A halogenated benzamide derivative characterized by greater specificity for viral pathogens and less disruptive to beneficial gut microflora, according to formula (III): in which R<;SUB>;1 <;/SUB>;is a halogen atom, and R<;SUB>;2<;/SUB>;-R<;SUB>;6 <;/SUB>;are independently hydrogen, hydroxyl, C<;SUB>;1<;/SUB>;-C<;SUB>;4 <;/SUB>;alkyl, -C<;SUB>;1<;/SUB>;-C<;SUB>;4 <;/SUB>;alkoxy, acyloxy, nitro, halogen, -C(O)R<;SUB>;7 <;/SUB>;where R7 is -C1-C4 alkyl, or, aromatic including salts and hydrates of these compounds.