Viferon tablets for children, adults. Instructions for use, analogues, price, reviews

Viferon drug is considered one of the most popular antiviral agents for adults and children.

Various tablets with a similar effect are produced, but the medication remains in demand, since it has a pronounced effect, but does not often provoke negative manifestations. Despite this, it is worthwhile to first consult with a specialist before starting a therapeutic course.

Composition, release form

The medication can be found on drugstore shelves in the form of an ointment, gel, and rectal suppositories. The gel has a grayish tint and is placed in 12 g aluminum tubes. Each tube is placed in a cardboard box with instructions for correct use. The gel has a light consistency, it is quickly absorbed and has a characteristic aroma.

The ointment is opaque, has a white or yellowish color, is placed in tubes of 12 g. In an individual cardboard box you can find detailed instructions, as well as 1 tube of ointment. Suppositories are of a standard shape, small in size and fit in contoured plastic cells, closed on all sides.

An individual cardboard box can contain 10 suppositories, as well as instructions for their use, describing all possible risks. It is worth noting that there are 4 types of suppositories, depending on the amount of the main active ingredient in their composition. They are placed in the corresponding serial numbers from 1 to 4.

Depending on the number indicated on the package, 1 candle can contain 150, 500 thousand. units of active substance or 1, 3 mln. usually lower doses are used for children, and higher doses are indicated for adults. Human recombinant interferon is present as the main active component in any form of medication, which provides the main therapeutic effect.

In addition, tocopherol and lanolin are present in the ointment and gel. These substances are auxiliary, do not have a pronounced effect. The suppositories contain a wax base, tocopherol and ascorbic acid. In each dosage form, the amount of the basic substance may differ.

Terms of dispensing from pharmacies, drug price

Viferon (tablets for children can be prescribed in the absence of the original medication) today can be purchased in pharmacies without a prescription from a doctor. Ointment and gel costs about 200-250 rubles. depending on the region of distribution.

The cost of candles is different, which is associated with different dosages. The average price for 10 pieces ranges from 300-600 rubles. the shelf life of medicines is 2 years for suppositories and 1 year for ointments, gel. It is categorically contraindicated to use the product after the expiration date. The production date of the medicine is indicated on the package.

Principle of operation and efficiency

The tool has been used for patients of different ages for many years, since it has a high efficiency and helps to cope with the pronounced manifestations of various pathologies of viral origin. The effectiveness of the drug is due to the presence of human interferon in the composition.

The principle of action of the drug is based on the ability of the ingredient to stimulate the natural defenses of the patient's body. This accelerates the formation of lymphocytes, as well as other blood cells that take part in the fight not only against viruses, but also against bacterial infections.

As a result of the artificial introduction of interferon into the body, all vital processes are activated, as well as an improvement in the general condition, even with an advanced course of pathology. Moreover, the drug not only has antiviral properties, but also has an antioxidant and antiproliferative effect.

Thanks to this, the cells are renewed, the processes of viral reproduction in cells are prevented. It is worth noting that the agent does not destroy the affected cells, and also less often provokes negative reactions when compared with the action of interferon preparations for parenteral administration.

Viferon (tablets for children can provoke more negative reactions than others dosage forms) contains tocopherol in any form of release, which allows it to provide antioxidant action.

As a result, nutrition in cells is improved, metabolic processes in their membranes are stimulated. Additionally, the combination of tocopherol and interferon allows you to accelerate the process of cell renewal.

When used in combination with other medicines, a more pronounced therapeutic effect is observed. It is also worth noting a decrease in the toxic effect of antibacterial and hormonal drugs on the body when used simultaneously with interferon medications.

Weakening the negative effect of toxins on internal organs allows you to improve the course of the disease, prevents the development of complications. This effect is especially important in case of damage to the central nervous system.

In addition, the drug increases the body's resistance to the recurrence of bacterial or viral diseases.

The active ingredient belongs to the group of water-soluble proteins, therefore it promotes the production of the patient's own interferons. As a result, there is a natural strengthening of the immune system, and the risk of developing negative reactions is minimal.

The ability of the agent to exert a bacteriostatic effect against microbes that provoke bacterial pathologies of a mixed type is noted. Additionally, the agent stimulates the formation of factors involved in the production of antibodies.

The course use of the drug allows you to shorten the recovery period, improve the general condition and reduce the risk of complications. At the same time, similar effects are noted when using the drug as the only method of treatment, as well as when it is combined with other drugs.

The complex effect of the drug on the patient's body helps to cope with the manifestations of various diseases, as well as prevent their recurrence after a short period of time.

Thanks to this, the patient's natural immunity is strengthened. The tool can also be used not only in the acute period of any disease, but also for prophylaxis in order to prevent exacerbation of seasonal pathologies.

