Childhood is an alarming time for a mother, since it is at this time that the baby is faced with many infections around him. By no means always the child's body can cope with them on its own, and with low immunity, diseases are guaranteed.
As a rule, all infectious diseases in children proceed with fever, babies very poorly tolerate viral infections, especially seasonal ones. Viruses mutate rapidly, therefore, having recovered from the flu at the beginning of winter, a child can get sick several more times during these cold months. To increase the body's defenses, protect the baby from diseases and help cure existing diseases, you can use the effective Viferon remedy.
Basic information about the drug and composition
The drug Viferon contains human recombinant alpha2b-interferon, which significantly increases the body's defenses. It is produced in several dosage forms, but Viferon in suppositories is best adapted for children, which is produced with a different content of alpha2b-interferon, measured in international units (IU).
To distinguish the dosage, just look at the colored stripe on the candle packaging: 
- 150,000 IU - blue;
- 500,000 IU - green;
- 1,000,000 IU - purple;
- 5,000,000 IU - red.
The drug is prescribed both independently and as a combination therapy.
Important! The active ingredient of Viferon suppositories for children is recombinant alpha2b-interferon.
The drug is sold in packs of ten candles, each with its own plastic container. Externally, candles are oblong in shape with a thickening on one side. The color of the candles is white with a slight yellowish tinge. The shelf life of Viferon candles is two years. Store them in a cool place.
Why are Viferon candles used for children?
Suppositories Viferon are prescribed for children in the diagnosis of the following diseases.
- Acute respiratory viral infections... Most often they manifest themselves in the form of enterovirus infection and influenza. Children are quite difficult to tolerate the disease, but complications cause even more harm to the fragile body. Diseases are accompanied by fever, muscle and headaches, photophobia.
- Pneumonia. It occurs when an infection enters the upper respiratory tract, which, without proper treatment, quickly goes down, reaching the lungs. Pneumonia is not always easy to recognize, the disease is disguised as various pathologies. Common in preschool and primary school children. Often the disease gives a complication to the heart.
- Meningitis. The defeat of the meninges by a virus, bacteria, fungi or protozoa. The disease is especially difficult in children - vomiting begins, the temperature rises, photophobia, fever, and sometimes swelling of the extremities appear. Meningitis threatens with its consequences - mental retardation, toxic shock, and if treatment is not timely, it can be fatal.
- Sepsis. Blood infection, in which the pathogen enters the bloodstream and spreads throughout the body. Pathology is very difficult, with an increase in temperature and disruption of the circulatory, respiratory and nervous systems. Septic damage to the body is one of the leading causes of death in children.
- Herpes. A viral infection of the body, in which the child's body becomes covered with a herpetic rash. The disease indicates weak immunity. Herpes cannot be cured, since the child is a carrier of the virus.
- Chlamydia... Appears in a child from a sick mother and is transmitted during childbirth. Children with strong immunity cope with the disease, but for sick babies, chlamydia develops into pneumonia, purulent conjunctivitis, rhinitis. Children become irritable, suffer from insomnia, convulsions.
- Cytomegalovirus. A disease similar to chlamydia. The main manifestations are muscle pain, lethargy, fever.
Among the indications for the use of Viferon in children, the instructions indicate liver cirrhosis against the background of hepatitis, however, the prognosis for the incidence of congenital cirrhosis in children is unfavorable, therefore, in this case, Viferon provides only symptomatic treatment.
In addition to treating infectious diseases, Viferon suppositories can be used for prevention. This is especially true for flu and colds, which children so often get sick in the winter-spring period, when the body's defenses begin to weaken.
The mechanism of action of the drug
Viferon suppositories are rectal suppositories. They are inserted into the baby's rectum, where, under the influence of body temperature, they become soft and well absorbed by the rectal mucosa.
When it enters the child's body, the drug begins to launch several processes that are important for the baby:
- the response of the child's immune system is enhanced;
- cells (natural T-killers) are activated, producing antiviral defense for the body;
- the intensity of the inflammatory reaction decreases, as a result of which the child begins to feel much better;
- the recovery process starts at the cellular level.
Instructions for the use of Viferon candles for children
Viferon candles help children of all ages, starting from birth. The dosage of the drug is determined by the age of the patient and the type of disease. It is impossible to use Viferon candles on your own, since each disease has its own scheme of application. Only a doctor should prescribe the drug and form the regimen.
