Viferon for colds

Colds in the people are usually called a number of infectious diseases of viral and bacterial nature, developing against the background of hypothermia of the body. Sometimes it seems that the cold here and not at all, because, apparently, the disease was picked up by coughing and sneezing colleagues, classmates, friends on the playground, etc. But it is the cooling of the body that helps to reduce our immunity and becomes a provoking factor of colds. To catch the disease is now easy, especially if it hovers in the air even with a small cluster of people, but getting rid of it with all its unpleasant symptoms is much more difficult. And take the first steps you need as quickly as possible, for example, using "Viferon" for a cold, which is only trying to make itself known the appearance of the first signs.

Indications Viferon for colds

A shopping trip, a trip in public transport, a stay in a working, training or kindergarten team during the cool and humid time of the year often ends up for us by the fact that the next day we begin to experience a kind of shabby, indicating that the organism has been infected. Against the background of weakened immunity, pathogenic bacteria and viruses begin to multiply actively, taking away our strengths and poisoning the body with the products of our vital activity.

It must be said that not every one can boast of a strong, stable immunity, so we all face a cold several times in our life. Her symptoms are known to most people since childhood. The increase in temperature and a noticeable weakness literally from the first days of the illness indicates that our body still tries to fight microbes and viruses. A further increase in temperature causes chills, and against a background of severe weakness there is increased sweating.

Other cold symptoms that appear somewhat later are sneezing, nasal congestion and runny nose, perspiration and sore throat, coughing. Against the backdrop of intoxication, headaches and dizziness may occur, muscle weakness, weakness in the muscles and legs, small irregularities in the heart, diagnosed by the doctor while listening.

If it is a question of viral diseases, the state of a person remains extremely unpleasant for 5-7 days, the fight against bacterial infections can be prolonged even for a longer period, if nothing is done in the early days of the disease, it is no wonder that the antiviral drug "Viferon" already at the first sign of a cold.

At the same time, the nature of the cold is not so important, because the main effect of the drug is immunostimulating. And increasing the body's defenses and the ability to resist infection will be useful in both viral and bacterial diseases, the only difference being that in the second case, the body may also need antibiotics.

To start using "Viferon" you do not need to wait for the appearance of all the above symptoms. Feeling of weakness, unpleasant sensations in the throat and discomfort in the nose already indicate that the disease can not be avoided. But to fight infection with the body is much easier, as long as it has a small scale of spread, so treatment should begin immediately.

Manifestations of the common cold can be seen even on our lips. This is a herpetic infection, which once got into the body, no longer in a hurry to change the place of residence, and manifests itself with every episode of a decrease in immunity. This often happens in the cold season against a background of hypothermia and in the spring due to a deficiency of vitamins entering the body with foods.

Applying "Viferon" for a cold on the lip, we thereby increase local immunity, which quickly leads the virus into an inactive state and helps to remove external manifestations of the infection. In this case, the drug is considered effective against the virus of herpes and human papilloma, so it is released even in the form for topical application.

Speaking of colds, we suspect mainly pathologies, which in medical practice are indicated by abbreviations of acute respiratory disease (ARI) and acute respiratory infection (acute retroviral infection, one of the manifestations of which is influenza). But the immunostimulating effect of the drug will be useful in more serious diseases, such as bronchitis and pneumonia, meningitis and sepsis. With such diseases and bacterial infections of the upper and lower respiratory tract, "Viferon" is included in the complex therapy.

Include immunomodulator and treatment schemes for different groups of hepatitis, especially of viral origin, as well as infections of the genitourinary system, including human papillomavirus, some strains of which increase the likelihood of cancer.

"Viferon" is effective in the therapy of adults and children. In pediatrics, it is often used to treat infections that a child can get back in the womb (herpes virus, Candida fungi, chlamydia, mycoplasma, etc.). After all, the baby's immune system is not yet sufficiently formed to prevent the propagation of pathogens, so she needs help.

Release form

The antiviral drug "Viferon", popular in prescribing doctors for colds and flu, is nothing else than a special analogue of interferon produced in the human body in response to the invasion of microbes and viruses. The instructions state that any form of drug release contains human interferon recombinant alpha 2 with its own characteristic effects.

We are used to seeing antiviral drugs in the form of tablets and suspensions for internal administration. But "Viferon" has a somewhat unusual form of release - rectal suppositories, which allows it to spread more quickly in the body, because the absorption of drugs occurs mainly in the intestine.

Candles "Viferon" can have a different dosage of interferon (from 150 thousand IU to 3 million IU), but with the common cold the most popular form is a drug containing 150 thousand IU of interferon. Drugs with a higher dosage are used to treat chronic infections, genital herpes, papillomavirus infection.

In addition to interferon, suppositories include vitamins E and C, as effective antioxidants, substances that stimulate the immune response and strengthen cell membranes, which prevents the penetration of the virus into the cell.

