What are the differences between Arbidol hydrochloride and Oseltamivir?
Nov 05, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
The differences between Arbidol hydrochloride and Oseltamivir are mainly reflected in their distinct mechanisms of action, different target virus types, different applicable populations, different adverse reactions, and different clinical applications. Selection should be made under the guidance of a physician. If symptoms such as persistent fever and muscle aches resembling influenza occur, prompt medical evaluation is recommended.
The differences between abidol hydrochloride and oseltamivir are mainly reflected in different mechanisms of action, target virus types, applicable populations, adverse reactions, and clinical application scenarios. Selection should be made under the guidance of a physician. If persistent fever, muscle aches, or other influenza-like symptoms occur, prompt medical evaluation is recommended.
1. Different mechanisms of action: Abidol hydrochloride inhibits the fusion of the viral envelope with the host cell membrane, thereby preventing viral entry into cells at the source; oseltamivir inhibits neuraminidase on the surface of the influenza virus, blocking the release of newly formed viral particles from infected cells. The two drugs interrupt viral replication at completely different stages.
2. Different target virus types: Abidol hydrochloride is effective against both influenza A and B viruses, and also shows some inhibitory effect against certain other respiratory viruses such as respiratory syncytial virus and coronaviruses; oseltamivir is specifically targeted against influenza A and B viruses and has little to no effect on other types of respiratory viruses.
3. Different applicable populations: Abidol hydrochloride is suitable for adults and children aged 6 years and older, but data on use in special populations (such as pregnant or breastfeeding women) are limited; oseltamivir has a broader application range and can be used in infants under one year old, elderly individuals, and pregnant women, with more comprehensive safety data available.
4. Different adverse reactions: Common side effects of abidol hydrochloride include gastrointestinal reactions such as nausea and diarrhea, as well as possible neurological symptoms like dizziness and headache; the main adverse reactions of oseltamivir are nausea and vomiting, which are usually transient, with a lower incidence of neurological side effects.
5. Different clinical applications: In addition to treating influenza, abidol hydrochloride may also be used for prevention in high-risk individuals during peak flu seasons; oseltamivir is primarily used for treatment after influenza diagnosis, and its use for prevention is strictly limited to situations involving close contact with confirmed influenza cases.
In daily life, maintain indoor ventilation, adjust clothing promptly according to temperature changes, avoid poorly ventilated areas during flu season, and engage in appropriate outdoor exercise to enhance immunity and reduce the risk of viral infection.