Dosage of children's candles Viferon
| Type of disease | Child's age | Dosage | Multiplicity of reception | Duration of treatment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Influenza, SARS, pneumonia. | Over 7 years old. | 1 candle (500 thousand IU) | 2 p / day every 12 hours. | 5 days |
| Newborns, including premature babies (34-40 weeks) and children under 7 years of age. | 1 candle (150 thousand IU) | |||
| Infectious diseases of newborns and premature babies. | Newborns, including premature babies (over 34 weeks). | 1 candle (150 thousand IU) | 2 r / day every 12 hours. | 5 days courses from 1 to 3 depending on the type of infectious disease |
| Newborns, including premature infants (less than 34 weeks). | 3 r / day every 8 hours. | |||
| Viral hepatitis B, C, D of a chronic nature. | Up to 6 months. | 300 thousand - 500 thousand IU / day | 2 p / day every 12 hours, a course of 10 days. Then the frequency of admission is reduced to 3 r / week, with a course of 6-12 months. | The duration of treatment, the number of courses is determined by the doctor individually |
| From 6 months to a year. | 500 thousand IU / day | |||
| From one year old, but not older than 7 years. | 3 million IU / day per 1 m2 of body surface. The resulting daily dose is divided into 2 administrations. | |||
| Over 7 years old. | 5 million IU / day per 1 m2 of body surface The resulting daily dose is divided into 2 administrations. |
Contraindications
Viferon suppositories are perfectly perceived by children, therefore there are practically no contraindications to their appointment. The only thing doctors always warn about is an allergic reaction to the drug. Allergic manifestation is an individual feature of the child's body, it does not manifest itself in all babies. Usually, coconut oil, which is part of the candles, causes allergies. Much less often, allergy manifests itself to ascorbic acid, interferon and tocopherol. A negative reaction to the drug is manifested by a rash, most often localized on the face. Therefore, if the baby is allergic, then the first time you use Viferon, you need to monitor the condition of the skin of the cheeks, chin, and forehead. These are the most sensitive places where you can quickly see rash spots. The percentage of such children is extremely small, but in this case, Viferon is not canceled, but continues to be used against the background of antihistamine therapy. In most cases, the rash from the drug disappeared on the third day, and the positive effect for the child was significantly higher.
Video how to put a candle for a baby
Analogs of candles for children
If the child is allergic to Viferon, the doctor may recommend a replacement from the following list.
List of Viferon analogues
Most often, among the analogues, they opt for the Genferon drug, since it is in the same price category with Viferon. The use of Genferon does not give such a quick effect in comparison with Viferon. Kipferon is much more expensive, however, the chemical composition of the drugs is somewhat different. In addition to alpha2b-interferon, Kipferon contains antibodies to many pathogens.
Suppositories Viferon is a powerful immunostimulating agent with a pronounced antiviral effect.
The main active ingredient is alpha-2B interferon, created synthetically (it is also called genetically engineered or recombinant). This substance has antiviral properties, as well as an immunomodulatory effect. Interferon, after being introduced into the rectum and absorbed, activates the activity of cells that protect children's bodies from viruses, as well as bacteria.
On this page you will find all the information about Viferon: full instructions for use for this drug, average prices in pharmacies, complete and incomplete analogues of the drug, as well as reviews of people who have already used Viferon suppositories. Want to leave your opinion? Please write in the comments.
Clinical and pharmacological group
Interferon. Immunomodulatory drug with antiviral action.
Terms of dispensing from pharmacies
Dispensed without a doctor's prescription.
Prices
How much do Viferon candles cost? Consider the average prices for candles with different doses.
- For 500,000 IU: the price of 500,000 for 10 pieces is 380-400 rubles, the product can be purchased at any pharmacy, no prescription from a specialist is required.
- For candles 150,000 IU: the cost of 150,000 for 10 pieces is 150 rubles. This is the smallest dosage of the drug, used for young children.
- For the drug 1,000,000 IU: 1,000,000 for 10 pieces - 540 rubles. This is the strongest dosage, used strictly in acute and dangerous processes by older children and adults.
On average, it turns out what for 1 piece 150 - 15 rubles, candles 500 - 40 rubles, candles 1,000 - 54 rubles.
Release form and composition
If you need to purchase Viferon candles, instructions for use are in each carton. There are 10 candles inside a cardboard box in a special PVC blister. They are made in the form of a torpedo, which is easy to inject into the body. Sometimes the suppository may have a patchy color.
- Suppositories are available with different dosages of the active ingredient interferon alpha-2b human recombinant. Its amount in 1 unit of the medicine is written on the package.
