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.
Not recommended
Umifenovir is not mentioned in international clinical guidelines for the treatment or prevention of viral upper respiratory infection. URI is fundamentally a self-limited viral illness not requiring etiotropic therapy. Symptomatic care (antipyretics, decongestants if needed, humidification, adequate hydration) is the only approach supported by international guidelines.
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
Umifenovir is not mentioned in international guidelines for influenza management in adults (, , ). A 2014 Cochrane Review found insufficient data to assess clinical efficacy. First-line international options for influenza include oseltamivir, zanamivir, and baloxavir (agents with proven efficacy in independent multicenter RCTs).
Not recommended
— Immune system boosting: Arbidol (umifenovir) is marketed as an antiviral and «immunomodulatory» agent for URI prophylaxis. , , and have not approved the drug; it is absent from international guidelines for influenza prevention and treatment. The 2014 Cochrane review and subsequent meta-analyses did not confirm clinically meaningful efficacy in influenza or URI.
Safety data in pregnancy are limited. International sources do not include recommendations.
umifenovir is evaluated for the following indications with varying evidence strength: Influenza (evidence tier F), COVID-19 (evidence tier F), Acute respiratory viral infection (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.
Safety data in pregnancy are limited. International sources do not include recommendations.
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.