There is a preparation and form of release, intended for topical application, which is relevant when there are external signs of viral infections. We are talking about the "Viferon" ointment containing interferon in a dosage of 40 thousand IU and vitamin E and often used for colds on the lips.

Another form of the drug, which is often confused with ointment, is the gel "Viferon", which contains 36 thousand IU of interferon. It for cold can be used to treat the throat and nose in the period of binge infection as an effective therapeutic and prophylactic agent, as well as for the treatment of recurrent laryngitis and laryngotracheitis.

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Pharmacodynamics

Considering the pharmacodynamics of the drug "Viferon" for colds, it must be remembered that in its properties it is similar to interferon, produced in the human body. Interferon is a specific protein produced by cells to protect against penetration into the body of infection, regardless of the type of pathogen. It is a universal protection, while the synthesis of interferons begins even before other structural elements of immunity are connected.

Interferon does not have the ability to kill virions, but it reduces the susceptibility of the body's cells to the virus. Thus, it becomes more difficult for viral particles to penetrate into the cell, without which it can not fully live and reproduce. Moreover, interferon, produced by one cell, triggers a chain of protective reactions in other cells and activates the immune defense as a whole, i.e. Increases the activity of specific immune defenders of T and B lymphocytes.

Even without the ability to directly destroy viral particles, interferon prevents their reproduction, which inhibits the development of the disease. The antiproliferative effect of interferon, which prevents cells from uncontrolled sharing under the influence of viruses, mutations of genes, inflammatory factors is also used in the treatment of cancer patients.

This specific protein is also characterized by another useful effect - the ability to activate a protein that causes the death of a virus-infected cell. Thus, it promotes the release of virions from the host cell. And outside the cell the virus is in danger, because there it is trapped by other agents of the immune system.

With respect to bacteria, interferon acts as a stimulator of cellular and general immunity. In addition, it is able to inhibit the process of reproduction of some microorganisms of this group, what determines the effectiveness of human interferon preparations in the treatment, for example, chlamydia.

"Viferon" with a cold does not stimulate the production of natural interferon in the body. It acts faster, increasing the concentration of this specific protein in the body, which is especially important at the outset of the disease, until the general immunity is only collected with strength.

Vitamins C and E, with their powerful antioxidant effect and the ability to enhance the protective functions of the body cells, further enhance the efficacy of the natural interferon administered from the outside. An important feature of the drug is that antibodies in response to its administration do not appear soon, which makes it possible, if necessary, to use the immunomodulator for a long time.

Pharmacokinetics

When using suppositories "Viferon" for colds, they remain effective for 12 hours, which is considered a good indicator and makes it possible to apply candles only 1-2 times a day with an interval of 12-24 hours. With intravenous administration of interferon, the elimination half-life is much shorter.

In preterm children, the drug is excreted from the body somewhat faster, so the frequency of application of the drug increases, and the interval between procedures is reduced to 8 hours.

The use of ointment does not affect the processes inside the body, since its absorption is very small, and the action is calculated to increase local immunity, i.e. Protective properties of the skin.

It is believed that interferon preparations enhance the effect of the use of other drugs (antibiotics, corticosteroids). And this is not surprising, because in this situation the body itself is actively involved in the fight against the disease, producing antibodies that destroy bacteria and viruses. Applying "Viferon" as part of complex therapy of diseases, it is possible to reduce the dosage of the prescribed drugs and reduce their negative effect on the body (for example, the same antibiotics differ in toxicity of different degrees).

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Dosing and administration

"Viferon" for colds with the same frequency doctors appoint and adults and children, including premature babies. In case of viral diseases and absence of such symptoms as cough and runny nose, the medicine can be prescribed as monotherapy. If there are other symptoms of a cold, which is typical for situations when a person seeks a doctor later, when the viruses already multiply and begin to poison the body, together with "Viferon" they prescribe cough supplements, nasal drops, antipyretic drugs and other drugs for symptomatic therapy.

In bacterial infections, "Viferon" is prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment along with antibacterial drugs and drugs to relieve the existing cold symptoms.

The most popular form of treatment for respiratory infections is "Viferon" in the form of suppositories with a dosage of 150,000 IU of interferon. Suppositories are intended for administration to the rectum. For one procedure, use 1 suppository, while "Viferon" for colds children are used in the same dosage as adults.

Adults and children to enter candles need 2 times a day. It is important to observe the optimal interval between procedures, which is 12 hours. Further delay with the introduction of candles will lead to the fact that the concentration of interferon in the body will be insufficient to effectively combat infection.

As for premature babies, "Viferon" in usual dosage is prescribed twice a day to babies, whose gestational age is not less than 34 weeks. For six-seven-month-old children, whose half-life of interferon from the body is less, suppositories are given 3 times a day with an interval of no more than 8 hours.