- The candles are based on cocoa butter and confectionery fat, which help them to keep their shape, providing the necessary density. The list of excipients is indicated in the instructions. They enhance the effect of the drug by performing the functions that are assigned to them by pharmacists.
Viferon suppositories are available with different contents of the active substance, while candles 150000ME and 500000ME are used in childhood. In adults, candles are used with a dosage of 1000000ME and 3000000ME. In addition to candles, Viferon is also produced in such forms as gel and ointment.
Pharmacological effect
Viferon is a preparation of human recombinant interferon alpha-2b / which has antiviral, immunomodulatory and antiproliferative effects. Under the influence of interferon in the body, the activity of natural killers, T-helpers, cytotoxic T-lymphocytes, phagocytic activity, the intensity of differentiation of B-lymphocytes, the expression of MHC type I and II antigens are enhanced.
The drug also directly inhibits the replication and transcription of viruses, chlamydia. Damage to cell membranes, observed during the development of the infectious process, is the reason for a decrease in the antiviral activity of interferon. Tocopherol acetate and ascorbic acid, which are part of the Viferon preparation, are membrane stabilizing components, antioxidants, in combination with which the antiviral activity of recombinant interferon alpha-2b increases 10-14 times. In addition, the immunomodulatory effect of interferon on T- and B-lymphocytes is enhanced, the content of immunoglobulin E is normalized, there are no side effects (fever, fever, flu-like phenomena) arising from parenteral administration of interferon preparations.
It was found that when using Viferon for 2 years, antibodies are not formed that neutralize the antiviral activity of recombinant interferon alpha-2b. The use of the drug Viferon can significantly reduce the course dose and the duration of treatment with antibiotics, hormones and cytostatics. The peculiarities of the administration of the dosage form ensure long-term circulation in the blood of interferon alpha-2b.
Indications for use
The candles are intended for use in case of diseases caused by bacteria. And also for:
- flu;
- intrauterine infections;
In the complex treatment, Viferon is also prescribed for hepatitis B, D, as well as for hepatitis of viral origin with a simultaneous course.
Contraindications
The manufacturer indicated in the instructions, among the possible contraindications, only the individual intolerance of the substances that make up the drug. It should be noted that drugs based on interferon of foreign pharmaceutical companies have a wide range of contraindications, such as insufficient functioning of the kidneys and liver, vascular and heart diseases, and thyroid problems.
People with such diseases should definitely consult a doctor about the possibility of treatment with Viferon without harm to health. It is possible that the doctor will prescribe another remedy for the flu. The same applies to the treatment of acute viral infections in pregnant and lactating women, who need to be very careful about the choice of drugs so as not to harm the child.
Application during pregnancy and lactation
Viferon suppositories during breastfeeding are allowed to be used to treat bacterial, infectious diseases. The dosage remains the same as for an adult.
Pregnant women for a period not earlier than 2 weeks are allowed to use suppositories with any content of interferon. Up to 14 days, the use of the drug is not allowed due to the lack of a sufficient number of studies.
Pregnant and lactating mothers should not independently prescribe Viferon treatment for themselves. Only the doctor, based on the characteristics of the course of pregnancy, determines: the rate of the drug per day, the dose and duration of administration.
Instructions for use
The instructions for use indicate that Viferon in the form of suppositories is used rectally.
Acute respiratory viral infections, including influenza, incl. complicated by bacterial infection, pneumonia (bacterial, viral, chlamydial) in children and adults as part of complex therapy:
- Premature infants with a gestational age of less than 34 weeks are prescribed Viferon 150,000 ME, 1 suppository 3 times / day every 8 hours every day for 5 days. According to clinical indications, therapy can be continued. The break between courses is 5 days.
- Children under 7 years old, incl. for newborns and premature infants with a gestational age of more than 34 weeks, Viferon is prescribed 150,000 ME, 1 suppository 2 times / day every 12 hours every day for 5 days. According to clinical indications, therapy can be continued. The break between courses is 5 days.
- The recommended dose for adults, including pregnant women and children over 7 years old, is Viferon 500,000 IU, 1 suppository 2 times / day every 12 hours every day for 5 days. According to clinical indications, therapy can be continued.
