeated vomiting and regular nausea.

Ribavirin-C3

It is an instant remedy and can only be taken by adults (minimum age 18). Ribavirin is usually prescribed for:

• adenoviruses;
• flu;
• herpes, etc.

The medication has a strong toxicity, therefore, it is categorically impossible to take it for diseases of heart failure, severe forms of anemia, liver and kidneys.

Important! "Ribavirin" is prohibited from taking people who have suffered a heart attack, with autoimmune pathologies, as well as people who are prone to suicide.

The tool is available in the form of tablets, capsules, injection solution, cream for external use, and also in the form of a solution for inhalation.

The average price is 300 rubles.

• high quality of the raw materials used;
• high efficiency.

• an impressive list of side effects and contraindications.

TOP-3 anti-flu remedies and their cheap counterparts

The severity of influenza lies in the fact that among people with weak immunity, it can provoke dangerous complications. Curing the flu with medication is real.

List of analogs of expensive drugs for influenza:

EXPENSIVE MEANS	AVERAGE PRICE (IN RUBLES)	INEXPENSIVE ANALOGUE	AVERAGE PRICE (IN RUBLES)
RELENZA	1150	REMANTADINE	70
LIFFERON	1 260	ALTEVIR	1100
TERAFLU	400	RINICOLD	140

Remantadine

This medicine has been produced since the days of the Soviet Union and is highly popular among virologists. The effect of this medication covers most of the different viral infections, including swine flu.

Important! The remedy, according to the statements of doctors, is allowed to be taken by everyone, including children over a year old.

Remantadine has many advantages, but there are also side effects, such as dryness in the mouth, dizziness and general malaise. Some patients complain of nausea, heart problems and increased irritability, but the percentage of such adverse reactions is low. One way or another, before buying this medication, be sure to consult a doctor. This remedy should be taken at the initial stage of the development of the disease.

The average price is 70 rubles.

• high efficiency;
• convenient to take;
• dispensed without a prescription;
• instant action.

• difficult to find in implementation;
• can cause drowsiness and is therefore not recommended for drivers.

Altevir

This is an interferon preparation, which is important for human immunity. As part of "Altevira" contains components with antiviral effect. The key component of the drug is recombinant interferon alpha-2b. This element reduces the activity of disease processes and inhibits the further development of viral infections.

Under the influence of interferon, the immune system is activated at the cellular level, which causes an increase in the activity of phagocytic cells and T cells. The presence of this component in the human body shortens the period of tumor formation. That is why this drug is often prescribed in the treatment of cancer and viral diseases.

The average price is 1,100 rubles.

• used to treat viral hepatitis C and B;
• high efficiency.

• many side effects.

Rinikold

 

It is a medicine used to treat severe viral and dangerous respiratory diseases, accompanied by the following symptoms:

• nasal congestion;
• joint pain;
• headache;
• fever.

In accordance with the instructions, the drug is taken at the initial stage of the onset of the disease, which significantly speeds up the healing process and reduces the period of the treatment course. The tool is classified as a drug that affects the human respiratory system. It is a hybrid medicine for the treatment of severe respiratory diseases. The medicine affects the human body as:

• antipyretic;
• pain reliever;
• vasoconstrictor;
• anti-allergenic.

Due to the listed qualities, as well as due to the influence on the centers of the NS, the symptoms of colds go away very quickly.

The average price is 140 rubles.

• effective composition;
• acts as an antipyretic;
• helps with a cold;
• relieves headache;
• high efficiency.

• inconvenient to take due to the size of the tablets.

TOP-5 medicines for cough and their cheap analogues

Cough, as a rule, provoke inflammation of the respiratory system or leakage of mucus from the nasal cavity. There are 2 types of cough medicines:

1. Antitussive.
2. Mucolytic.

Each of the varieties contains expensive products and affordable analogues.

The list of analogues of expensive cough drugs:

EXPENSIVE MEANS	AVERAGE PRICE (IN RUBLES)	INEXPENSIVE ANALOGUE	AVERAGE PRICE (IN RUBLES)
ACC LONG	400	ACETYLCYSTEINE	230
FLUDITEK	460	FLUIFORT	375
LAZOLVAN	390	AMBROXOL	25
KARMOLIS	400	SAGE BRONCHOACTIVE	100
SYNUPRET	460	DOCTOR THYSS	275

Acetylcysteine

It is an amino acid that protects the human body from the effects of oxidative overvoltage:

• bad mood;
• inflammation;
• infectious diseases;
• insomnia, etc.

