Instructions for use of oscillococcinum. Oscillococcinum: instructions for use and what it is needed for, price, reviews, analogues Oscillococcinum contraindications for use

Although the correct spelling of this medicinal product is Oscillococcinum (with two “l”), people often search for the drug by typing Oscillococcinum into the search bar, so we took the risk of giving both options in the title of the article.

Instructions for use of the homeopathic drug Oscillococcinum can provide the patient with all the necessary information about its use for treatment. It contains a complete list of indications for use, as well as information on contraindications and side effects. After reading the instructions, the consumer will become familiar with the composition of the drug, its release form and storage conditions. The properties of Oscillococcinum, as well as its combination with other medications, are also described in detail. Thus, the information provided will help you navigate and make a decision about purchasing the drug, since it is dispensed from pharmacies without a doctor’s prescription.

Oscillococcinum composition

The homeopathic drug Oscillococcinum has divided doses. One dose of the drug consists of Anas barbariaelium, hepatic et cordis extractum (Anas barbariaelium, hepatic et cordis extractum) 200K

The following substances act as auxiliary components: sucrose and lactose in the required quantity.

This composition is considered diluted according to Korsakov.

Release form and packaging

The drug is produced in the form of instant granules, which are white in color and almost spherical in shape. There is no smell.

The drug is sold in doses of one gram of granules, which are poured into a white polypropylene tube with a polyethylene stopper. The tubes, in turn, are placed in a transparent film blister, the material of which is polyvinyl chloride hot-melt adhesive film. Each blister is sealed on the back with paper tape and placed in a cardboard box with an adhesive “tab” on the side.

In any pharmacy you can buy packs of the drug, which contain not only one blister, but also two blisters and even four.

Terms and conditions of storage

The drug should be stored in dry rooms protected from direct sunlight, where the air temperature does not exceed 25 degrees. Storage areas for the drug Oscillococcinum should be inaccessible to children. The permissible shelf life is five years.

Properties of Oscillococcinum

It is difficult to judge the properties of a drug when the drug manufacturer does not provide any information about the pharmacological action of Oscillococcinum. There is also no description of the pharmacokinetics of this homeopathic remedy.

Referring to the statements of homeopaths, the active substance Oscillococcinum acts on water and then, after going through a process of modification, which begins to affect the body through instructions received in its memory. However, such a treatment effect has neither scientific support nor experimental evidence.

Indications for use Oscillococcinum

The drug Oscillococcinum has indications for use in acute respiratory viral infections and influenza, which can be mild or moderate.

Contraindications

Oscillococcinum is contraindicated for people who have lactose intolerance and hypersensitivity to the components that make up the drug.

Oscillococcinum application

The drug Oscillococcinum for medicinal purposes is taken a quarter of an hour before meals or one hour after meals.

Adults should place the granules of one tube under the tongue and hold until they are completely dissolved.

The dose of the drug, regardless of age, is selected based on the stage of the disease.

Prevention: a single dose once every seven days during a mass incidence of ARVI.

For the disease in the initial stage: one dose at the first symptoms of the disease and repeat the dose after six hours several times a day.

At an advanced stage of the disease: one dose in the morning and evening for three days.

Oscillococcinum during pregnancy

Being pregnant, a woman, like no one else, must take care of her health. Therefore, if you notice the first signs of a cold or flu, you should take a dose of the drug by dissolving the granules under the tongue. Repeat the drug intake two or three times during the day at regular intervals (6 hours).

If the moment of onset of the disease has been missed, the drug should be used for medicinal purposes in a single dose every morning and evening for several days.

When taking the drug does not lead to the desired result, you should definitely consult a doctor.

Oscillococcinum during breastfeeding

Due to the fact that the composition of the drug does not contain ingredients harmful to the health of the mother and child, Oscillococcinum is approved for use during breastfeeding. However, the drug must be prescribed by a doctor, many of whom recommend its use to a nursing woman for the prevention of ARVI, influenza and colds.

Method of administration and dosage

To take the drug, it is necessary to place the contents of one dose container under the tongue and hold until the granules are completely dissolved.

Take the drug a quarter of an hour before meals or an hour after meals.

For prevention – 1 dose per week.

With the first signs of the disease, 1 dose with an interval of 6 hours two or three times a day.

