Other antivirals
ATC code: J05AX13 (Umifenovir)
The manufacturer claims inhibition of influenza virus envelope fusion with endosomal membranes, blocking cell entry. Immunomodulatory and interferon-inducing effects are also claimed. Clinical data supporting the proposed mechanism come primarily from Russian and Chinese publications and have not been replicated in independent international studies.
The drug is promoted for these uses outside international guidelines. Each entry below is analyzed against AEMPS, FDA, EMA, Cochrane and major RCTs.
Not recommended
Umifenovir is an antiviral promoted for treating and preventing acute respiratory viral infections. Convincing benefit for this use has not been shown: there is no solid evidence that it changes the course or outcome of a common respiratory infection. For an ordinary cold, supportive care helps – rest, fluids, and symptom-relief measures when needed.
Not recommended
Umifenovir is an antiviral promoted for treating and preventing influenza and other respiratory infections. For influenza, convincing benefit has not been shown: there is no evidence base of sufficient quality for this use. What does help against flu is seasonal vaccination, antivirals with proven efficacy when indicated (such as oseltamivir within the first two days), and supportive care otherwise – rest, fluids, fever reducers. The substance itself is well tolerated in this role, but it should not replace treatment with proven benefit, since that risks missing the approach that actually works.
Not recommended
The Therapeutics and COVID-19 Living Guideline does not include umifenovir among agents with proven clinical efficacy for COVID-19. Agents with established benefit include nirmatrelvir/ritonavir in high-risk outpatients, remdesivir, corticosteroids, and tocilizumab in hospitalized patients.
Not recommended
Arbidol (umifenovir) is promoted as an antiviral and immunomodulator for prevention and treatment of colds and flu. The drug is developed and produced mainly in Russia; international clinical guidelines (, , , CDC) do not include it; the , , and AEMPS have not approved it. The Cochrane Jefferson 2014 analysis in influenza did not confirm clinically meaningful benefit of umifenovir. If Arbidol was recommended, consider seeking a second opinion.
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Safety data in pregnancy are limited. International sources do not include recommendations.
Umifenovir (Arbidol) is an antiviral developed in the USSR in the 1970s. It is not authorised in Spain or the wider EU. Cochrane systematic reviews do not confirm efficacy in influenza or acute respiratory infection. There are no data on transfer into human milk. Use during breastfeeding is not supported.
Reference information, not a clinical decision. Discuss feeding pauses or changes with your physician or an IBCLC.
Umifenovir is evaluated for the following indications with varying evidence strength: Influenza (evidence tier D), Acute respiratory viral infection (evidence tier D), Immune support and respiratory infection care (evidence tier F). See the full indication matrix with dosing and citations above on this page.
Common side effects of Umifenovir (≥ 1 in 100): Per manufacturer label — rare, mostly allergic reactions. See the Safety section for uncommon and serious reactions.
FDA category N. Safety data in pregnancy are limited. International sources do not include recommendations.
Umifenovir (Arbidol) is an antiviral developed in the USSR in the 1970s. It is not authorised in Spain or the wider EU. Cochrane systematic reviews do not confirm efficacy in influenza or acute respiratory infection. There are no data on transfer into human milk. Use during breastfeeding is not supported.
Umifenovir is contraindicated in: Hypersensitivity to any component; Age under 3 years (most RU formulations). Full list in the Safety section.
preventive efficacy has not been confirmed in international sources. Proven measures include annual vaccination, hand hygiene, and social distancing during epidemics.
registration in the ГРЛС and inclusion in Russian Ministry of Health guidelines are not equivalent to an international evidence base. These are different approaches to efficacy assessment.