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Polio drops: route of administration and common reactions
Last reviewed: 03.07.2025

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Polio drops are taken as a vaccine to avoid infection. Polio is an acute viral disease. It can cause serious damage to the nervous system. Because of this, inflammatory processes in the intestines and nasopharynx may occur. This disease has always been considered a childhood disease; it affects children under 10 years of age. The source of infection is a sick person. The peak of the disease is observed from August to October.
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Indications for the use of drops against poliomyelitis
Vaccinations are started for children from the age of two months. This will help to avoid infection in the future. Everything is done by instilling 2-4 drops of the drug into the lymphoid tissue of the baby's throat. In older children, instillation is done on the surface of the tonsils. The first vaccination is done at the age of 3-6 months. After that, revaccination is necessary at 18-20 months and 14 years.
The main indication for taking the drug is to prevent polio infection. After vaccination, you should refrain from eating for an hour, and you can't drink either. The fact is that the medicine will be washed into the stomach along with food and liquid and will not have time to form a protective barrier.
After vaccination, it is highly recommended not to introduce complementary foods and new products into the baby's diet. Because allergic reactions may develop due to the ingestion of unknown food. Most often, this condition is equated with the unsuitability of the medication, this is not true.
Pharmacodynamics
The vaccine against the disease is a stabilized preparation. It contains live attenuated polio viruses of the Sabin strains types 1, 2 and 3. They enter the human body in a multiplied form. Each product intended for vaccination meets all the requirements of the World Health Organization.
After using the product, immunity begins to form in almost 98%. The level of seropreservation after the introduction of 3 doses of the vaccine can reach 100% concentration. This indicator is noted for three types of poliovirus. An increased level of maternal antibodies can affect the immune response of the drug. Diarrhea during vaccination, as well as the susceptibility of the family to various vaccines, can lead to negative consequences. Breastfeeding has a special effect and can lead to "non-absorption" of the vaccine.
The composition of the drops against poliomyelitis includes the viruses of this disease, in a weakened form. Type 1 - at least 1 thousand, type 2 - 100 thousand and type 3 - 300 thousand. This amount of them will allow the body to develop immunity against the disease.
Pharmacokinetics
The remedy for polio must include weakened components of the virus. This will help the body develop immunity against the disease. The drug contains diphtheria toxoid in the amount of 30 IU, tetanus toxoid - 40 IU and pertussis toxoid 25 mcg.
In addition, the drug contains filamentous hemagglutinin 25 mcg, inactivated poliovirus, type 1 40 U D antigen, inactivated poliovirus, type 2 8 U D antigen, inactivated poliovirus, type 3 32 U D antigen. The following substances act as auxiliary components: aluminum hydroxide - 0.3 mg, phenoxyethanol - 2.5 μl, acetic acid or sodium hydroxide - up to pH 6.8-7.3, water for injection - up to 0.5 ml. All together helps to strengthen the body. Thus, it is able to resist many viruses and infections. Sucrose - 42.5 mg and trometamol - 0.6 mg can act as auxiliary components.
Method of administration and dosage
The vaccine is administered about 4 times. The age of administration is noted in a special calendar of preventive vaccinations, which can be obtained from the supervising therapist. Usually, the nurse or the doctor himself is responsible for notifying about the vaccination day. This is done in advance so that the parents have time to prepare.
4 drops of the product are used per dose. Everything is done in accordance with the packaging of the drug. The vaccination dose should be instilled into the mouth with a dropper or pipette attached to the bottle. The action is carried out an hour before eating. In no case should you wash down the drops or drink liquid within an hour after use. The vaccine will simply get into the stomach and will not perform its protective functions.
According to this principle, the product is used 4 times, but only on the designated days. During the period of use, the baby's condition should be monitored and possible changes recorded. The vaccine is usually well tolerated.
Use of Polio Drops During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, vaccination is highly discouraged. It can only be justified if there is a risk of infection that poses a threat to both the life of the mother and the child.