When studying the action of the drug, experts found that its use prevents the occurrence of malignant neoplasms. Viferon also has an anti-inflammatory effect, improves the condition of blood vessels, prevents their fragility as a result of a decrease in the elasticity of the vascular wall.

When using an ointment or gel, absorption into the systemic circulation almost does not occur. The main amount of interferon is localized on the surface of the skin. Only a small dose of the substance enters the bloodstream. When using suppositories, the agent is well absorbed through the mucous membranes of the rectum into the blood.

After that, the ingredient is distributed throughout the body and has a healing effect. The maximum concentration of the ingredient in the blood is determined after 2 hours and remains at the same level for 12 hours. The processing of the substance occurs in the liver, it does not accumulate in tissues, blood, which significantly reduces the risk of overdose.

After 12 hours, the concentration of interferon in the plasma decreases. Almost all waste products are eliminated from the body by the kidneys. That is why a slowdown in evacuation is observed in patients with kidney pathologies of varying degrees of neglect. Despite this, the remedy can be used if the disease does not proceed in a severe form and does not provoke a significant violation of the functioning of the organ.

Indications for use

Viferon is actively used for the treatment of adults and children of different ages. Tablets from other manufacturers can also be used, but the greatest effectiveness is observed when several medicines are combined.

The main indications for the appointment of funds:

• Treatment and prevention of acute respiratory viral infections in children and adults.
• Damage to the skin with the herpes virus or human papillomavirus. In this case, in most cases, an ointment is used, which is allowed to be applied not only to the skin, but also to the mucous membranes if lesions are detected on them.
• Pathologies of infectious and inflammatory origin in children and adults.
• Viral hepatitis of various forms, occurring in the acute stage. In this case, the medication is used only as an auxiliary treatment in combination with other agents.
• Hepatitis with complications in the form of liver cirrhosis.
• Respiratory pathologies complicated by bacterial infections, inflammation.
• Shingles, which develops as a result of the activation of the herpes virus. In this case, the medication can be used in combination with other antiherpetic drugs.
• Chickenpox in children as well as in adults. In the second case, the use of antiviral medication significantly facilitates the course of the disease and helps prevent complications.

The tool can also be used to prevent exacerbations of seasonal colds.

Contraindications and side effects

Viferon (tablets for children cannot always be used, unlike rectal suppositories) should not be used in the case of diagnosing intolerance to the components of the composition or a tendency to similar manifestations in the anamnesis the patient.

In addition, there are other contraindications:

• Severe heart failure, angina pectoris and coronary heart disease. Moreover, such pathologies are more often diagnosed in elderly patients, so it is important to carefully collect anamnesis.
• Internal bleeding of varying severity and origin. In most cases, the remedy is not used for bleeding that occurs against the background of damage to the mucous membrane of the digestive tract.
• A severe form of renal failure, in which the functioning of the organ is significantly impaired.
• Allergic dermatitis, dermatosis, eczema, exacerbation of chronic psoriasis. Usually, such conditions are considered a contraindication for the use of external dosage forms.
• Oncological pathologies in which the patient is undergoing immunosuppressive therapy. Medicines from this group artificially suppress human immunity in order to increase the effectiveness of anticancer therapy. Since Viferon has immunostimulating properties, it is better to refuse its use.
• The recovery period after suffering a myocardial infarction or stroke. However, many systemic medications can have a negative effect on the effect of interferon.

Relative contraindications include skin injuries in the area of ​​the alleged application of the agent. In addition, the ointment and gel are not applied to purulent foci and damaged mucous membranes.

If the instructions are violated, negative reactions may develop. However, compliance with all recommendations does not exclude such a risk, which is associated with the individual characteristics of the patient's body.

Organs and systems	The most common complications
Nervous system	When using a gel or ointment, disorders of the nervous system develop quite rarely. However, when using suppositories, dizziness, headache and sleep disturbance are possible. Gradually, the patient becomes irritable, performance decreases, weakness and fatigue are noted, even when performing ordinary household manipulations. As a rule, the manifestations disappear after the refusal to use the drug, they do not require special treatment.
Heart and blood vessels	Tachycardia is considered a common complication when using suppositories, almost always manifests itself in patients who suffer from cardiac and vascular pathologies. Sometimes there is a change in blood pressure indicators, but the numbers quickly normalize after refusal to use the drug.
Digestive tract	Loss of appetite and nausea are considered the most common manifestations. As the condition progresses, stomach pain, flatulence, bloating, and upset stools appear. Lack of treatment can lead to an aggravation of symptoms, the development of dehydration.
Skin	Allergy appears more often when using external dosage forms, but when using suppositories, it can also develop. In this case, a rash appears on the skin, accompanied by severe itching, burning. Combing lesions will inevitably lead to a deterioration in the condition of the skin, increasing the risk of infection as a result of microtrauma.

