Viferon for colds

The common name for a whole range of infectious diseases of viral and bacterial origin that develop against the background of hypothermia is a common name for a cold. Sometimes it seems that the cold has nothing to do with it, because, apparently, the disease was picked up from coughing and sneezing colleagues, classmates, friends on the playground, etc. But it is the cooling of the body that contributes to a decrease in our immunity and becomes a provoking factor for colds. It is now easy to catch a disease, especially if it is in the air even in a small crowd of people, but getting rid of it with all its unpleasant symptoms is much more difficult. And you need to take the first steps as quickly as possible, for example, using Viferon for a cold that is just trying to declare itself with the appearance of the first signs.

Indications Viferon for colds

A walk around the shops, a trip on public transport, a stay in a work, school or kindergarten group in a cool and humid time of the year often ends for us with the fact that the next day we begin to feel a certain weakness, indicating that an infection has penetrated the body. Against the background of a weakened immune system, pathogenic bacteria and viruses begin to actively multiply, taking away our strength and poisoning the body with the products of their vital activity.

It should be said that not everyone can boast of a strong, stable immune system, so we all encounter a cold several times in our lives. Its symptoms are familiar to most people since childhood. An increase in temperature and noticeable weakness literally from the first days of illness indicate that our body is still trying to fight microbes and viruses. A further increase in temperature causes chills, and against the background of severe weakness, increased sweating appears.

Other symptoms of a cold that appear a little later are sneezing, nasal congestion and runny nose, sore throat and cough. Against the background of intoxication of the body, headaches and dizziness, loss of strength, weakness in muscles and legs, minor disturbances in the work of the heart, diagnosed by a doctor during listening, may appear.

If we are talking about viral diseases, the person's condition remains extremely unpleasant for 5-7 days, the fight against bacterial infections can drag on for even longer if nothing is done in the first days of the disease, it is not for nothing that doctors recommend using the antiviral drug "Viferon" at the first signs of a cold.

In this case, 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 ability to resist infection will be useful for both viral and bacterial diseases, with the only difference being that in the second case, the body may also need the help of antibiotics.

To start using Viferon, you do not need to wait for all the above symptoms to appear. A feeling of being broken, unpleasant sensations in the throat and discomfort in the nose already indicate that the disease cannot be avoided. But it is much easier for the body to fight the infection while it has a small scale of spread, so treatment should be started immediately.

We can even see the symptoms of a viral cold on our lips. We are talking about a herpes infection, which, once it has entered the body, is in no hurry to change its place of residence, and manifests itself with each episode of decreased immunity. This most often happens in the cold season against the background of hypothermia and in the spring due to a deficiency of vitamins entering the body with food.

By using Viferon for a cold sore on the lip, we thereby increase local immunity, which quickly makes the virus inactive and helps to remove external manifestations of the infection. At the same time, the drug is considered quite effective against the herpes virus and human papilloma, so it is even released in a form for local use.

When speaking about colds, we mainly suspect pathologies that in medical practice are designated by the abbreviations ARI (acute respiratory disease) and ARVI (acute retroviral infection, one of the manifestations of which is influenza). But the immunostimulating effect of the drug will also be useful for more serious diseases, such as bronchitis and pneumonia, meningitis and sepsis. For such diseases and bacterial infections of the upper and lower respiratory tract, Viferon is part of the complex therapy.

The immunomodulator is also included in treatment regimens for various groups of hepatitis, especially those of viral origin, as well as genitourinary infections, including the human papillomavirus, some strains of which increase the likelihood of cancer.

"Viferon" is effective in the treatment of adults and children. In pediatrics, it is often used to treat infections that a child can get 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 proliferation of pathogens, so it definitely needs help.

Release form

The antiviral drug "Viferon", popular in doctors' prescriptions for colds and flu, is nothing more than an analogue of interferon, produced in the human body in response to the invasion of microbes and viruses, created under special conditions. The instructions indicate that any form of the drug contains human recombinant interferon alpha 2 with its inherent effects.

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

Viferon suppositories can have different dosages of interferon (from 150 thousand IU to 3 million IU), but for colds 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, and papillomavirus infection.