If the disease is in an advanced stage, 1 dose twice a day for several days.

Oscillococcinum for children

Taking the drug Oscillococcinum, both for the treatment of children and for preventive measures, is approved by specialists. Carry out its administration and dosage in accordance with the general instructions for use.

There is no clear answer to the question of whether Oscillococcinum can be used for infants. The debate about the benefits of homeopathic medicines is still ongoing. However, the harmlessness of the drug has been proven in practice. However, pediatricians recommend that at the first symptoms of viral colds, you should take your child to a medical facility, where the doctor will assess the situation and prescribe adequate treatment for the baby.

Side effects

As a rule, taking the drug does not cause side effects. At least there is no information about this. An allergy is probably possible.

Overdose

No cases of overdose were recorded.

Drug interactions

Homeopathy medications can be taken together with any other medications.

Additional instructions

If after taking Oscillococcinum the symptoms of the disease continue to increase within 24 hours, you should seek medical help.

The drug is especially effective if taken at the first signs of the disease.

The use of Oscillococcinum does not affect the ability to drive vehicles and does not interfere with the performance of work with mechanisms.

Oscillococcinum analogue

Many of the drug analogues that are presented on the pharmaceutical market today are distinguished by longer treatment, dosage form and the presence of an active substance in their composition. Their similarity lies only in the indications for use. Nevertheless, worthy analogues of the famous drug Oscillococcinum are still available; the most suitable drug for replacing Oscillococcinum can be considered the drug Kagocel.

Oscillococcinum price

The drug is very popular among the population, despite the fact that its cost is quite high. On average, in pharmacies the price for Oscillococcinum (Otsilococcinum) ranges from 300 to 400 rubles.

Oscillococcinum is a homeopathic remedy that regulates the body's protective functions and is used in the treatment of colds and flu.

Release form and composition

The dosage form of the drug is almost spherical white granules, odorless, sweetish in taste, intended for oral administration.

The active ingredient in Oscillococcinum is extract of the liver and heart of Anas Barbariae (Barbary duck). One dose of the drug contains 200 K (200 hundredths or 0.01 ml).

Auxiliary components used in the production of granules are lactose and sucrose (up to 1000 mg).

Oscillococcinum granules are sold in 1 gram quantities (which corresponds to one dose of the drug) in white polypropylene tubes: 1, 3 or 6 tubes in plastic pallets, packed in cardboard packs, or 3 tubes in a blister, 1, 2 or 4 blisters in packaging.

Indications for use

According to the instructions for Oscillococcinum, the drug is intended for the treatment of:

• Acute respiratory viral infections, manifested by fever, chills, headache and body aches;
• Mild to moderate flu.

During epidemics of viral infections, Oscillococcinum is recommended to be taken as a prophylactic agent in order to stimulate the body's nonspecific resistance.

Contraindications

The use of Oscillococcinum is contraindicated in case of individual hypersensitivity to its components.

Due to the fact that the drug contains sucrose and lactose, it should not be taken by people who have glucose-galactose malabsorption, sucrose-isomaltase deficiency, lactase deficiency or diagnosed lactose/fructose intolerance.

As for the use of the drug in pediatrics, it is not recommended to give it to children under 2 years of age.

Directions for use and dosage

According to the instructions for Oscillococcinum, the drug must be taken 15 minutes before meals or 1 hour after meals. The granules should be placed under the tongue and kept in the mouth until they are completely dissolved; for small children, they can be dissolved in a small amount of water and given in a baby bottle or using a spoon.

The contents of one container tube correspond to one dose. The frequency of use of the drug depends on the severity of the disease. At the initial stage of the disease, it is recommended to take 1 dose every 6 hours during the day. At an advanced stage of the disease, 1 dose is prescribed twice a day (morning and evening), the duration of administration is 1-3 days, depending on the rate of improvement.

If within 3 days after starting the use of Oscillococcinum, relief does not occur or the symptoms of the disease worsen, you should consult a doctor.

During the period of ARVI spread, the drug can be taken once a week, 1 dose for prevention.

Side effects

According to patient reviews, the drug is well tolerated and has no side effects. This is confirmed by the instructions, which do not describe any unwanted reactions from the body.