Infectious and inflammatory diseases of newborn children, incl. premature babies, such as meningitis (bacterial, viral), sepsis, intrauterine infection (chlamydia, herpes, cytomegalovirus infection, enterovirus infection, candidiasis, including visceral, mycoplasmosis) as part of complex therapy:
- The recommended dose for newborns, incl. premature babies with a gestational age of more than 34 weeks, - Viferon 150,000 ME daily, 1 suppository 2 times / day after 12 hours. The course of treatment is 5 days.
- Premature newborns with a gestational age of less than 34 weeks are prescribed Viferon 150,000 ME daily, 1 suppository 3 times / day after 8 hours. The course of treatment is 5 days.
- The recommended number of courses for various infectious and inflammatory diseases: sepsis - 2-3 courses, meningitis - 1-2 courses, herpes infection - 2 courses, enterovirus infection - 1-2 courses, cytomegalovirus infection - 2-3 courses, mycoplasmosis, candidiasis, incl. visceral - 2-3 courses. The break between courses is 5 days. According to clinical indications, therapy can be continued.
Chronic viral hepatitis B, C, D in children and adults as part of complex therapy, incl. in combination with the use of plasmapheresis and hemosorption in chronic viral hepatitis of pronounced activity, complicated by liver cirrhosis:
- The recommended dose for adults is Viferon 3,000,000 ME 1 suppository 2 times / day every 12 hours every day for 10 days, then three times a week every other day for 6-12 months. The duration of treatment is determined by clinical efficacy and laboratory parameters.
- For children under the age of 6 months, 300,000-500,000 IU / day is recommended; at the age of 6 to 12 months - 500,000 ME / day.
- For children aged 1 to 7 years, 3,000,000 IU per 1 m2 of body surface area / day is recommended.
- For children over 7 years old, 5,000,000 IU per 1 m2 of body surface area / day is recommended.
- The drug is used 2 times / day after 12 hours for the first 10 days every day, then three times a week every other day for 6-12 months. The duration of treatment is determined by clinical efficacy and laboratory parameters.
- The calculation of the daily dose of the drug for each patient is made by multiplying the recommended dose for a given age by the body surface area calculated from the nomogram for calculating the body surface area in height and weight according to Garford, Terry and Rourke. The calculation of a single dose is carried out by dividing the calculated daily dose by 2 injections, the resulting value is rounded up to the dosage of the suppository.
- In chronic viral hepatitis of pronounced activity and cirrhosis of the liver, before plasmapheresis and / or hemosorption, Viferon is prescribed for children under the age of 7 years, Viferon 150,000 IU, for children over the age of 7 years - Viferon 500,000 ME, 1 suppository 2 times / day every 12 hours daily within 14 days.
Primary or recurrent herpetic infection of the skin and mucous membranes, localized form, mild and moderate, incl. urogenital form in adults, including pregnant women:
- The recommended dose for adults is Viferon 1 000 000 ME 1 suppository 2 times / day every 12 hours every day for 10 days or more in case of recurrent infection. According to clinical indications, therapy can be continued. It is recommended to start treatment immediately when the first signs of lesions of the skin and mucous membranes appear (itching, burning, redness). When treating recurrent herpes, it is advisable to start treatment in the prodromal period or at the very beginning of the manifestation of signs of relapse.
- Pregnant women from the second trimester of pregnancy (starting from the 14th week of gestation) are prescribed Viferon 500,000 ME 1 suppository 2 times / day every 12 hours every day for 10 days, then 1 suppository 2 times / day after 12 hours every fourth day for 10 days. Then, every 4 weeks until delivery - Viferon 150,000 ME, 1 suppository 2 times / day every 12 hours every day for 5 days. If necessary, indicated before delivery (from 38 weeks of gestation) Viferon 500,000 IU 1 suppository 2 times / day every 12 hours daily for 10 days.
Infectious and inflammatory diseases of the urogenital tract (chlamydia, cytomegalovirus infection, ureaplasmosis, trichomoniasis, gardnerellosis, papillomavirus infection, bacterial vaginosis, recurrent vaginal candidiasis, mycoplasmosis) in adults, including pregnant women as part of complex therapy:
- The recommended dose for adults is Viferon 500,000 ME 1 suppository 2 times / day every 12 hours every day for 5-10 days. According to clinical indications, therapy can be continued.
- Pregnant women from the second trimester of pregnancy (starting from the 14th week of gestation) are prescribed Viferon 500,000 ME 1 suppository 2 times / day every 12 hours every day for 10 days, then 1 suppository 2 times / day after 12 hours every fourth day for 10 days. Then, every 4 weeks until delivery - Viferon 150,000 ME, 1 suppository 2 times / day every 12 hours every day for 5 days. If necessary, Viferon 500000 ME is prescribed before delivery (from 38 weeks of gestation), 1 suppository 2 times / day every 12 hours every day for 10 days.