In addition to interferon, the suppositories also contain vitamins E and C, as effective antioxidants, substances that stimulate the immune response and strengthen cell membranes, which prevents the virus from penetrating into the cell.

The drug also has a form of release intended for local use, which is relevant when external signs of viral infections appear. We are talking about the ointment "Viferon", containing interferon in a dosage of 40 thousand IU and vitamin E and often used for cold sores on the lips.

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

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Pharmacodynamics

When considering the pharmacodynamics of the drug "Viferon" for colds, it is necessary to remember 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 an infection that has entered the body, regardless of the type of pathogen. It is a universal defense, and the synthesis of interferons begins even before other structural elements of the immune system are involved.

Interferon does not have the ability to destroy virions, but it reduces the susceptibility of the body's cells to the virus. Thus, it becomes more difficult for viral particles to penetrate the cell, without which it cannot fully live and reproduce. Moreover, interferon produced by one cell triggers a chain of protective reactions in other cells and activates immune protection 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 slows down the development of the disease. The antiproliferative effect of interferon, which does not allow cells to divide uncontrollably under the influence of viruses, gene mutations, and inflammatory factors, is also used in the treatment of cancer patients.

This specific protein has another useful action - the ability to activate a protein that causes the death of a cell infected with a virus. Thus, it facilitates the exit of virions from the host cell. And outside the cell, the virus is in danger, because other agents of the immune system lie in wait for it there.

In relation to bacteria, interferon acts as a stimulator of cellular and general immunity. In addition, it is capable of inhibiting the process of reproduction of some microorganisms of this group, which determines the effectiveness of human interferon preparations in the treatment of, for example, chlamydia.

"Viferon" for colds 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 beginning of the disease, while the general immunity is still gathering strength.

Vitamins C and E with their inherent powerful antioxidant effect and the ability to enhance the protective functions of the body's cells additionally enhance the effectiveness of natural and externally introduced interferon in the preparation. An important feature of the preparation 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 Viferon suppositories for colds, they retain their effectiveness for 12 hours, which is considered a good indicator and makes it possible to use suppositories only 1-2 times a day with an interval of 12-24 hours. With intravenous administration of interferon, the half-life is significantly shorter.

In premature babies, the drug is eliminated from the body somewhat faster, so the frequency of administration of the drug increases, and the interval between procedures is reduced to 8 hours.

The use of the ointment does not affect the processes inside the body, since its absorption is very low, and the effect is designed to increase local immunity, i.e. the protective properties of the skin.

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

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Dosing and administration

"Viferon" for colds is prescribed by doctors equally often to both adults and children, including premature babies. In case of viral diseases and the absence of symptoms such as cough and runny nose, the medicine can be prescribed as monotherapy. If there are other cold symptoms, which is typical for situations when a person consults a doctor later, when the viruses have already noticeably multiplied and begun to poison the body, cough remedies, nasal drops, antipyretics and other drugs for symptomatic therapy are prescribed along with "Viferon".

For bacterial infections, Viferon is prescribed as part of a complex treatment along with antibacterial agents and medications to relieve existing cold symptoms.

The most popular form for treating respiratory infections is considered to be "Viferon" in the form of suppositories with a dosage of 150 thousand IU of interferon. Suppositories are intended for insertion into the rectum. One suppository is used per procedure, while "Viferon" for colds in children is used in the same dosage as for adults.

Adults and children should be administered suppositories twice a day. It is important to observe the optimal interval between procedures, which is 12 hours. Further delay in administering suppositories will result in the concentration of interferon in the body being insufficient to effectively combat the infection.

As for premature babies, Viferon in the usual dosage is prescribed twice a day to babies whose gestational age is at least 34 weeks. For six- to seven-month-old babies, whose half-life of interferon in the body is shorter, suppositories are taken 3 times a day with an interval of no more than 8 hours.

How many days should Viferon be used for a cold? Treatment of a cold with an antiviral and immunomodulatory drug should be started from the first days of illness and continued for 5 days.

