"Protargol" - instructions for use, properties of the drug and possible side effects

Protargol (silver proteinate) is a medicinal product with local antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects. Before the discovery of antibiotics, silver preparations for many years were actively used in medicine. Over time, they lost their former popularity, but some still prefer them - in addition to the fact that these funds are very effective, their use does not lead to the development of dysbiosis. Many still consider drugs of silver as the best treatment for colds: reviews suggest that they often help to cope with the infection in cases when all other medicines do not give the desired effect.

The preparation "Protargol" (the instruction describes it as a protein-containing silver compound) is traditionally used in the treatment of rhinitis and sinusitis, conjunctivitis and adenoiditis, for the prevention of blepharitis in newborns. It is stored in the form of a powder - it is diluted with distilled water for the preparation of a medicinal product. Protargol, the use of which is recommended for the treatment of both adults and young children, can have different concentrations: 1-5%. With its increase, the bactericidal properties of the drug increase, but the severity of its side effects also increases .

In the treatment of ENT diseases, adults and children are digested "Protargol" in the nose twice a day, up to 5 drops (as prescribed by the doctor). Before you dig in the "Protargol", the instruction recommends that you wash your nasal passages with saline or "Aquamaris". According to many parents, with regular burrowing in large nasal passages (½ pipette), Protargol is able to slow the growth of adenoids. Many experts, however, advise not to drip the drug into the nasal passages, but only to lubricate them with mucus using cotton buds to avoid its overdrying. Eye diseases are treated by burying 2-4 times a day 1-2% solution of "Protargol", 2-3 drops. "Protargol", the instruction to which contains a full list of indications for its use, is used in the treatment of urological diseases - in particular, with recurrent urinary tract infections. In this case, a 2% solution of the drug is used for instillations - through a catheter.

During treatment with Protargol, the following side effects are possible: irritation of the mucosa, a feeling of dryness and burning, redness of the eyes. Sometimes there are also headaches, drowsiness and dizziness, extremely rarely severe reactions: urticaria, Quincke's edema, atopic dermatitis. In these cases, especially when it comes to a small child, you need to see a doctor. "Protargol" (the instruction emphasizes this) is prohibited for use during pregnancy.

Despite the fact that the effectiveness of this drug for many diseases can be considered proven, the "Protargol" a lot of opponents. This is due to the fact that the preparations of silver are toxic and with regular, especially uncontrolled, use of this metal can accumulate in the body, having a negative impact on its organs and systems. For the same reason, the World Health Organization categorically does not recommend any medications of silver, including Protargol, for the treatment of children younger than five years old. Description of the properties of this metal contains information that the toxicity of silver is comparable with lead. It is really capable of inhibiting the growth of pathogens, but it does not work for all of them, and in many cases modern antibiotics are much more effective.

Despite all the available information about the harm of silver preparations, there are still many supporters of Protargol. Many pediatricians appoint it even to infants, but everyone has the right to decide whether to use this medication, or to find a worthy replacement.