It is worth knowing that 1 suppository contains human recombinant interferon alpha-2b as an active substance in the indicated dosages (150,000 ME, 500,000 ME, 1,000,000 ME, 3,000,000 ME).
Side effects
Viferon in the form of an ointment is well tolerated in most cases. Side effects when applied to the nasal mucosa are usually transient and mild and disappear on their own after discontinuation of the drug.
In extremely rare cases, when using the gel, patients with hypersensitivity may develop local allergic reactions. When they appear, treatment is stopped.
When using Viferon suppositories, in some cases, the development of allergic reactions (itching, skin rashes) is possible. These phenomena are reversible and disappear 72 hours after stopping therapy.
special instructions
Viferon in the form of suppositories for pregnant women can be used starting from the 14th week of pregnancy.
Drug interactions
Viferon combines well with all drugs used in the treatment of viral and other diseases (chemotherapy, antibiotics, glucocorticosteroids).
The pharmaceutical industry offers the drug in three forms. For example, in pharmacies you can buy ointment, gel, suppositories (candles) viferon. Each of these types of drug contains human interferon. In addition to it, there is also tocopherol and the well-known ascorbic acid. Thanks to this composition, the drug has a positive effect on the protective, immune system of a person, significantly strengthening the defenses of his body.
In addition, in parallel, the drug has an antiviral, antibacterial effect, removing viruses from the cells of the body. The drug has antioxidant properties, a significant stabilizing effect on cell membranes. It helps to significantly, sometimes in half, reduce the period of treatment with antibiotics, hormones, cytostatics.
We will talk with you about the gel, Viferon ointment another time. And today we will learn more about what the abstract of the Viferon candle writes. A description of the drug can be found on the leaflet enclosed in each box of ready-made suppositories.
Of course, the description below should not be considered a guide to self-medication. The drug Viferon (suppositories) for children and adults is prescribed only by a doctor, and only for medical reasons. Before proceeding directly to the treatment, be sure to independently study the original instructions for the drug.
What is Viferon (candles) release form?
On sale you can find Viferon suppositories with different contents of the active substance, namely interferon alpha-2b. Suppositories can contain 150,000 IU, 500,000 IU, 1,000,000 IU, 3,000,000 IU. Depending on this, the drug is produced under the numbers Viferon No. 1, 2, 3, and 4. The numbers indicate the amount of the active substance in the candles, about its various dosages for use in the treatment of adults and children.
Indications for use
Virferon in the form of a suppository is prescribed by the doctor individually, taking into account the diagnosis, the severity of the disease, the general condition of the patient, concomitant pathologies and, of course, the patient's age. Usually, suppositories are prescribed for the complex therapy of pathologies that have an infectious and inflammatory nature. It can be used to treat adults and young patients, even newborns and premature babies.
Thus, the drug is prescribed for the treatment of:
SARS, influenza, complicated by infection caused by bacteria.
- With the complex therapy of bacterial, viral, and chlamydial pneumonia.
- In the treatment of meningitis, including of a bacterial nature.
- With viral sepsis, in the presence of an intrauterine infection, for example - chlamydia, herpes.
- Cytomegalovirus, enterovirus infection
- Candidiasis, in particular visceral.
- Mycoplasmosis.
The drug is effective in the complex treatment of chronic hepatitis (B, C, D, C). Treat hepatitis in children and adults. During therapy, plasmapheresis and hemosorption are used simultaneously. Suppositories Virferon are prescribed for severe chronic hepatitis, which is of a viral nature and complicated by cirrhosis.
Suppositories are often used in the combined treatment of acute or chronic herpes infection of the skin and mucous membranes. Moreover, the drug is effective for mild, moderately severe course. As we have already said, they are used for the urogenital form of herpes.
The drug is suitable for the treatment of various diseases, compatible with antibiotics, antipyretic drugs.
How to use Viferon candles? What does the instruction say?
Suppositories are intended for topical use - they are inserted into the rectum or vagina. When treating patients, the following dosage is usually observed:
Children:
In the treatment of infectious and inflammatory ailments - the dosage is 150,000 IU. Apply 1 suppository twice a day. Duration - 5 days. According to indications, a second course is possible in 5 days.
