Arbidol
Encyclopedia
Arbidol is an antiviral
treatment for influenza
infection used in Russia
and China
. The drug is manufactured by Moscow
-based Masterlek . Although some Russian studies have shown it to be effective, it is not approved for use in Western countries. Chemically, arbidol features an indole
core, functionalized at all positions but one with different substituents. The drug inhibits viral entry into target cells, and also stimulates the immune response.
Arbidol is manufactured and made available as both tablet
s and capsules.
The Russian tests showed the drug to be effective as other available treatments, but it has yet to gain acceptance in Western medicine.
of the target cell is inhibited. This prevents viral entry to the target cell, and therefore protects it from infection.
Some evidence suggests that the drug's actions are more effective at preventing infections from RNA virus
es than infections from DNA virus
es.
As well as specific antiviral action against both influenza A and influenza B viruses, arbidol exhibits modulatory effects on the immune system. The drug stimulates a humoral immune response, induces interferon
-production, and stimulates the phagocytic function of macrophage
s.
.
in children include sensitization to the drug. No known overdose cases have been reported and allergic reactions are limited to people with hypersensitivity
. The is more than 4 g/kg.
Antiviral drug
Antiviral drugs are a class of medication used specifically for treating viral infections. Like antibiotics for bacteria, specific antivirals are used for specific viruses...
treatment for influenza
Influenza
Influenza, commonly referred to as the flu, is an infectious disease caused by RNA viruses of the family Orthomyxoviridae , that affects birds and mammals...
infection used in Russia
Russia
Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects...
and China
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
. The drug is manufactured by Moscow
Moscow
Moscow is the capital, the most populous city, and the most populous federal subject of Russia. The city is a major political, economic, cultural, scientific, religious, financial, educational, and transportation centre of Russia and the continent...
-based Masterlek . Although some Russian studies have shown it to be effective, it is not approved for use in Western countries. Chemically, arbidol features an indole
Indole
Indole is an aromatic heterocyclic organic compound. It has a bicyclic structure, consisting of a six-membered benzene ring fused to a five-membered nitrogen-containing pyrrole ring. Indole is a popular component of fragrances and the precursor to many pharmaceuticals. Compounds that contain an...
core, functionalized at all positions but one with different substituents. The drug inhibits viral entry into target cells, and also stimulates the immune response.
Arbidol is manufactured and made available as both tablet
Tablet
A tablet is a pharmaceutical dosage form. It comprises a mixture of active substances and excipients, usually in powder form, pressed or compacted from a powder into a solid dose...
s and capsules.
Status
Testing of arbidol's efficacy has mainly occurred in China and Russia, and it is well known in these two countries.The Russian tests showed the drug to be effective as other available treatments, but it has yet to gain acceptance in Western medicine.
Biochemistry
Arbidol inhibits membrane fusion. Arbidol prevents contact between the virus and target host cells. Fusion between the viral capsid and the cell membraneCell membrane
The cell membrane or plasma membrane is a biological membrane that separates the interior of all cells from the outside environment. The cell membrane is selectively permeable to ions and organic molecules and controls the movement of substances in and out of cells. It basically protects the cell...
of the target cell is inhibited. This prevents viral entry to the target cell, and therefore protects it from infection.
Some evidence suggests that the drug's actions are more effective at preventing infections from RNA virus
RNA virus
An RNA virus is a virus that has RNA as its genetic material. This nucleic acid is usually single-stranded RNA but may be double-stranded RNA...
es than infections from DNA virus
DNA virus
A DNA virus is a virus that has DNA as its genetic material and replicates using a DNA-dependent DNA polymerase. The nucleic acid is usually double-stranded DNA but may also be single-stranded DNA . DNA viruses belong to either Group I or Group II of the Baltimore classification system for viruses...
es.
As well as specific antiviral action against both influenza A and influenza B viruses, arbidol exhibits modulatory effects on the immune system. The drug stimulates a humoral immune response, induces interferon
Interferon
Interferons are proteins made and released by host cells in response to the presence of pathogens—such as viruses, bacteria, or parasites—or tumor cells. They allow communication between cells to trigger the protective defenses of the immune system that eradicate pathogens or tumors.IFNs belong to...
-production, and stimulates the phagocytic function of macrophage
Macrophage
Macrophages are cells produced by the differentiation of monocytes in tissues. Human macrophages are about in diameter. Monocytes and macrophages are phagocytes. Macrophages function in both non-specific defense as well as help initiate specific defense mechanisms of vertebrate animals...
s.
Clinical application
Arbidol is used primarily as an antiviral treatments for influenza. The drug has also been investigated as a candidate drug for treatment of hepatitis CHepatitis C
Hepatitis C is an infectious disease primarily affecting the liver, caused by the hepatitis C virus . The infection is often asymptomatic, but chronic infection can lead to scarring of the liver and ultimately to cirrhosis, which is generally apparent after many years...
.
Side effects
Side effectsAdverse drug reaction
An adverse drug reaction is an expression that describes harm associated with the use of given medications at a normal dosage. ADRs may occur following a single dose or prolonged administration of a drug or result from the combination of two or more drugs...
in children include sensitization to the drug. No known overdose cases have been reported and allergic reactions are limited to people with hypersensitivity
Hypersensitivity
Hypersensitivity refers to undesirable reactions produced by the normal immune system, including allergies and autoimmunity. These reactions may be damaging, uncomfortable, or occasionally fatal. Hypersensitivity reactions require a pre-sensitized state of the host. The four-group classification...
. The is more than 4 g/kg.
External links
- "Мастерлек" Pharmaceuticals, Moscow, Russia. Patent number № 2033157, Registry number № 003610/01. Arbidol
- English published clinical studies and translations for Arbidol 1973–2009