How many days to put "Viferon" for a cold? Treatment of a cold with an antiviral and immunomodulating medication should be started from the first days of malaise and continue for 5 days.

"Viferon" in the form of an ointment or gel is topical for the treatment of herpetic and papillomatous skin rashes. The common cold is associated with the activation of the herpes virus, which has its manifestations in the area of the lips. Apply ointment / gel to the skin and mucous membranes is recommended immediately if discomfort and first signs of the disease appear. Multiplicity of application of the drug - 3-4 times a day, while it should be lightly rubbed into the skin. The treatment is continued for 5-7 days until the symptoms disappear.

With ARVI and flu the doctor can recommend the use of ointment, and better the gel "Viferon" for the treatment of nasal passages. This same measure will be effective as an infection prevention if a person has to be in the same room with patients or just during the period of rampant viral infections. For the prevention of diseases it is enough to apply a gel on the nasal mucosa with a thin layer twice a day for 3-4 weeks.

For medicinal purposes, the preparation in the form of a gel is used to lubricate the nasal mucosa, throat, palatine tonsils (namely, at the beginning of the disease, pathogens are concentrated and multiply) 3-4 times a day by a course of 5 days. Ointment can be used only to treat the nose on the same conditions.

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Use Viferon for colds during pregnancy

"Viferon" in the form of suppositories for colds during pregnancy, according to the official instruction, is allowed to apply, starting at week 14, i.е. In the second and third trimesters. Suppositories are intended for introduction into the rectum, therefore they are considered not dangerous in a special situation for a woman, when the use of vaginal drugs is limited. In the first trimester of pregnancy, the use of immunomodulators is undesirable, because the increased activity of the immune system is dangerous for the fetus, which can also be regarded by the mother's body as an alien body.

In the period of breastfeeding, the use of "Viferon" is allowed, because the effect of the drug on the mother's body in no way affects the health of the child. On the contrary, interferon will help a woman to cope with the disease faster so as not to infect her child.

The drug in the form of an ointment or gel, pregnant women and nursing mothers can safely apply due to low absorption of external agents.

As for side effects of the drug in the form of suppositories, ointments or gel, unpleasant symptoms are usually limited to allergic reactions to different components of dosage forms. At the same time, light reactions in the form of skin rash and itching, which take place 2-3 days after drug withdrawal, are more common for suppositories. Ointment and gel are carried well by almost all patients.

Contraindications

Domestic immunomodulator "Viferon", used for colds flu, herpes infection and some other diseases, is an analogue of human interferon - a protein synthesized in the body in natural conditions. This protein is responsible for the effective functioning of the immune system, so for a long time it does not recognize it as a foreign element. This is facilitated by the vitamins contained in the preparation.

In connection with the above, it is not surprising that there are very few contraindications to the drug and they are not related to interferon itself, but to additional components: ascorbic acid, vitamin E, suppository auxiliary substances and ointments. Intolerance to any of the components of the drug becomes an obstacle to its use.

Overdose

"Viferon", made on the basis of human interferon, although considered a safe drug, still remains a drug with a certain dosage. Therefore, an inquisitive and worried about his health a person may have a logical question whether an overdose of the drug is possible.

If you do not pay attention to the recommendations in the instructions and apply the medicine in large doses, you should not exclude such an outcome. Indicators of an overdose of the drug "Viferon" can be considered allergic reactions, which occur after some time from the beginning of treatment. True, such situations are extremely rare. The use of the drug in recommended doses is considered quite safe, especially given that for the treatment of acute respiratory infections, influenza and many other respiratory infections, the minimum dosages are used. For example, in the treatment of hepatitis in adult patients, suppositories of 3 million IU of interferon are used, one twice a day, which is significantly higher than the recommended dose for colds, and adhere to this dosage for 10 days (2 times more than the cure for colds).

Interactions with other drugs

Do not worry about the interaction of "Viferon" with other drugs, because the drug only enhances the effect of other drugs, without increasing their concentration in the blood and toxicity. On the contrary, the use of the interferon drug can reduce the dosage of many drugs that, in addition to the therapeutic, also have some harmful effect on the body.

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Storage conditions

It is very important to observe the storage conditions of Viferon. Any form of the drug retains its properties during the shelf life, provided that they are stored in a cool place with an air temperature of 2-8 degrees, protected from light (ideally in the refrigerator on the bottom shelf).

Shelf life

But what is worth paying close attention to, is the shelf-life of the drug, which is not recommended for long storage. According to the official instructions, the suppository is stored only 2 years from the date of release, and ointment or gel and even less - 1 year.

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Reviews about the drug "Viferon" for colds

The drug "Viferon" manufacturers are positioned as an antiviral and immunomodulating agent, allowing in a short time to cope with the symptoms of the common cold. It must be said that many people are skeptical about these kinds of medicines, because you can increase the immunity and herbs. In addition, the word recombinant in relation to interferon sounds even somehow menacing, suggesting the idea of genetically modified products.

