Ophthalmoferon eye drops are often prescribed for adult patients with viral and allergic pathologies of the organs of vision. Due to several active ingredients, this local preparation has a positive multilateral effect on the conjunctiva. Moreover, it has a minimum number of contraindications and side effects. But is it possible to use Ophthalmoferon eye drops for children and what treatment regimen is suitable for the smallest patients? The proposed article will help you deal with these issues.
Release form
Ophthalmoferon is produced by the domestic company Firn M only as eye drops. A glass or plastic bottle equipped with a special dropper cap contains 10 ml of a slightly yellow or colorless liquid. This solution should be transparent, without any impurities. If you notice that the product has darkened or become cloudy, refuse to use it.
Composition
The main active component of Ophthalmoferon is human interferon, which belongs to the alpha-2 category. In view of the method of its production, this substance is sometimes called recombinant or genetic engineering, because the science of the same name is used for its production.
It is due to this method of obtaining this ingredient that comes out cleaner than leukocyte interferon. In addition, he is not able to carry viruses. Each milliliter of drops contains at least 10,000 IU.
The second active component of the drug is diphenhydramine. In medicine, it is also called diphenhydramine. In every milliliter of drops, 1 mg of this substance is present.
So that the medicine remains liquid for a long time and does not deteriorate, in addition to distilled water, additional ingredients are added to it: povidone, Trilon B, hypromellose, boric acid.
Mechanism of action
Ophthalmoferon eye drops have a wide spectrum of antiviral activity due to the effect of its active substances on various types of pathogens. In addition, the drug has the following effect:
- antimicrobial;
- anti-inflammatory;
- local anesthetic;
- immunomodulatory;
- regenerative.
The effect of the drug on immunity and various viruses is determined by the qualities of interferon, and by supplementing the composition with diphenhydramine, drops also help to stop swelling and itching.
Auxiliary ingredients of the drug help form an artificial tear. Among them there are polymers that can protect the eyes from irritating effects from the outside. It is due to their presence that the drug has a lubricating and emollient effect.
In addition, the additional constituent drops after processing create a protective film that allows the active ingredients to be truly evenly distributed over the surface of the shell.
Boric acid, which is present in the composition of the drug, plays the role of an antiseptic, which is important in the case of bacterial infections.
Numerous scientific studies have proven that Ophthalmoferon helps accelerate recovery from viral eye diseases. In addition, it stimulates the resorption of infiltrates in the membrane, reducing pain and redness.
Indications
According to the instructions for use, Ophthalmoferon is prescribed to children when the following pathologies are detected:
- adenoviral conjunctivitis;
- lesions of the mucous membrane with herpetic viruses;
- hemorrhagic conjunctivitis provoked by enterovirus infection;
- keratitis, the causative agents of which are adenoviruses or herpetic viruses;
- keratouveitis;
- keratoconjunctivitis;
- damage to the eyes on the background of chickenpox;
- dry eye syndrome;
- allergic form of conjunctivitis;
- bacterial conjunctival infection.
In addition, this medicine may be recommended for a child who has undergone keratoplasty or any other operative therapy of the visual organs.
Limitations
How many years can I use, according to the instructions, Ophthalmoferon drops for children? This drug is considered absolutely harmless to babies of any age. So it can be buried in the eyes in the first year of life. True, the use of Ophthalmoferon for both breast-fed children and adolescents is recommended only after consulting a specialist.
The only contraindication to the use of this medication is the individual intolerance of any ingredient contained in the composition. There are no other restrictions regarding the treatment of children with Ophthalmoferon.
Side effects
According to scientific studies and instructions, during therapy with the use of Ophthalmoferon, no negative symptoms caused by this particular medicine are observed.
The main reason for the safety of the product is its local surface action. Even if a certain percentage of active ingredients seeps through the membrane of the eyes into the bloodstream, then it is so small that it is simply unrealistic to detect using analysis. That is why it does not affect the state of other organs and systems of the body.