"Viferon" in the form of an ointment or gel is relevant for the treatment of herpetic and papillomatous rashes on the skin. Colds are mainly associated with the activation of the herpes virus, which has its manifestations in the lip area. It is recommended to apply the ointment / gel to the skin and mucous membranes immediately upon the appearance of discomfort and the first signs of the disease. The frequency of application of the drug is 3-4 times a day, while it should be lightly rubbed into the skin. Treatment is continued for 5-7 days until the symptoms disappear.

In case of acute respiratory viral infections and flu, the doctor may recommend using ointment, or better yet, gel "Viferon" to treat the nasal passages. The same measure will be effective as a preventive measure against infection if a person has to be in the same room with sick people or simply during the period of rampant viral infections. To prevent diseases, it is enough to apply a thin layer of gel to the nasal mucosa twice a day for 3-4 weeks.

For medicinal purposes, the preparation in the form of a gel is used to lubricate the mucous membrane of the nose, throat, tonsils (and this is where pathogens are concentrated and multiply at the beginning of the disease) 3-4 times a day for a course of 5 days. The ointment can only be used to treat the nose under 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 instructions, is allowed to be used starting from the 14th week, i.e. in the second and third trimesters. Suppositories are intended for insertion into the rectum, therefore they are considered not dangerous in a special situation for a woman, when the use of vaginal products is limited. In the first trimester of pregnancy, the use of immunomodulators is undesirable, because increased activity of the immune system is dangerous for the fetus, which can also be regarded by the mother's body as a foreign body.

During the period of breastfeeding, the use of Viferon is permitted, because the effect of the drug on the mother's body does not in any way affect the health of the child. On the contrary, interferon will help the woman to cope with the disease faster, so as not to infect her child.

Pregnant women and nursing mothers can safely use the drug in the form of an ointment or gel due to the low absorption of external agents.

As for the side effects of the drug in the form of suppositories, ointments or gels, the unpleasant symptoms are usually limited to allergic reactions to various components of the dosage forms. At the same time, mild reactions in the form of rashes and itching of the skin, which disappear 2-3 days after discontinuing the drug, are more typical for suppositories. Ointments and gels are well tolerated by almost all patients.

Contraindications

The 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 itself under natural conditions. This protein is responsible for the effective functioning of the immune system, so it does not recognize it as a foreign element for a long time. This is also facilitated by the vitamins contained in the drug.

In connection with the above, it is not surprising that the drug has very few contraindications and they are associated not with interferon itself, but with additional components: ascorbic acid, vitamin E, auxiliary substances of suppositories 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 medicine with a certain dosage. Therefore, an inquisitive person concerned about his health may have a logical question whether an overdose of the drug is possible.

If you ignore the recommendations set out in the instructions and use the drug in large doses, you should not exclude such an outcome. Indicators of an overdose of the drug "Viferon" can be considered allergic reactions that occur some time after the start of treatment. However, such situations are extremely rare. The use of the drug in recommended doses is considered quite safe, especially considering that minimal dosages are used to treat ARVI, flu and many other respiratory infections. For example, in the treatment of hepatitis in adult patients, suppositories of 3 million IU of interferon are used, one twice a day, which significantly exceeds the recommended dose for colds, and this dosage is adhered to for 10 days (2 times more than the course of treatment for colds).

Interactions with other drugs

There is no need to 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 interferon allows you to reduce the dosage of many drugs that, in addition to the therapeutic effect, also have some detrimental effects 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 expiration date, 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 you should pay close attention to is the expiration date of the drug, which is not recommended to be stored for a long time. According to the official instructions, suppositories are stored for only 2 years from the date of manufacture, and ointment or gel even less - 1 year.

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Reviews of the drug "Viferon" for colds

The drug "Viferon" is positioned by manufacturers as an antiviral and immunomodulatory agent that allows you to quickly cope with cold symptoms. It must be said that many people are skeptical about this kind of medicine, because you can also boost your immunity with herbs. In addition, the word recombinant in relation to interferon even sounds somehow threatening, suggesting the idea of genetically modified products.