The severity of negative reactions depends on the individual patient. If complications appear, it is necessary to stop using the product and consult a doctor.

Dosing regimen and overdose

Viferon (tablets for children and adults can become an alternative to the original remedy) is used for children and adults in different ways. Children are prescribed candles with a dosage of 150 and 500 thousand. units of the active component, higher doses are contraindicated for them. Ointment and gel are allowed to be used without restrictions, but according to the scheme prescribed by the doctor.The ointment is applied to the affected areas of the skin or mucous membranes in a thin layer and rubbed gently. Children are allowed to apply the product up to 3 times a day, adults can treat the affected area 4 times a day. It is worth noting that only the affected areas are subject to treatment; you should not rub the product into healthy tissues.

The duration of the course is 7-10 days. Usually this time is sufficient to achieve a therapeutic result. The gel is also applied to the affected tissues from 2 to 5 times a day, depending on age and disease.

The gel is allowed to treat the mucous membranes of the nose and throat for the purpose of treatment and prevention. In the first case, it is allowed to apply the product with a cotton swab 5 times a day for 10 days. For prophylaxis, the gel is applied 3 times a day to the mucous membrane of the nose and throat. The duration of the preventive course is 12 days.

Suppositories are injected into the rectum for 10 days in the morning and evening. Suppositories with a dose of 150 and 500 thousand are used for children, adolescents and pregnant women. units. In the absence of a therapeutic effect within 10 days, the course is extended, but the daily dose is reduced to 1 suppository, and the administration is repeated before bedtime 3 times a week. This course lasts 2-3 weeks, depending on the patient's condition.

For adults, the same scheme is used, but the dose of the active ingredient in 1 candle should be 1 or 3 million. units. The treatment also lasts 10 days, but if necessary, it is extended by 2-3 weeks.

It should be noted that the scheme for adults does not differ from that used for children, but the course may be shortened. For example, for premature babies, candles are injected 2 times a day for 5 days, after which the result is assessed. In each case, the application may differ, and the scheme and dose are determined only by the doctor.

It is worth noting that it is necessary to put candles for infants after emptying the intestines, having previously turned the baby over on the left side. For such patients, suppositories are not considered the optimal dosage form, but they are effective, so doctors do not pay attention to minor inconveniences.

Cases of overdose with the drug have not been recorded. However, doctors suggest that all negative reactions may be aggravated. When these symptoms appear, it is important to stop using the product and visit a doctor.

Viferon's analogs in tablet form

In the absence of the original medication, it is allowed to replace it with an analogue with similar therapeutic properties.

The most popular analogues:

• Anaferon - one of the most popular analogs, which is available in the form of tablets and is prescribed for adults, children from 1 month. Tablets must be absorbed for 7-10 days in the acute period, 3-5 pieces per day. Adults also dissolve 2-4 tablets per day for 10 days. Children under 3 years of age are advised to dissolve tablets in a little warm water to prevent them from entering the respiratory tract. It is worth noting that tablets with different dosages of the active ingredient are available for adults and children.

  

• Entalferon - tablets for oral administration, which contain interferon as the main active ingredient, are prescribed for adults and children from 1 year old. The drug has pronounced immunostimulating and antiviral properties. Adults take pills 2-3 pieces per day, children are prescribed 1-2 pills. The duration of the course for children and adults is 10-14 days, depending on the specific disease. For prophylaxis, the drug is taken 1 tablet per day for 30 days.

Any of the analogs is used only after consulting a doctor.

special instructions

Many parents note that the use of Viferon suppositories for children under 5 years old is difficult. The child cannot restrain the urge to defecate when a suppository is inserted, which can weaken the effectiveness of treatment.

That is why such patients are prescribed analogs of the drug in tablet form. The tablets can be swallowed whole or dissolved in warm water before taking to facilitate treatment. In addition, in case of any pathologies of the rectum, the introduction of suppositories can become a problem. Despite this, suppositories are actively used.

Pregnant women are allowed to use ointment and gel at any gestation period. Suppositories are allowed from the 14th week of pregnancy. During lactation, it is allowed to use any dosage form, if necessary.

For premature babies, suppositories and other forms of the drug are also prescribed, since the drug is considered safe. All side reactions are more typical for adults, while in children, allergic manifestations very rarely occur, which quickly disappear after the drug is discontinued.

The popular antiviral and immunostimulating agent for children and adults, Viferon is used for various pathological conditions. It is worth noting that the complexity of using suppositories for patients under 5 years old makes doctors prescribe tablets to children with similar properties and a similar composition.

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