Instructions and recommended dosage
According to the instructions, eye drops "Ophthalmoferon children should be instilled 5-6 times a day, one drop if the diagnosed disease is acute. Although, depending on the type of pathology, the doctor may prescribe 2 drops of medicine for the child. As soon as the symptoms begin to recede and inflammation slightly reduced, the regularity of the use of "Ophthalmoferon" should be reduced to 2-3 times.
The duration of the therapeutic course is determined individually, since the drug is indicated until the unpleasant symptoms disappear completely.
If a child has dry eye syndrome, the drug is prescribed for a month, subject to daily use.
Ophthalmoferon drops for children undergoing eye surgery are prescribed from the first day after the procedure. The tool should be instilled daily. In this case, the course of treatment can last within 10-14 days.
The correct procedure for instilling babies and special instructions are described in detail in the instructions for Ophthalmoferon for children: eye drops should be used very carefully, during the procedure, the baby should be laid on his back, fixing his hands.
Drug interaction
Ophthalmoferon is often prescribed for children in parallel with corticosteroids, antibiotics, local anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as medications that improve reparative processes. Eye drops are compatible with all the medicines described and do not lower their healing properties.
In addition, the drug can be used together with artificial tears and agents that activate the restoration of the lining of the eyes.
Price and storage conditions
Ophthalmoferon is sold without a special prescription and is a fairly affordable drug. The cost of one bottle ranges from 250-320 rubles.
The shelf life of the drug when closed is 2 years. However, an open bottle can be stored for no more than a month. Save the product at a temperature not exceeding 8 degrees in a dark place.
Reviews
Today you can find a large number of positive reviews about the experience of using Ophthalmoferon for children. Eye drops have proven themselves in the treatment of many different diseases of the visual system. Both parents and doctors generally respond well to this drug. They emphasize that a positive result from the use of drops is observed after only a couple of days from the start of use.
The advantages of treating children with Ophthalmoferon are many parents who consider the possibility of treating very small patients, excellent tolerance to a weakened body and a minimum number of contraindications. According to them, drops do not provoke the appearance of any side effects. And children who are already able to share their feelings with adults do not complain about discomfort after eye instillation. In addition, according to the instructions, "Ophthalmoferon" for children can be buried from a very young age. It is even allowed to use the drug to treat infants.
As for the shortcomings, parents include the necessary regularity of use and the too short shelf life of the open product.
In addition, some mothers consider the cost of the drops to be too high. And some parents claim that this drug does not have any effect at all.
Analogs
Replace "Ophthalmoferon" with pathologies of the visual system in a child can be similar drugs that have identical healing properties, active ingredients and indications. There are several analogues of these drops.
- Okomistin. Prescribed for babies of various ages with the detection of bacterial eye damage. The drug can also be used for instillation of the nose.
- Okulohel. Homeopathic medicine containing echinacea, euphrasia and extracts of other plants. The tool can be prescribed at any age.
- Zovirax. Acyclovir-based drug used for eye lesions with herpetic viruses. It can be used from birth.
- Dex-Gentamicin. The drug is based on an antibiotic supplemented with a glucocorticoid. Children are shown only on the recommendation of a doctor.
- Chloramphenicol. Antibacterial drops that successfully fight blepharitis, barley and other microbial eye lesions. Can be used from birth under medical supervision.
- "Tear". These drops replace tears and can be used at any age.
- Cromohexal. A drug whose main active ingredient is clomoglycate sodium. It is prescribed to children when allergic pathologies are detected. It can be appointed from two years.
- "Sulfacyl sodium." The tool from the category of sulfonamides can be recommended for children from birth for the treatment and prevention of conjunctivitis.
- Vitabakt. The drug has antiseptic and antimicrobial effects. Allowed from birth.
All the described medicines can differ among themselves not only by active ingredients and age restrictions, but also by the mechanism of action, as well as contraindications. That is why the use of a particular tool is allowed only after consultation with a specialist.