The drug is sold in the form of effervescent tablets, in bags for solution preparation, in the form of syrup or powder for internal administration.

Interesting information! Acetylcysteine ​​is available in pharmacies.

Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant and detoxifying compound produced by the human body. This antioxidant is valuable for the normal functioning of the brain, lungs and liver. The human body produces glutathione on its own with the help of cysteine ​​(an amino acid), but levels decrease when a person is sick. Scientists' experience demonstrates that taking cysteine ​​as a supplement (the same acetylcysteine) increases the level of glutathione in body tissues and the brain.

This drug dissolves mucus, particularly in the lungs and respiratory organs, so it is widely used as a mucolytic medicine that relieves coughs.

The average price is 230 rubles.

• increases glutathione levels;
• removes phlegm;
• changes the level of glutamate in the body;
• increases mental capacity;
• acts as an antioxidant.

• not detected.

Fluifort

1 sachet of this drug contains 2.7 g of carbocysteine ​​lysine salt monohydrate - an active component responsible for the effectiveness of the drug.

Important! Adults only need to take 1 sachet per day, before dissolving it in 0.5 glass of water.

The medicine is sold in the form of granules and syrup. The granules have a light creamy color, have a specific citrus aroma and are designed for suspension preparation. They are available in 5 mg sachets. The instructions for the drug indicate the likely adverse reactions that are typical for carbocisteine ​​and its lysine salt, but the patient reviews do not say anything about this. The product is generally well tolerated.

Important! Adverse reactions occur infrequently, are of an intermediate nature and go away on their own as the dosage is reduced or the intake is discontinued.

The average price is 375 rubles.

• convenient to take;
• no side effects;
• delicious.

• not detected.

Ambroxol

The drug belongs to the category of mucolytic medications and is prescribed as a coughing drug for diseases that affect the respiratory tract."Arbidol" activates the function of the respiratory system and expresses a clear secretolytic and coughing effect.

The drug activates the appearance of low-viscosity sputum, as a result of transformations in the structure of mucopolysaccharides of sputum, and also increases the production of glycoproteins, which leads to a mucokinetic effect.

The average price is 25 rubles.

• high efficiency in the treatment of pathologies of the respiratory tract;
• improves the functioning of bronchial cilia;
• effectively relieves unpleasant symptoms of the disease;
• improves the functioning of the body's immune system.

• not suitable for dry cough therapy.

Sage bronchoactive

Essential oil and sage extract, as well as plantain extract, chlorophyll, marshmallow extract and vitamins of group C - in combination, have a positive effect on the condition of the upper respiratory organs and throat, providing a relief, coughing, healing and antiphlogistic effect.

In case of diseases of the upper respiratory organs, the intake of sage extract greatly simplifies breathing and swallowing, as well as relieves spasms in the throat. This is facilitated by essential oils, which form an inhalation effect, as well as the presence in the composition of a unique antioxidant - vitamin C, which activates the functioning of phagocytes, destroying microbes and viral infections.

The average price is 100 rubles.

• environmentally friendly composition;
• pleasant taste of herbs;
• effectively treats sore throat;
• the most effective if you start taking it at the initial stage of the development of the disease.

• not detected.

Dr. taiss

This is a cough syrup, which is classified as a cough and antiphlogistic drug. The product is sold in dark glass bottles. The volume of the bottle can vary from 100 to 250 ml. The drug has a viscous structure, brown in color, and a pleasant taste.

The effective element of this syrup, in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, is plantain extract. Its effect is based on a coughing action. In addition, plantain improves the patient's condition and suppresses the unpleasant symptoms of colds (sore throat and sore throat, cough, etc.).

This syrup with plantain extract is designed to dissolve the formed phlegm and quickly remove it from the human body. Additional ingredients include sugar beet syrup, peppermint essential oil, water, potassium sorbate, honey and glucose.

Important! The mixture does not contain ethyl alcohol, so it can even be given to babies.

The average price is 275 rubles.

• removes phlegm from the body;
• brings the onset of recovery closer;
• used at any stage of cough development (dry, wet);
• allowed to give to children who are at least a year old;
• delicious.

• not detected.

TOP 3 remedies for the common cold and their cheap counterparts

Nasal congestion is of 2 types:

• Infectious.
• Allergic.

It is necessary to choose a drug depending on the disease, so you need to consult an ENT in order to determine the source of a cold. Vasoconstrictor drugs are capable of curing nasal congestion. They are equally good at coping with the common cold, regardless of cost or name.