In the presence of hypersensitivity or intolerance to the components of Oscillococcinum, the development of allergic reactions is presumably possible.

If any negative effects from the body occur, you should stop taking the drug and consult a doctor so that he can evaluate the condition and decide on the advisability of continuing therapy or replace Oscillococcinum with a medicine with a different composition, but with a similar mechanism of action.

Cases of overdose with this homeopathic drug have not been recorded in medical practice to date.

special instructions

The earlier treatment is started, the faster and more effectively Oscillococcinum acts, so it is recommended to take the drug when the first signs of a “cold” appear.

The safety of Oscillococcinum during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been studied. For this reason, the drug is prescribed to pregnant women only if there are “vital” indications, having carefully assessed the ratio of the expected benefits for the expectant mother and the potential risks to the fetus. If it is necessary to take medication during lactation, the decision to continue/stop breastfeeding should be made by the doctor.

The drug does not have a negative effect on the ability to concentrate, on the speed of physical and mental reactions, as well as on visual acuity, therefore it can be used by patients who drive a car and are employed in potentially hazardous industries.

The use of Oscillococcinum does not exclude treatment with other drugs, however, it is recommended to consult with your doctor regarding the pharmacological compatibility of these drugs.

Analogs

There are no structural analogues of Oscillococcinum.

The following drugs are characterized by a similar mechanism of action: Engystol, Gripp-Hel, Grippferon, Terflu, Bioaron C, Antiflu, Interferon, Antigrippin, Antigrippin-Anvi, Combigripp, Tamiflu, Echinacea immuno, Gripout, Amizonchik, Amizon, Helpex Anticold, Pharmacitron, Fervex , Grippostad, Coldrex Maxgripp, Anticataral, Combigrip Hot Sip, Biomun, Viroliz, Influbene, Vaxigrip, Coldex Teva, Coldrex Hotrem, Coldrex Powders, Comtrex, Flukold and Flukold N, Influvac, Aflu Taiss, Arpeflu, Gripp-Gran, Grippostad C, Anvimax, Fluarix, Theraflu Extra, Rinostop, Gripex, Coldact, Antiflu, Grippocitron, etc.

Terms and conditions of storage

Oscillococcinum, like all homeopathic medicines, can be freely purchased at a pharmacy; you do not need a prescription from your doctor.

In accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations, tubes should be stored in a dark place. The optimal storage temperature is in the range from 15 to 25 ºС. If the specified conditions are met, the granules retain their pharmacological properties for 5 years from the date of release.

Oscillococcinum ®, Granules

Registration number P N014236/01

Trade name of the drug

Oscillococcinum®

Dosage form

Homeopathic granules

Composition (per dose):

Active components:

Anas barbariaelium, hepatic et cordis extractum (anas barbariaelium, hepatic et cordis extractum) 200 K – 0.01 ml

Auxiliary components:

Sucrose - 850 mg
Lactose - 150 mg

Description

White granules, almost spherical in shape, odorless, easily soluble in water.

Pharmacotherapeutic group

Homeopathic remedy

Indications for use

Mild to moderate flu, acute respiratory viral infection (ARVI).

Contraindications

Increased individual sensitivity to individual components of the drug.
Lactose intolerance, lactase deficiency, glucose-galactose malabsorption.

Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding
The drug is used as prescribed by a doctor.

Directions for use and doses

Place the contents of the tube under your tongue and hold until completely dissolved.
For children: dissolve the contents of the tube in a small amount of water and give from a spoon or using a bottle with a nipple.

Take the drug 15 minutes before meals or an hour later.
The dosage depends on the stage of the disease and does not depend on the age of the patient.

For prevention: take 1 dose 1 time per week during the period of ARVI spread.
Initial stage of the disease: take 1 dose as early as possible, then, if necessary, repeat the dose 2-3 times with an interval of 6 hours.

Severe stage of the disease: take 1 dose in the morning and evening for 1-3 days.

Side effect

At the moment, there is no information about the side effects of the drug. If side effects occur, you should consult a doctor. Allergic reactions are possible.

Overdose

Cases of overdose have not been reported to date.

Interaction with other drugs

Taking homeopathic medicines does not exclude treatment with other medicines.

special instructions

If symptoms of the disease increase within 24 hours, you should consult a doctor.
The drug acts faster and more effectively the earlier treatment is started - from the very first symptoms of the disease.

