Umifenovir

Umifenovir is currently getting the limelight due to its effectiveness in treating COVID-19. Clinical trials are running to check its effectiveness among the patients. Primarily it was used for the treatment and prophylaxis of influenza and also other respiratory infections.

Umifenovir is under investigation for its efficacy as possible treatment and prophylactic agent against coronavirus (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV2 infections.

Potency of Umifenovir alone and in combination with both currently available and investigational therapies of HIV are under consideration. As per the information available, the medicine is showing positive results and will be soon available alone and also in combination with other drugs of the same class.

Due to the ability of Umifenovir to exert its antiviral activity through multiple pathways, results in considerable investigation of this medicine for its use in the variety of enveloped and non-enveloped RNA and DNA viruses.

The dual activity of Umifenovir may also converge as its additional protection against viral resistance. Thus resistance development of Umifenovirdoes not appear to be noteworthy.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

• Influenza (Flu)

• Respiratory Tract Infection

• Viral Infections

• Herpes Simplex Virus Infections

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

• Hypersensitivity

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

• Diarrhoea

• Nausea Or Vomiting

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

• Are there any pregnancy warnings?

  Unknown. Human and animal studies are not available. Please consult your doctor.

• Is it habit forming?

  No relevant data available.

• Are there any breast-feeding warnings?

  Unknown. Human and animal studies are not available. Please consult your doctor.

• Is It safe with alcohol?

  No relevant data available.

• Is it safe to drive while on this medicine?

  No relevant data available.

• Does this affect kidney function?

  There is no data available. Please consult a doctor before consuming the drug.

• Does this affect liver function?

  There is no data available. Please consult a doctor before consuming the drug.

• What is the onset of action?

  The drug will remain active for approximately 4 - 8 hours.

• What is the onset of action?

  The action of a drug is produced within 30 minute of the drug administration, because it is rapidly absorbed following oral administration.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

• Are there any missed dose instructions?

  If you miss a dose of Umifenovir, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

• Are there any overdose instructions?

  Consult your doctor in case of overdose.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

Umifenovir works via dual mechanism. It acts as both a direct acting antiviral agent and also as a host targeting agent. It prevents the contact between the virus and the host cells. Thus prevents the fusion between the two. This ultimately causes prevention of entry of virus to the target cell, hence protecting it from the infection.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

• Ques : What is Umifenovir?

  Ans : Umifenovir is an antiviral drug. And recently received limelight due to its effectiveness in treating COVID-19 patients.

• Ques : What is Umifenovir used for?

  Ans : Umifenovir is used for the treatment and prophylaxis of influenza and also other respiratory infections.

• Ques : What are the side effects of Umifenovir?

  Ans : Diarrhoea, Nausea Or Vomiting are the common side effect a patient may suffer with if he/she has taken Umifenovir.

• Ques : For how long should I continue Umifenovir?

  Ans : You must follow the prescription. Umifenovir must be taken for the period suggested by the doctor. It will depend on the severity of your condition.

• Ques : What are the instructions for storage and disposal Umifenovir?

  Ans : This medication should be kept in a cool dry place and in its original pack. Make sure Umifenovir remains unreachable to children and pets. Proper disposal of the expired and unused medications is important to avoid health problems.

• Ques : Can I take Umifenovir along with favipiravir?

  Ans : It has been suggested that the combination of two antiviral drugs Favipiravir (Approved drug for novel flu pandemic) with Umifenovir (Approved drug for Influenza) are highly effective and also minimize the emergence of resistance in COVID-19 patients.

• Ques : Is Umifenovir approved in India?

  Ans : Yes, Umifenovir is an approved drug belongs to the anti-viral drug class.

• Umifenovir- Drug Information Portal [Internet]. druginfo.nlm.nih.gov. 2020 [Cited 22 June 2020]. Available from:

  https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/umifenovir

• Umifenovir- DrugBank [Internet]. Drugbank.ca. 2020 [Cited 22 June 2020]. Available from:

  https://www.drugbank.ca/drugs/DB13609

• Arbidol- PubChem, NIH, National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information [Internet]. pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov 2020 [Cited 22 June 2020]. Available from:

  https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/131411#section=Drug-and-Medication-Information