In the treatment of viral hepatitis: babies up to six months: dosage - 300,000-500,000 IU per day. Children under 1 year of age: daily dosage of 500,000 IU. Children under 7 years of age: daily dosage of 500,000 IU per kg of body weight. The course of using candles is 10 days. After that, candles are used every other day for another six months.
Adults:
Treatment of infectious diseases of the urinary system: Dosage - 500,000 IU. Apply 1 suppository twice a day. Duration - 5-10 days.
Treatment of herpes lesions: Dosage - 1,000,000 IU. Apply 1 suppository twice a day. Time for a course is 10 days.
Treatment of urogenital infections during pregnancy: Dosage - 500,000 IU. 1 suppository twice a day. Duration - 10 days, then a 4-day break, after which it is used for prophylaxis. Dosage - 150,000. 1 suppository twice a day. Duration - 5 days. Then the use of suppositories is repeated every month before childbirth.
In the treatment of viral, bacterial diseases, various infections, a dosage of 500,000 IU is prescribed. Use 1 candle twice a day. Sufficient therapy time is 5-10 days.
What are the side effects of Viferon (candles)?
Side effects of this medication are not noticed. Rarely, allergic skin manifestations (itchy rash) may occur.
What are the contraindications for Viferon (candles)?
The drug should not be prescribed to patients who have noticed hypersensitivity or intolerance to its ingredients.
Additionally: When treating a large number of infectious, inflammatory diseases, the drug can be easily combined with other drugs, including antibiotics, glucocorticoids, corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs.
How to replace Viferon candles?
The analogue for the active substance is the drug Interal - P.
Conclusion
Although we talked about the drug Viferon (suppositories), the use of suppositories should be carried out with the permission of the doctor and after reading the paper annotation enclosed in the box with the medicine. Don't get sick and stay healthy!
- stops the multiplication of viruses inside cells, preventing the spread of infection throughout the body;
- increases the activity of lymphocytes in relation to cells affected by the virus;
- activates macrophages - cells of the immune system.
The attraction of additional interferons is due to the fact that the body begins to produce its own one 3-5 days after the start of viral activity.
The use of suppositories makes it possible to stop a viral infection when its first symptoms appear, or to completely prevent its penetration into cells (that is, suppositories can be used to prevent the disease).
Suppositories 150,000 IU are used in children under 7 years of age, including newborns and premature babies. The drug is prescribed for babies born at a period of less than 34 weeks, 1 candle 3 times a day, for all other children 2 times a day.
Suppositories 500,000 IU are prescribed for children over 7 years old, 1 suppository 2 times a day.
The duration of therapy is 5 days, at the discretion of the pediatrician, the treatment regimen can be extended.
For infections in newborns born over 34 weeks, suppositories 150,000 IU are prescribed 1 suppository 2 times a day, premature babies born before 34 weeks - 3 times a day for 5 days.
The number of courses for infections in newborns is as follows:
- Blood infection, mycoplasmosis, cytomegalovirus infection - 2-3 courses
- Inflammation of the meninges, - 1-2 courses
- Herpes virus infections - 2 courses
Between courses you need to maintain an interval of 5 days.
For chronic hepatitis B, C, D, the drug is prescribed:
- infants under six months in a daily dosage of 300,000-500,000 IU;
- infants aged 0.5 to 1 year in a daily dose - 500,000 IU;
- for patients aged from one to 7 years in a daily dose of 3,000,000 IU per 1m 2 of body surface area;
- for patients who have reached 7 years of age in a daily dosage - 5,000,000 IU per 1m 2 of body surface area.
Candles are inserted 2 times a day for 10 days, then 3 times a week every other day for from six months to a year. The duration of therapy depends on the well-being of the child and the results of laboratory tests.
The daily dosage of the medication is calculated for each child by multiplying the recommended dosage for a given age group by the body surface area, calculated from the Graford, Terry and Rourke nomogram. In order to calculate a single dosage, the daily dose is divided in half, and the result is rounded up to the dose of the candle.
Children suffering from chronic aggressive viral hepatitis and liver cirrhosis are prescribed in the following dosages before plasmacytophoresis and hemosorption:
- children under 7 years of age are prescribed suppositories 150 000 ME;
- patients over 7 years old - 500,000 IU.
Candles need to be inserted rectally 2 times a day for 2 weeks.
Side effects
Adverse reactions to suppositories are very rare. This can be a rash around the anus and / or itching. If you suddenly notice such manifestations in a child, you should cancel the drug. Symptoms go away on their own within 3 days.