As you know, in the first trimester of pregnancy, you should avoid taking any medications. After all, there is always a risk of causing irreparable harm to the baby. The child's nervous system begins to form from the first weeks, any impact on it can lead to the development of pathological processes. Increased doses of prohibited drugs can cause premature birth.
Polio vaccination is carried out if there is a risk of infection of the baby. However, the vaccine itself can harm the developing organism. The decision about vaccination can be made by an experienced specialist, depending on the possible dangers.
Contraindications for use
There are a number of contraindications for vaccination. For example, it cannot be administered to children with congenital immunodeficiency or HIV (even if someone in the family is infected). If there is a pregnant woman in the baby's environment. This can have a negative impact on the expectant mother.
If a woman is planning a pregnancy or is already carrying a child, vaccination should not be carried out. This is done if there is a risk of infection of the mother and child. Vaccination is not necessary during breastfeeding. If an unusual reaction to other medications was noted before, then vaccination is carried out with special caution.
Contraindications include allergy to neomycin, polymyxin B and streptomycin. These are the components of the vaccine. It should not be used in the presence of acute infectious diseases, even after complete recovery.
Neurological disorders, as well as immunodeficiency, malignant neoplasms and immunosuppression may interfere with vaccination. Scheduled vaccination should be postponed in the case of severe acute respiratory viral infections, acute intestinal diseases. Vaccinations can be done after the temperature has returned to normal.
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Side effects of polio drops
There is practically no reaction to the introduction of the vaccine. In some cases, allergic reactions occur. This is due to individual intolerance to the components of the drug. Therefore, before using it, you should familiarize yourself with the composition and identify the body's reaction to its components. Urticaria or Quincke's edema are extremely rare.
Cases of vaccine-associated diseases have been recorded. This condition occurs once in three million. This condition requires differential diagnosis with poliomyelitis-like diseases. In order to limit the circulation of the virus among people around a vaccinated child, certain rules should be followed. The baby should have a separate crib, potty, bed linen, clothes, dishes, etc. This will allow parents not to be affected by the vaccine. Because it can only be administered to children.
Polio Drop Reaction
Many parents are interested in the question of whether complications after vaccination are possible and how they manifest themselves. Usually, the vaccine does not cause any reactions. But still, one case per 2.5-3 million is recorded. In order to exclude any reactions, vaccination should be done only to children with excellent health.
Preference should be given to the injection itself, rather than drops. The first option is much safer and does not often cause side effects. The doctor and the baby's parents decide which type of vaccine to choose. In any case, it is important to prepare the child for this procedure.
Rarely, after the vaccine is administered, the baby may have diarrhea or an allergic reaction. They are not dangerous and do not require special treatment. The baby will recover on his own after a few days. If the child's condition is very disturbing, you can take him to see a therapist.
Diarrhea after polio drops
The baby's gastrointestinal tract is very weak. Therefore, any influence on it can lead to negative consequences. Indigestion is the most common symptom after the polio vaccine. The occurrence of diarrhea is associated with the presence of live bacteria in the vaccine. They are the ones that affect the intestinal mucosa. If diarrhea lasts more than a day, it is worth telling your therapist.
The vaccine in the form of drops consists of weakened viruses. Intestinal upset can occur with oral vaccination with live viruses. The fact is that they are able to actively reproduce in the digestive system. The sensitive intestines quickly perceive such an influence on it and respond with upset. Moderate diarrhea after vaccination does not pose any danger. If there are some doubts, it is better to visit a doctor, especially if the baby has a severe upset.
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Temperature after polio drops
After vaccination, the temperature may increase slightly or remain unchanged. As doctors say, there is no need to worry about this. Even if the temperature has increased to 38-38.5 degrees. This is a normal reaction of the body to the introduction of a weakened virus. If the temperature increases with additional reactions, including diarrhea and allergic reactions, you should go to the hospital.
