Prophylaxis of acute respiratory infections
An intervention aimed at reducing acute viral respiratory infections. International guidelines consider influenza vaccination and hand hygiene the baseline. The effect of dietary components on infection incidence is discussed on a component-by-component basis.
ICD-10 J06.93 drugs
Also known as: Prevention of colds, Upper respiratory infection prophylaxis
Marketing claims without evidence base
The drug is promoted for these uses outside international guidelines. Each entry below is analyzed against AEMPS, FDA, EMA, Cochrane and major RCTs.
- DAzoximer bromideNot recommended · Other immunostimulants (local classification)Use of polyoxidonium as an «immunomodulator» for URI prevention in frequently ill children and adults is not supported by international guidelines. Proven preventive measures: vaccination (flu, pneumococcus, COVID-19), hand hygiene, ventilation, and masking during epidemics.
- DCholecalciferolNot recommended · Vitamins. Regulator of calcium-phosphorus metabolismThe 2021 Cochrane review (46 RCTs, more than 75,000 participants) showed a modest effect on acute respiratory infections – about 2% absolute reduction, more pronounced in patients with baseline deficiency. WHO, NICE, and CDC do not include vitamin D in respiratory infection prophylaxis protocols. Routine prescribing in patients without deficiency is not justified.
- DProbiotics (Lactobacillus spp., Bifidobacterium spp., Saccharomyces boulardii)Not recommended · Probiotic microorganismsProbiotics are live cultures of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and the yeast Saccharomyces boulardii. They are promoted as a way to strengthen immunity and catch fewer colds. So far they have not shown convincing benefit for preventing acute respiratory infections, and there is no reliable evidence for this use. What actually helps against respiratory infections is vaccination (including flu shots), hand washing and good ventilation.
How to read tiers A–F
Evidence tiers belong to the drug-indication pair, not to the drug as a whole: the same substance can be A for one condition and F for another.
- AStrong evidence – first or second line in international guidelines
- BRecommended in selected cases
- CStudy data contradict each other
- DBenefit not proven, no documented harm
- FDocumented harm, or risk without benefit