The use of the drug does not affect driving or performing potentially hazardous activities that require increased concentration and speed of psychomotor reactions.

Oscillococcinum belongs to the group of homeopathic medicines. Its basis is a concentrate from the liver and heart of a specific breed of Barbary duck. Additional components in the composition of the medicine are sucrose and lactose. The content of the active substance in one dose of the drug is 0.01 ml.

The medicine should be stored at a temperature of no more than +25 degrees Celsius in well-ventilated areas protected from direct sunlight. This type of medication is available without a prescription and is freely available. Valid for 5 years from the date of production.

Release form

According to the annotation for the drug, Oscillococcinum is produced in the form of round white granules, odorless, with a slightly sweet taste. The substance dissolves well in water. Intended for oral use only.
1 granule contains 1 gram of the drug.

Each individual granule is packaged in a polypropylene tube. 1, 3 or 6 tubes form a plastic tray. 1 cardboard package can contain 1–4 blisters of granules.

Pharmacological properties

Possessing homeopathic properties, Oscillococcinum does not contain synthetic components and is widely used as an adjuvant in the treatment of acute respiratory viral infections.

The action of the drug is aimed at strengthening and stimulating the body's resistance and suppressing viral microorganisms.

However, the effectiveness of this type of medication has not been proven. In this regard, WHO does not classify them as medicines.

There are no data regarding the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of Oscillococcinum.

Indications for use

The instructions for use state that Oscillococcinum should be included in the course of treatment for the following types of diseases:

• myalgia;
• flu;
• ARVI and accompanying symptoms (fever, joint pain, headache);
• as a prophylactic for any other pathologies of viral origin.

Reception of Oscillococcinum is limited to children over 2 years of age. It is better to take the medicine either shortly before a meal or at least an hour after a meal. 1 tube contains 1 dose of medicine.

After removing the granules from the tube, they must be placed under the tongue and allowed to completely dissolve.

The attending physician selects the course of treatment and dosage for the patient individually.

At the first symptoms of the disease, it will be enough to take 1 tube every 6 hours, but no more than 3 days in a row. In case of pronounced symptoms, the dosage can be increased to 1 tube every 4 hours, but not more than 3 days in a row.

For children, it is better to dissolve the contents of the tube in water and give it from a spoon or fill a baby bottle with the resulting solution.

In order to prevent ARVI, it is allowed to take the drug 1 tube once a week for 2–3 weeks.

If after consuming the drug the patient’s well-being does not improve or any deviations from the norm are observed, it is necessary to immediately seek medical help.

Contraindications, overdose and side effects

This homeopathic medicine is quite well tolerated by patients and has virtually no contraindications.
However, in some cases Oscillococcinum should not be used for:

• individual intolerance to the components of the drug;
• deficiency or hypersensitivity to lactose;
• enzymatic disorders in the stomach;
• childhood less than 2 years of age.

Taking the drug does not in any way affect the performance of the patients’ internal systems and does not cause drowsiness.

As a result of the studies, no side effects were identified after consuming this medication.
Isolated cases of the body's rejection of sucrose and lactose have been recorded, resulting in patients experiencing an allergic reaction in the form of a skin rash.

There is no data on drug overdose.

If after taking Oscillococcinum there is a deterioration in your health, the course of treatment with this medicine should be suspended and consult your doctor.

During pregnancy and lactation

Studies have not been conducted on the reaction of the female body to the drug and its possible harm to the health of the mother and child during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Therefore, taking the medication is allowed only in case of urgent need and as prescribed by a doctor.

Analogs

The following types of medicines have a similar effect:

• Coldact;
• Virolysis;
• Gripout;
• Interferon;
• Amizon;
• Pharmacitron;
• Influbene.

There are currently no drugs that have a similar structure to Oscillococcinum. Nevertheless, we recommend reading the article about the analogue of the pharmacological agent in question “Lavomax - instructions for use”.

Efficiency and reviews

Oscillococcinum is one of the few medicinal solutions in the fight against ARVI, which is not based on any synthetic additives. Thanks to this, the drug is safe to take at any age and even for small children, starting from 2 years.