There were no cases of severe allergic reactions with the use of suppositories.
Interaction with other medicinal products
Suppositories are perfectly combined with all medicines that are used in the treatment of diseases indicated in the list of its indications.
They are prescribed as an addition to the main therapy; they give good results in combination with antibiotics, hormonal drugs, and medicines of other pharmaceutical groups.
special instructions
Suppositories are approved for use in pregnancy in women, starting from the 2nd trimester. They are safe to use during lactation.
With the joint appointment of suppositories and antibacterial drugs, an increase in the action of the latter is noted, which may become the basis for reducing the dosage of antibiotics or reducing the duration of treatment with them.
Candles do not have any effect on reaction speed and concentration.
The drug should be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature of 2 to 8 degrees above 0. At room temperature, the candles quickly soften and it becomes impossible to use them for their intended purpose. Therefore, the package is removed from the refrigerator immediately before using the drug.
In pharmacies, suppositories are available without a prescription. But this should not be a reason for their thoughtless use. Parents should not forget that
Viferon is a modern drug - an immunomodulator, with a pronounced antiviral and antimicrobial effect.
The drug is developed and created in Russia and is produced by the pharmaceutical company Feron. This is a combined preparation, which includes recombinant (genetically engineered) alpha interferon and a vitamin complex. The use of Viferon can significantly reduce the doses of antibiotics, hormonal drugs.
In this article, we will consider why doctors prescribe Viferon, including instructions for use, analogues and prices for this drug in pharmacies. The real REVIEWS of people who have already used Viferon candles can be read in the comments.
Composition and form of release
In total, 4 types of Viferon candles are produced, which are designed for different ages:
- Viferon for newborns contains 150,000 IU (this is Viferon 1). It is also used to treat premature babies and babies up to 6 months of age.
- Viferon for children from one to 7 years old contains 500,000 IU. It is also called Viferon 500 or Viferon 2 or Viferon 500 000. It contains 0.0019 mg of interferon.
- For children from 7 to 12 years old, a millionth dose is used - 1,000,000 IU (this is Viferon 3).
- For adolescents over 12 years old and adults - 3,000,000 IU (or Viferon 4 - a three millionth dosage of a medicinal substance). These candles are used to treat adults of any age - young people, mature people and old people.
Pharmacological action: the drug has a pronounced antiviral, antiproliferative and immunomodulatory effect.
Indications for use
According to the instructions, Viferon in the form of rectal suppositories is used in complex treatment:
- SARS, pneumonia;
- Chronic viral hepatitis B, C and D;
- Primary or recurrent herpes of the skin and mucous membranes;
- Infectious and inflammatory diseases of newborns, including premature infants (intrauterine infection (mycoplasmosis, chlamydia, candidiasis, enterovirus infection, CMV infection, herpes), meningitis, sepsis);
- Urogenital infectious and inflammatory diseases (trichomoniasis, chlamydia, ureaplasmosis, CMV infection, gardnerellosis, bacterial vaginosis, papillomavirus infection, mycoplasmosis, recurrent vaginal candidiasis).
pharmachologic effect
Viferon is a complex preparation, which includes human recombinant interferon alpha-2b, which has antiviral and antiproliferative activity.
The use of Viferon for the treatment and prevention of viral infections allows several times to reduce the doses of hormonal drugs and antibiotics prescribed to the patient (in some cases, it is generally possible to avoid the appointment of these drugs). In addition, the use of the drug allows you to reduce the severity of the toxic effects of antibacterial or hormonal therapy.
It is also very important that neutralizing antibodies to the IFN-α2b included in the preparation are not formed in the patient even with prolonged use of Viferon.
Instructions for use
According to the instructions for use, the drug Viferon is prescribed by the attending physician, choosing individually the optimal treatment regimen, the form and dosage of the drug, depending on the clinical picture of the disease and the severity of the symptoms. Viferon suppositories are used rectally in combination with other drugs intended for the treatment of a specific pathology.
Acute respiratory viral infections, including influenza, incl. complicated by bacterial infection, pneumonia (bacterial, viral, chlamydial) in children and adults as part of complex therapy:
- Children under 7 years old, incl. for newborns and premature infants with a gestational age of more than 34 weeks, Viferon is prescribed 150,000 ME, 1 suppository 2 times / day every 12 hours every day for 5 days. According to clinical indications, therapy can be continued. The break between courses is 5 days.
