Anaferon

Anaferon is a drug that is usually used as an immunomodulator and antiviral agent. It contains affinity purified antibodies to human interferon gamma.

Interferon gamma is a substance produced by the body in response to viral infections and other external influences. It plays an important role in the immune system, stimulating the body's defense mechanisms against infections.

Anaferon contains antibodies to interferon gamma, which, according to manufacturers, can stimulate the immune system and enhance its protective functions against viruses.

The use of Anaferon is usually recommended for the prevention and treatment of respiratory viral infections such as influenza and ARVI. However, the effectiveness and mechanisms of action of this drug may be a matter of debate in the medical community, and more research is required to confirm its effectiveness.

Indications Anaferona

1. Prevention and treatment of influenza and ARVI: Anaferon can be used to reduce the likelihood of influenza and other respiratory viral infections. It can also be used to reduce the severity of symptoms and shorten the duration of illness when they occur.
2. Complex treatment of viral infections: Anaferon can be included in the complex treatment of other viral diseases, such as herpes, viral hepatitis and others.
3. Strengthening the immune system: The drug can be used to strengthen the immune system and increase its protective functions, especially during periods of increased risk of disease.
4. Maintenance therapy: Anaferon can be used as maintenance therapy during the rehabilitation period after infections or to prevent relapses.

Release form

Anaferon is usually available in the form of lozenges. These tablets are designed to be dissolved under the tongue, which facilitates rapid absorption of the active components through the oral mucosa. This form of release is usually convenient for use, especially for children and people who have difficulty taking tablets or capsules.

Pharmacodynamics

1. Antibodies to interferon gamma: Interferon gamma is an important mediator of the immune response, playing a role in protecting the body from viral infections. Anaferon contains affinity-purified antibodies to interferon gamma, which can enhance the body's immune response, stimulating its protective functions against viruses.
2. Immunomodulatory effect: The drug is able to activate cellular and humoral immunity, which helps to enhance the body's immune response. This may lead to a reduced likelihood of illness and a reduction in the severity of infections.
3. Antiviral effect: It is assumed that activation of the immune system by antibodies to interferon gamma may enhance the body's antiviral mechanisms, which helps suppress viral replication and reduce the duration and severity of infection.
4. Antioxidant Action: Some research also suggests that interferon gamma antibodies may have antioxidant properties, protecting body cells from damage caused by free radicals.

Pharmacokinetics

The pharmacokinetics of Anaferon, as a rule, are not described in detail, since the drug contains affinity purified antibodies to interferon gamma, which usually do not have typical pharmacokinetic parameters such as metabolism, distribution and excretion.

The main effect of the drug is carried out at the site of application in the oral mucosa, where the active components are absorbed through the mucous membrane and can have an effect on the immune system.

In summary, systemic absorption of affinity-purified human interferon gamma antibodies is likely minimal, and the pharmacokinetics of the drug have not been the subject of detailed study or description.

Dosing and administration

1. Prevention of influenza and ARVI:

   • For adults and children over 14 years of age: it is usually recommended to take 1 tablet 3 times a day for 2-3 weeks.
   • For children aged 6 months to 3 years: usually prescribed 1 tablet 2 times a day.
   • For children aged 3 to 6 years: usually prescribed 1 tablet 3 times a day.

2. Treatment of ARVI and influenza:

   • When the first symptoms of the disease appear, the dosage can be increased: for adults and children over 14 years of age - 1 tablet every 30 minutes on the first day (up to 8 tablets), then - 1 tablet 3 times a day for 2-3 weeks.
   • For children aged 6 months to 3 years: usually 1 tablet every 30 minutes on the first day (up to 4 tablets), then 1 tablet 2 times a day.
   • For children aged 3 to 6 years: usually prescribed 1 tablet every 30 minutes on the first day (up to 6 tablets), then 1 tablet 3 times a day.

The tablets should be kept in the mouth until completely dissolved. It is better to take them half an hour before or half an hour after meals or water.

Use Anaferona during pregnancy

1. Interferon gamma and pregnancy:

   • Interferon gamma plays an important role in the immune system and is involved in immunomodulation and antiviral defense. It is produced by killer cells and activated T lymphocytes. Studies have shown that interferon gamma may have various effects on pregnancy, including inducing the expression of MHC class I and II antigens in the placenta, which may influence immune responses (Mattsson et al., 1991).
   • Another study in mice showed that administration of interferon gamma during pregnancy can lead to fetal resorption and other negative effects on fetal development (Mattsson et al., 1992).

2. Antibodies to interferon gamma:

   • Anaferon contains antibodies to gamma interferon in ultra-low doses, which allows it to act as an immunomodulator. Clinical trials have shown its efficacy and safety in the treatment and prevention of viral infections, including use in children under 1 year of age (Vasil’ev et al., 2008).

3. Safety of use in pregnant women:

   • Animal studies have shown that the administration of gamma interferon can adversely affect pregnancy by causing immune-mediated reactions and changes in the immune balance in the body of the mother and fetus (Athanassakis et al., 1996).
   • However, limited data on the use of antibodies to gamma interferon in pregnant women do not indicate significant risks, but require further research to draw final conclusions.

Contraindications

1. Individual intolerance or allergic reaction to the components of the drug: Any of the components of the drug, including affinity purified antibodies to interferon gamma or excipients, may cause an allergic reaction in some patients.
2. Autoimmune diseases: The use of immunomodulatory drugs such as Anaferon may be contraindicated in patients with certain autoimmune diseases or immune system conditions.
3. Serious pathologies of the liver or kidneys: Use may be limited in patients with severely impaired liver or kidney function, since there may be insufficient data on the safety and effectiveness of the drug in this group of patients.
4. Childhood: The use of Anaferon in children under a certain age may be limited or require special prescription from a doctor.
5. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Data on the safety of using Anaferon during pregnancy and breastfeeding may be limited, so the use of the drug in these cases requires special attention and doctor's prescription.

Side effects Anaferona

1. Allergic reactions: Include skin rash, itching, redness of the skin, angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, tongue), allergic dermatitis. In some cases, anaphylactic shock may develop, which requires immediate medical attention.
2. Dyspeptic disorders: Dyspeptic symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or abdominal pain may occur.
3. General hypersensitivity reactions: In rare cases, general hypersensitivity symptoms such as lethargy, dizziness, fatigue may occur.
4. Reactions from the nervous system: Neurological symptoms may occur, such as headache, irritability, sleep disturbances.
5. Other rare side effects: Include fever, arthralgia, alopecia, changes in blood counts.

Overdose

Data on Anaferon overdose is limited, and cases of severe overdose are rare. However, if the recommended dose is exceeded, increased side effects may occur, such as allergic reactions, dyspeptic disorders (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), dizziness, fatigue, and others.

Interactions with other drugs

Information about Anaferon's interactions with other drugs is limited. Since Anaferon is a drug containing affinity-purified antibodies to interferon gamma, its systemic interaction with other drugs is likely minimal, since its action is primarily aimed at the immune system.