The habit of resorting to folk methods of treatment becomes a cause of disease progression. And it's not about the lack of effectiveness of grandmother's recipes, but about the fact that they do not act as fast as pharmacies. Especially if it's not just about stimulating immunity, but also about introducing into the body a human-related interferon substance, which immediately provides emergency help for infections.

Ideally, "Viferon" should significantly alleviate the course of respiratory diseases, it is not for nothing that it is so often prescribed for colds by both therapists and pediatricians. By the way, this drug is one of the few that are allowed to treat newborns, including children born before the term. Different forms of the drug can fight the cold and its manifestations both from the inside and outside.

A lot of positive reviews on the Internet testify to the use of suppositories, gel and ointment "Viferon" in bacterial and viral infections. Many note a significant improvement in the first days of the drug, moreover, the disease with interferon taking is easier.

The best results of treatment of acute respiratory viral infections, influenza, herpes on the lips can be obtained if you start using the drug in the early days of the disease, i.e. When barely noticeable signs of the disease. But when the entire clinical picture is already evident, the drug will not show any special efficacy. Stimulation of immunity on day 2-3 of the disease is not particularly relevant, and coping with the multiplying pathogens will now not be so simple, let alone the phenomena of intoxication, which interferon does not clean.

In principle, the late start of the drug in many cases and explain the lack or inadequacy of the "Viferon" many doctors. But is this the reason for all the blame?

There is a certain percentage of scientists and doctors who consider Viferon a useless drug. It is believed that interferon is able to penetrate into the cells of the body in full only by subcutaneous or intramuscular injection. In this case, it provides a high level of local immunity and contributes to a general increase.

Percutaneous absorption of the drug is small, but it allows you to treat external manifestations of herpetic infection, prevent the penetration of viruses into the cells of the body from the outside, but at the same time, there is no effect on the virus hiding in the deep tissues and circulating through the blood. That is, it is actually about the symptomatic therapy of herpes and the prevention of infections, which makes sense even before infection. If the virus has already penetrated the body, local application of the drug may not be effective.

Even more discussions about the suppositories "Viferon". Scientists argue that oral administration of interferon and the use of rectal suppositories does not have a therapeutic basis for the reason that in the digestive tract this protein is destroyed by digestive enzymes. In the lumen of the rectum, enzymes are no longer so dangerous for interferon, but the absorption of the drug in the intestine is relatively small, i.е. The patient receives a dose that is much lower than that claimed for the treatment of a cold.

Based on this, positive reviews of the drug can be attributed to the placebo effect. The person believes that the drug will help him, which also activates the defenses of the body. It is faith and activation of the natural immune response that in turn leads to an early recovery. There is nothing bad in this, if not for the price of the issue, because "Viferon" can not be called a budget medicine.

Relieving the condition of seriously ill children with high fever is difficult to explain by faith in miracle pills. But on the other hand parents themselves, persuading the child to take medicine or allow to put a candle (I must say, not the most pleasant procedure), say that this will help your beloved son or daughter get better soon. And since parents for the child have the highest authority, one can imagine how strong the child's faith will be in a miracle cure.

As for practicing doctors, they mostly support limiting the use of immunomodulators without prescribing a doctor. It is in this they see the greatest danger of such drugs. Applying "Viferon" in connection with a cold during the allotted course a person is unlikely to harm himself. But if he continues to feed himself with immunomodulators and immunostimulants in case of any symptoms of malaise, the immune system at some point will simply decide that she should not be active anymore, because all the work is done for her.

Only after all immunomodulators give only a temporary effect, necessary for fighting the disease. If you do not take care of your immunity and further by eating products and herbs that improve the functioning of the immune system, a person will continue to regularly get sick. Constantly supporting the body with immunomodulators it is possible to achieve the opposite effect, and people will get sick even more often due to immunodeficiency. It is not surprising that against this background, the patient can develop autoimmune diseases associated with inadequate functioning of the immune system.

No less dangerous than immunodeficiency, and the hyperactivity of the immune system, caused by excessive stimulation. After all, in this case, as an alien and potentially dangerous organism, the organism can perceive not only fungi, bacteria and viruses, but also its own cells. And while scientists have proven a few years ago the low effectiveness of "Viferon" with cold respiratory diseases, such treatment can even do much harm.

Around the popular drug among doctors Viferon and its effectiveness for colds there is always a lot of controversy. But both sides agree that the reasonable use of the medicine on the prescription of the doctor will not cause harm to the body, and under certain conditions even help to cope with the disease. After all, no one has refuted the useful properties of protein. As for faith, it has helped some people to be cured even of deadly cancerous diseases, and since the drug causes such confidence, it is worth renouncing his help.