- The recommended dose for adults, including pregnant women and children over 7 years old, is Viferon 500,000 IU, 1 suppository 2 times / day every 12 hours every day for 5 days. According to clinical indications, therapy can be continued.
Infectious and inflammatory diseases of newborn children, incl. premature babies, such as meningitis (bacterial, viral), sepsis, intrauterine infection (chlamydia, herpes, cytomegalovirus infection, enterovirus infection, candidiasis, including visceral, mycoplasmosis) as part of complex therapy:
- Premature newborns with a gestational age of less than 34 weeks are prescribed Viferon 150,000 ME daily, 1 suppository 3 times / day after 8 hours. The course of treatment is 5 days.
- The recommended dose for newborns, incl. premature babies with a gestational age of more than 34 weeks, - Viferon 150,000 ME daily, 1 suppository 2 times / day after 12 hours. The course of treatment is 5 days.
The recommended number of courses for various infectious and inflammatory diseases: sepsis - 2-3 courses, meningitis - 1-2 courses, herpes infection - 2 courses, enterovirus infection - 1-2 courses, cytomegalovirus infection - 2-3 courses, mycoplasmosis, candidiasis, incl. visceral - 2-3 courses. The break between courses is 5 days. According to clinical indications, therapy can be continued.
Contraindications
According to the instructions of Viferon, the drug is contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity to the constituent components. It is not recommended to use Viferon suppositories during pregnancy up to 14 weeks.
Side effects
The drug Viferon is well tolerated by patients, however, with individual hypersensitivity to the components of the suppository, the following side effects may develop:
- Allergic skin reactions;
- Burning sensation in the anus when a candle is inserted;
- Discomfort in the rectum.
These phenomena are not dangerous and do not require discontinuation of drug therapy.
Pregnancy and lactation
The drug is approved for use from the 14th week of pregnancy. It has no restrictions for use during lactation.
Analogs
Analogues of suppositories Viferon are the drugs Vitaferon, Genferon, Laferobion, Laferon.
Price
The average price of VIFERON, candles in pharmacies (Moscow) is 270 rubles.
Terms of dispensing from pharmacies
The drug is approved for use as a means of OTC.
- Galina
Several years ago I was prescribed Viferon-2 after a gynecological operation. It was at the end of December and given the weakened body, after the course of Viferon, I passed the entire remaining winter-spring period without infections. I used it several times to prevent inflammation (usually in the autumn-winter period) - it helped. But there is a side effect - ascorbic acid is so caustic, to tears. Therefore, I use it only as a last resort. And the drug is excellent, especially in gynecology.
- Anna
As soon as my son gets sick, she used to put candles on him immediately. He recovered much faster than without them. It was our pediatrician who advised to “viferonize” with every cold! But recently I got into a conversation with one friend (she is a doctor), who advised me to avoid such immunomodulators. He says that he never gives such medicines to his children, since in order to use immunomodulatory agents, it is necessary to first investigate the immune status of a person, otherwise there are certain risks of improper effects on immunity.
Personally, I do not think so, but still now I try not to give my son with mild colds. Still, the immune system must learn to deal with external factors itself. And if you constantly help him, then over time, a situation may turn out that without pills it is completely nowhere. I don't want that!
- Ala
Our son was born premature and weak, weighed only 1900, arms and legs like strings, such a small one. We went through the intensive care unit when we were in the hospital, were tested for intrauterine infection, and found cytomegalovirus. Prescribed suppositories Viferon, 150,000 IU each, put 3 times a day, as an antiviral medicine. I read a lot about him on the Internet, good and head. resuscitation calmed me down, said that he had been prescribing them to his little patients for many years, and he was always satisfied with the results of treatment. I was worried about how my son would develop after this infection, I read her many different manifestations. But now, when Tema is already two years old, I gradually forget all my fears, after a year she practically does not lag behind her peers, and neuropathologists say that everything is all right with him.
- Vlada
When there are three children in a family, you may or may not want to, and over time, you begin to understand medicines no worse than pediatricians. In my home medicine cabinet, apart from hydrogen peroxide, brilliant green and antipyretics, there are 150,000 IU Viferon candles, the oldest is only 5, and the youngest is a year old. No matter how you try to isolate the children from each other, they usually get sick at the same time. I try not to miss the moment, and when they just start to get sick, I immediately put candles on, then respirators are easier to tolerate, the temperature lasts less days and they recover faster. I have been using it for a single year, and have never noticed any side effects in any one, they are well tolerated and help quickly.
- Olga