Hyperthermia develops within a few hours after the vaccine is administered. Sometimes this period extends to 2-3 days. Therefore, it is worth monitoring the baby's condition for several days. The temperature can also last for 2-3 days. In some cases, even two weeks. It all depends on the baby's immunity. If the increase is not accompanied by other reactions, there is no reason to worry. Additional treatment is not carried out, but taking antipyretic drugs is allowed.
Overdose
With the correct dosage, no side effects can occur. The fixed dose is 4 drops. In some cases, 5 are used. This is not fraught with anything for the child. However, it is necessary to monitor his condition. Some children have a hard time with vaccination, so even a slight increase in the dose can provoke an overdose.
If a large amount of the drug gets into the gastrointestinal tract, poisoning is possible. It is advisable to wash the baby's stomach and consult a doctor. Nausea and vomiting may occur if a large amount of the drug gets into the stomach. This is not very common.
Overdose may cause fever and severe diarrhea. If these symptoms persist for more than a day and the diarrhea is severe, a specialist consultation is necessary. In some cases, the fever persists for 2 weeks. The disorder occurs due to the sensitivity of the baby's digestive organs.
Interactions with other drugs
Polio vaccination can be administered on the same day together with DPT vaccination (ADS or ADS-M anatoxin). It is also possible to use the product with other drugs if the vaccination schedule was drawn up by a doctor.
In accordance with the recommendations, the product is used simultaneously with vaccines against hepatitis B, whooping cough, tetanus, rubella. But only if they are included in the immunization schedule. Simultaneous use with the rotavirus vaccine is not able to affect the immune response to poliovirus antigens. Despite the fact that the live vaccine is able to significantly reduce the immune response, after the first dose, it was proven that the level of anti-rotavirus IgA reaches the target level. Moreover, this happens after the second dose of the vaccine. At the same time, clinical protection is maintained. If the product is prescribed together with other vaccines based on live bacteria, then at least a month should pass between the injections. No other data on incompatibility have been received.
Storage conditions
The vaccine must be stored at a temperature of -20 degrees. This will preserve its effectiveness for 2 years. At a temperature of 2 to 8 degrees Celsius, the shelf life does not exceed one year. If the vaccine is in conditions of twenty-degree cold, then it is not worth placing it in other temperature conditions. If there is such a need, then the shelf life is reduced to 6 months.
To maintain optimal effectiveness of the drug, it is worth keeping it in the refrigerator. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight. If the drug is not expected to be used in the near future, it is better to put it in the cold. If possible, maintain a temperature of 20 degrees below zero. If the vaccine was accidentally exposed to another temperature. If you suspect that the limits have increased, it is worth checking the effectiveness of the vaccine. It is likely that it is no longer suitable for use.
Once the bottle is opened, it must be used within 8 hours. During this time, the vaccine is stored at a temperature of 2-8 degrees Celsius. If it is not supposed to be taken within 8 hours after opening, the vaccine must be frozen immediately. It has been proven that repeated freezing and defrosting does not affect the quality of the product. The drug must be stored out of the reach of children.
Best before date
The shelf life depends entirely on the conditions. Thus, at a temperature of more than 20 degrees below zero, the shelf life is 2 years. If the drug is stored at a temperature of 2 to 8 degrees above zero, the shelf life is reduced to a year. If defrosting and re-freezing are necessary, the shelf life does not exceed six months. The temperature regime must be monitored.
In addition to temperature, the conditions and appearance of the bottle also play an important role. It should not be damaged or punctured. Attention should be paid to the appearance of the vaccine itself. The color and smell should be unchanged. A similar requirement is put forward for consistency. All three parameters should be unchanged.
To prevent trouble, it is worth hiding the product away from children. They can harm both themselves and damage the bottle with the vaccine. The drug is afraid of direct sunlight, so the best place to store it is the refrigerator. In such conditions, the vaccine will last for more than one year.
Attention!
To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Polio drops: route of administration and common reactions" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.
Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.