Most medical reviews about this homeopathic medicine are positive. It is widely used in pediatric practice and is prescribed as an effective adjuvant in the treatment of acute respiratory viral infections and various colds. In addition to treatment, the medication can be a good option for preventing various viral infections. In addition, it has virtually no contraindications and has no side effects.

Children really like the shape and taste of the medicine, which is very similar to candy, so giving your child the next dose of the medicine will not be difficult.

Many buyers note the rapid effect of taking the medicine at the first symptoms of a cold. There is an improvement in well-being, the temperature normalizes, and pain in the joints and throat decreases.

However, a number of dissatisfied consumers claim that Oscillococcinum completely lacks any medicinal properties and is nothing more than sugar balls that can be added to tea, and not to treat a cold.

Of course, the price of the drug can hardly be called budget, so many consumers expect an instant effect from the medicine.

But we must not forget about the individual characteristics of the human body and the stage at which the viral disease is located.

After all, the treatment of any pathology consists of a set of procedures of different directions, which, with the correct dosage and compliance with the instructions, bring the effect of treatment.

Viral infections occur very often in children, especially if they are in a group of children or in public places. To prevent acute respiratory infections or to treat the disease if it could not be avoided, homeopathic medicines are often used. One of the most popular remedies of this group is called Oscillococcinum. Can it be given to children and in what dosage?

Release form

Oscillococcinum is produced by a French company "Boiron" in only one form, which is granules that easily dissolve upon contact with water or saliva. They are white in color, almost spherical in shape and have no odor. These granules taste sweet.

They are placed in white plastic tubes of 1 gram each. One such tube is one dose of the drug. The granules in it are tightly closed with a polyethylene stopper. The tubes are packaged in blisters of 3 pieces, and one box contains 2, 4 or 10 blisters (from 6 to 30 doses).

Compound

The active component of the granules is an extract obtained from the organs of the Muscovy (also called Barbary) duck. Substances extracted from the liver and heart of such a bird are diluted to 10 to minus 400 degrees. To make the drug sweet and quickly dissolve in the oral cavity, the active ingredients are combined with sucrose and lactose

Operating principle

Oscillococcinum refers to homeopathic remedies that are recommended to be taken at the first manifestations of acute respiratory infections - fever, cough, headaches, chills, body aches, sore throat, rhinitis and others. The active ingredient of the granules, according to many studies, can improve the condition of patients and alleviate the course of viral infection. However, the mechanism of the extract’s effect on viruses or the human immune system is not described by the manufacturer.

Indications

Most often, Oscillococcinum is prescribed for influenza, which has a mild or moderate course. In addition, granules can be used for other acute respiratory diseases caused by viruses.

At what age is it allowed?

The drug has no age restrictions, so Oscillococcinum can be given to infants or children attending kindergarten, as well as to schoolchildren and teenagers. The drug is called harmless, but it is recommended to use it in children after a doctor’s prescription, because sometimes complex therapy is required, which also requires other medications.

Contraindications

Granules should not be given to children who are hypersensitive to their components. For example, due to the presence of milk sugar in the preparation, Oscillococcinum is contraindicated in patients with both lactase deficiency and lactose intolerance. You should not take this drug if you have a hereditary disorder in the absorption of glucose-galactose, which is called malabsorption.

Side effects

According to the data in the annotation for the granules, taking them does not cause any side effects. However, in extremely rare cases, the use of Oscillococcinum may cause allergic reaction.

If any ailments occur while taking the drug, this should be reported to the doctor who is observing the little patient.

Instructions for use and dosage

To open the drug, you need to press on the transparent side of the blister, squeeze out one tube, and then open it. The method of taking Oscillococcinum depends on the age of the child:

• If the product is given to a baby, the granules are dissolved in water and the resulting solution is poured into a bottle, and then given through the nipple.
• The drug can also be given to the smallest children from a spoon, after first dissolving the contents of the tube in a small volume of water.
• For older patients, the granules can be poured directly into the mouth (under the tongue) and asked to hold them in the mouth until they are completely dissolved by saliva.

It is recommended to give Oscillococcinum to a child 15 minutes before feeding or eating. If the child has just eaten, the pellets should be delayed for at least 1 hour.

