In recent decades, doctors have increasingly prescribed immunity enhancing agents to their patients. Such compounds not only can overcome the infection, but also enhance the body's overall resistance in the future. Medicines are available in the form of tablets, solutions, suppositories and dragees. However, gel or cream substance is becoming increasingly popular. This article will tell you about Viferon. Which is better - gel or ointment, you will learn further. It is worth immediately making a reservation that both medicines are used during colds and epidemics for the prevention of diseases or their treatment.
The cost of both medicines
When a consumer is faced with a drug choice, most people pay first attention to the cost of the drug. Both types of Viferon substance are available in a volume of 12 grams. However, their cost is slightly different.
For Viferon gel, the price is about 165 rubles. A medicine in the form of an ointment will cost you only a few rubles more - 170. From this we can conclude that a gel preparation is cheaper. But its cost is not much lower to try to save.
Composition of medicines and indications for use
Before deciding on the drug "Viferon" (which is better - gel or ointment), it is worth considering the composition. Both medicines contain human recombinant interferon. However, the amount of this substance is different. In the ointment there are 40 thousand IU. Viferon gel, the price of which is lower, includes only 36 thousand IU. As auxiliary components, the ointment contains lanolin, vitamin E and oils. The gel is based on glycerol, ethanol and water. It also contains methionine.
Indications for the use of both drugs are similar. The gel and ointment are prescribed for the treatment of viral diseases accompanied by rhinitis. Also, the medication is used to prevent bacterial complications, bronchitis, laryngitis and so on. An important distinguishing feature of one type of medicine for another is that the gel is also prescribed for the treatment of herpes infections, infectious diseases of the skin and mucous membranes.
Contraindications
Before choosing a certain type of medication “Viferon” (which is better), a gel or ointment must be carefully studied. Pay special attention to contraindications to the use of medicines. Both drugs are not prescribed for hypersensitivity to its components. The gel contains much more diverse compounds than in the ointment.
Viferon (gel and ointment) can be used during pregnancy and lactation. However, the creamy appearance of the drug should not be prescribed to children under the age of one year. The gel can be used from birth.
Compare application
The drug "Viferon" (gel) for prophylaxis is prescribed more often than ointment. The fact is that it is easier to absorb and does not leave an unpleasant oily layer on the nasal passages. If we are talking about the treatment of a viral disease, then ointment is given preference, since there is a greater amount of active substance in it.
Ointment is prescribed for application to the nasal mucosa up to 4 times a day. The duration of therapy is 5-7 days. The gel is used in the nose, tonsils, on the skin, mucous membranes and genitals. The frequency of use can be from 2 to 5 times a day, depending on the disease. The duration of treatment is from three days to one month.
Action of medicines
The medicine "Viferon" reviews is good. The active substance quickly begins to work after applying the substance. Interferon is a protein molecule in nature. It penetrates the cells of viruses and destroys them, preventing further reproduction. The medicine has a general strengthening, immunomodulatory effect. The content of tocopherol in the preparation helps to soften the mucous membranes and has an antioxidant effect.
Methionine is an amino acid. Recall that, unlike other components, it is contained only in a medicine with a gel substance. The component is not synthesized in the human body, but enters into it from the outside. It has a wound healing effect on the treated surface.
The drug "Viferon": which is better - gel or ointment?
From all the information received, the following conclusions can be drawn. Viferon gel is more convenient to use. It does not have an obsessive bad smell. This is exactly what Viferon reviews report. Consumers say that the drug does not form a greasy film on the treated surface, which cannot be said about the ointment. In addition, the medicine in the form of a gel has a wider range of indications. It is cheaper. You can use this type of medicine even for newborn babies.
About ointment "Viferon" reviews are not so impressive. The drug is more expensive, it has less evidence. It is forbidden to use for kids. To everything else, ointment can be applied only to the mucous membranes of the nasal passages. Some consumers say that the substance has a not very pleasant smell. The advantage of the drug is that it has Viferon (ointment) analogues at a price significantly more affordable than gel. The most popular drug is oxolin ointment.
Let's make a small conclusion
After studying the article, you can decide on your own whether it is better to purchase Viferon ointment or gel. However, do not forget that, in addition to the advantages of gel substance, there are also disadvantages - the medicine contains a smaller amount of recombinant interferon.
Before you buy a medication, consult a specialist. If you need the prevention of colds or other viral diseases, then it is advisable to use a gel. With treatment, a medication in the form of an ointment is more often prescribed. When buying a drug in the pharmacy network, be sure to specify for the seller the type of drug that you need. Before starting treatment, carefully read the instructions and all the nuances. All the best to you, do not be sick and choose the right medication!