The habit of turning to folk remedies when feeling unwell causes the disease to progress. And it is not because grandma's recipes are ineffective, but because they do not act as quickly as pharmacy products. Especially if we are talking not just about stimulating the immune system, but also about introducing a substance related to human interferon into the body, which immediately provides emergency assistance in case of 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 is allowed to treat newborns, including premature babies. Different forms of the drug allow you to fight colds and their manifestations both from the inside and from the outside.

Many positive reviews on the Internet testify in favor of using Viferon suppositories, gel and ointment for bacterial and viral infections. Many note a significant improvement in the condition in the first days of using the drug, in addition, the disease is easier against the background of taking interferons.

The best results in treating acute respiratory viral infections, flu, and herpes on the lips can be achieved if you start using the drug in the first days of the disease, i.e. when barely noticeable signs of the disease appear. But when the entire clinical picture is already evident, the drug will not show much effectiveness. Stimulating immunity on the 2-3 day of illness is no longer particularly relevant, and it will not be so easy to cope with the multiplied pathogens now, not to mention the phenomena of intoxication, which interferon does not remove.

In principle, many doctors explain the absence or insufficiency of the effect of Viferon by the late start of taking the drug in many cases. But is this the cause of everything?

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

The percutaneous absorption of the drug is small, but it allows you to treat external manifestations of herpes infection, prevent the penetration of viruses into the body's cells from the outside, but at the same time, the drug has no effect on the virus hidden in deep tissues and circulating in the blood. That is, we are talking about symptomatic therapy of herpes and prevention of infections, which makes sense even before infection. If the virus has already penetrated the body, local use of the drug may be ineffective.

There is even more discussion about Viferon suppositories. Scientists claim that oral administration of interferon and the use of rectal suppositories have no therapeutic basis for the reason that in the gastrointestinal tract this protein is destroyed by digestive enzymes. In the lumen of the rectum, enzymes are no longer as dangerous for interferon, but the absorption of the drug in the intestine is relatively small, i.e. the patient receives a dose that is much less than that stated for the treatment of colds.

Based on this, positive reviews of the drug can be associated with the placebo effect. A person believes that the drug will help him, which activates the body's defenses. It is faith and activation of the natural immune response that in turn leads to a quick recovery. There is nothing wrong with this, if not for the price of the issue, because "Viferon" can in no way be called a budget drug.

It is difficult to explain the relief of the condition of seriously ill children with high fever by faith in miracle pills. But on the other hand, parents themselves, persuading a child to take medicine or allow a suppository (it must be said, not the most pleasant procedure), say that this is what will help their beloved son or daughter to recover faster. And since parents have the highest authority for a child, one can imagine how strong the child's faith in a miracle medicine will be.

As for practicing doctors, most of them advocate limiting the use of immunomodulators without a doctor's prescription. This is where they see the greatest danger of such drugs. Using Viferon for a cold during the allotted course, a person is unlikely to harm himself. But if he continues to stuff himself with immunomodulators and immunostimulants for any symptoms of illness, the immune system will at some point simply decide that it is no longer worth being active, because all the work is done for it by drugs.

But immunomodulators only provide a temporary effect necessary to fight the disease. If you do not take care of your immunity and continue to use foods and herbs that improve the immune system, a person will continue to get sick regularly. Constantly supporting the body with immunomodulators can achieve the opposite effect, and a person will start getting sick even more often due to immunodeficiency. It is not surprising that against this background, the patient may develop autoimmune diseases associated with inadequate functioning of the immune system.

No less dangerous than immunodeficiency is hyperactivity of the immune system caused by its excessive stimulation. After all, in this case, the body can perceive not only fungi, bacteria and viruses, but also its own cells as foreign and potentially dangerous. And given that scientists have proven the low effectiveness of Viferon for colds and respiratory diseases several years ago, such treatment can even be harmful.

There is a lot of controversy surrounding the popular drug "Viferon" among doctors and its effectiveness against colds. But both sides agree that reasonable use of the drug as prescribed by a doctor will not harm the body, and under certain conditions will even help to cope with the disease. After all, no one has yet refuted the beneficial properties of protein. As for faith, it has helped some people to recover even from deadly cancer diseases, and since the drug inspires such confidence, is it worth refusing its help?