The dosage of the drug is not affected by the patient’s age, but it depends on the stage of the disease:

• If a viral infection has just begun to manifest negative symptoms, the first dose of Oscillococcinum should be taken as soon as possible. If the development of the disease has not stopped, it is recommended to re-dissolve or swallow the dissolved drug every 6 hours another 2-3 times.
• If the granules are prescribed at the height of the illness, they should be taken for 1-3 days twice a day - one dose in the morning and another in the evening.
• If the drug is recommended for prophylactic purposes, then it is given to the child during the ARVI season once a week, one dose.

Overdose

To date, there have been no cases in which a very large dose of Oscillococcinum had a harmful effect.

Interaction with other drugs

The use of granules does not interfere with treatment with other homeopathic remedies, as well as any medications, including antiviral, antibacterial, antipyretic and other medications.

Terms of sale

To buy Oscillococcinum at a pharmacy, you do not need to show a prescription from a doctor. The average price of a box containing 6 doses varies from 340 to 380 rubles, for a pack with 12 tubes you need to pay about 600-700 rubles, and a pack with 30 doses costs about 1,400 rubles.

Storage Features

The shelf life of sealed tubes is 5 years. Until its completion, Oscillococcinum should be stored at a temperature no higher than 25 degrees Celsius, choosing a place where the granules will not be reached by children and will not be exposed to direct sunlight.

Reviews

There are both good and negative reviews about the use of Oscillococcinum for ARVI or influenza. In positive reviews, parents who trust homeopathy call this remedy effective and harmless. They praise the granules for their pleasant taste, convenient release form, and the ability to give to children and buy without a prescription.

According to them, taking 1-2 doses made it possible to stop the development of the disease at a very early stage or to tolerate the infection more easily. Despite the rather high cost, such mothers are called Oscillococcinum profitable means, because taking it helps to avoid the use of other medications (antitussives, antibiotics, expectorants, etc.).

At the same time, you can see a lot of negative reviews in which Oscillococcinum is called placebo and dummy. In them, mothers complain that the drug had no effect on the disease and the child had to be given other medications that affect viruses.

Many doctors who support evidence-based medicine also speak negatively about Oscillococcinum. Among them is the popular pediatrician Komarovsky, who considers homeopathic granules, although harmless, to be absolutely useless. However, the drug very popular in France, where it is sold over-the-counter and is the most sought after flu remedy.

In addition, it was created many decades ago and such a long presence on the pharmaceutical market gives some right to classify it as an effective remedy.

However, many doctors oppose homeopathy and say that the mechanism of action of the extract from the internal organs of a duck on the immune system is unclear, and the dilution of the active substances is so high that the granules can be called ordinary sugar balls.

Such doctors associate the positive effect of taking Oscillococcinum in the first days of the disease with the activity of the immune response of a particular patient (the body itself actively resists the virus and the disease does not develop).

And therefore, the question of whether to give Oscillococcinum to a sick child must be decided individually, taking into account the attitude of parents towards homeopathic treatment, and the condition of the little patient.

If 24 hours have passed after the first intake of the granules, and the child feels unwell, you should consult a doctor and examine the baby, and then start giving him other medications that the pediatrician recommends.

Analogs

Other homeopathic remedies (including cheaper ones) that have a similar effect can replace Oscillococcinum:

• Aflubin drops based on gentian, bryonia, iron phosphate, aconite and lactic acid. They can be prescribed for ARVI, colds, flu and various inflammatory diseases from birth. There are also Aflubin tablets prescribed from the age of 5.
• Agri for children. This homeopathic remedy, which helps in the treatment of acute respiratory diseases, contains bryonia, iron phosphate and other substances. The tablet form is used in children from 1 year of age, and granules - from the age of three.

• Viburkol. These rectal suppositories, approved for children of any age, are based on substances from belladonna, chamomile, nightshade, pulsatilla and plantain. These suppositories are in demand for many inflammatory processes.
• Anaferon. Such tablets for children contain antibodies to interferon that have undergone special purification. They are approved for patients older than 1 month and are used for viral infections or for their prevention.

• Ergoferon. The basis of such a solution is also antibodies to interferons, but other substances are added to them. The drug is prescribed to children 3 years of age and older for the treatment of rotavirus enteritis, chickenpox, whooping cough, herpes and other infections. It is also available in tablets, approved from six months of age.