The list of analogs of expensive means against nasal congestion:

EXPENSIVE MEANS	AVERAGE PRICE (IN RUBLES)	INEXPENSIVE ANALOGUE	AVERAGE PRICE (IN RUBLES)
SANORIN	170	NAFTHIZINE	25
OTRIVIN	175	XYLENE	30
PHYSIOMER	480	AQUASOL	90

Naftizin

In this preparation, naphazoline is the active ingredient. In addition, the "Naftizin" contains the following additional components:

• boric acid;
• purified water.

Important! The drug for children contains 0.5 mg of the active ingredient, and the drug for adults contains 0.1 mg.

"Naphtizin" is a colorless solution, which is available in glass bottles of 5 and 10 ml. The drug can also be sold in dropper bottles of 10, 15 and 20 ml.

The average price is 25 rubles.

• quickly heals a runny nose;
• has a long lasting effect;
• long shelf life;
• lack of edema.

• provokes serious addiction;
• dries up the mucous membrane.

Xilen

Rhinitis drops are made in exclusive glass dropper bottles of dark color or from polymers. The agent has a vasoconstrictor effect. The active substance is classified as an alpha-adrenergic agonist, therefore, when it enters the human body through the nose, it narrows the lumen of the vessels in the mucous membrane, thereby reducing hyperemia and edema with rhinitis or congestion. With a cold, the medication makes breathing easier and reduces the manifestation of secretions. The effective effect of the drug is noted 3-5 minutes after administration and lasts about 8-10 hours.

The average price is 30 rubles.

• the duration of the effect is up to 10 hours;
• takes effect after 5 minutes;
• high efficiency.

• addictive.

Aquasol

ECO-safe isotonic composition of sea water moisturizes the nasal mucosa, liquefies thick mucus and simplifies the removal of stagnant secretions. Dexpanthenol, which is contained in the preparation, increases the moisturizing effect and prevents the mucous membrane from drying out. In addition, it increases local protection against negative environmental influences and maintains physical condition.

Important! Aquasol is an excellent choice for everyday use.

The average price is 90 rubles.

• environmentally friendly composition;
• the presence of ectoine and giarulon in the composition;
• has antiallergenic and antiviral effect;
• helps to bring oneself back to normal after acute respiratory infections;
• has a moisturizing effect.

• slightly stinging;
• difficult to find on sale.

Folk remedies as a replacement for expensive drugs

Traditional medicine helps to overcome colds and flu. Consider the most popular ways to deal with colds:

• For many, a familiar way to get rid of viral diseases is to eat more onions and garlic.
• Pepper vodka helps warm up the body, improve blood circulation and improve well-being. You can buy pepper vodka or prepare it yourself by adding a pinch of black pepper to 50 ml of classic vodka. Pepper should be drunk 50 grams three times a day.
• Chicken broth is a light food that can help you stay hydrated and also boost your immune system.
• Vitamin C - Foods rich in this healing vitamin help relieve fever and improve the body's immune forces. These include lemons, oranges, grapefruits, rose hips and sea buckthorn.
• Tea - made from raspberry or currant jam, brewed on linden and elderberry, ginger tea.
• Honey - on its basis, you can prepare various drugs, add it to tea, milk, or simply eat 1 tsp. 4 times a day.
• Horseradish with honey is a "nuclear" mixture that will quickly restore the body's defenses. Horseradish is ground in a blender and poured with water. The resulting gruel is infused for half an hour, and then the juice is squeezed out of it. Horseradish juice in a 1: 1 ratio is mixed with honey and drunk 1 tbsp. l. twice a day.

Pros and cons of cheap drugs

The cheap analogs presented in this article can fully become an alternative to expensive drugs, but they have their own pros and cons. Let's consider them in more detail.

• availability, which is obvious;
• the same therapeutic effect in comparison with expensive drugs, since the composition is usually the same;
• rare cases of forgery.

• production on outdated equipment with cheap auxiliary substances is possible;
• sometimes require more prolonged use than the original expensive drugs;
• less convenient to receive.

Conclusion

If the doctor has prescribed a specific drug and assures you that it is necessary to take only it, and not an analogue, do not replace the drug. It is possible that in addition to the key active ingredient, additional ones are also important, which in the analogue may turn out to be incompatible with other drugs used, which will lead to the occurrence of side reactions.

Attention! Before using medication, seek the advice of your doctor.