Throughout pregnancy and lactation, women should be especially careful about their health. At this time, even the most harmless medicines are prohibited. But there are situations when you can’t do without medications.
Often, newly-minted and “experienced” moms ask themselves what antiviral drugs are allowed for breastfeeding. In fact, there really are certain medicines of such a group. But the appointment should be made by a specialist. At the same time, the doctor soberly assesses the condition of the mother, the age of her child and the individual characteristics of the baby.
The use of antiviral agents
Before you use antiviral drugs while breastfeeding, you need to learn some important things.
- Almost all active substances taken orally are absorbed into the bloodstream and pass through the breast milk to the baby.
- The baby may develop allergic reactions to drugs, especially if they contain dyes and fragrances.
- Some drugs change the taste of milk, and therefore the baby can refuse to breast.
- You should never exceed the dose recommended by your doctor and extend the duration of treatment yourself.
- It is forbidden to engage in self-appointment during breastfeeding.
Many people know that antiviral drugs are used for treatment and for the prevention of. When breastfeeding, do not get involved in preventive measures. If you get sick and need treatment, consult your doctor. In the case when a newly minted mother is very afraid of getting sick, wants to prevent infection, it is recommended to use medicines that are safer than tablets and powders. Give preference to nasal ointments, sprays and drops. It is strictly forbidden to take the following antiviral drugs (when breastfeeding): Amiksin, Arbidol, Isoprinosine, Rimantadine, and so on. You can list for a long time. It is better to consider what kind of medications can still be used during lactation.
"Grippferon" - a medicine for pregnant and lactating women
The first antiviral drugs that are allowed during breastfeeding are nasal products from Firn M. They are produced in Russia. Grippferon medication has two forms: drops and spray. At your discretion, you can choose the most convenient for yourself. The composition of the drugs includes 2-alpha human recombinant interferon. One milliliter contains 10,000 IU. The instruction for use reports that the medication is used to treat and prevent viral diseases (influenza or SARS). The emphasis is on the fact that the drug is intended for pregnant, lactating women, as well as children from the first days of life. It is contraindicated to use such an antiviral agent only with hypersensitivity.
It is known that a medicine after nasal administration destroys many pathogenic microorganisms: adenoviruses, coronaviruses, parainfluenza, rhinoviruses and so on. Spray and drops envelop the mucous surface, drying it. Medicines reduce the secretion of nasal mucus, create a negative environment for the reproduction of microbes, and also protect the mucous membrane from additional infection.
Nazoferon: safety for the baby
What other antiviral drugs are there? When breastfeeding, you can safely use the drug "Nazoferon". It contains the same human recombinant interferon 2-alpha. Five milliliters contains 100,000 IU. This is two times more than the medicine "Grippferon". If you turn to the instructions, you can find out that during pregnancy and lactation this medication is not contraindicated. The only exceptions are severe allergic reactions of a nursing mother.
The medicine after nasal administration perfectly copes with pathogenic microflora, stimulating the immune system. Medication may pass into breast milk in small quantities. But he does not affect the condition of the child. The fact is that the active substance does not interact with viruses. It only provokes the immune system of a weakened body. It is important that Nazoferon is not addictive.
Viferon is one of the commonly used medicines
At the next visit to the doctor, ask about what antiviral drugs you can use when breastfeeding. Surely the doctor will mention Viferon candles. In their composition there is a different amount of recombinant interferon. The product is available in several forms: suppositories and ointment (gel).
A medicine is prescribed not only for the treatment and prevention of respiratory diseases. It is used for urogenital pathologies, hepatitis viruses, as well as for the prevention of complications. "Viferon" in the form of ointment does not penetrate the child through milk at all. Candles are safe, they are often prescribed by pediatricians to the kids themselves.
"Immunal" - a medicine based on herbal substances
The composition of this drug includes echinacea extract - a powerful herbal immunomodulator. A medication is available in the form of tablets and solution. Since the use of antiviral drugs (for breastfeeding) based on ethanol is prohibited, the advantage remains with the tablets.
Echinacea helps increase the body's resistance, resistance to viruses. This component is isolated from natural plants. The medicine has a general strengthening effect, it increases the number of blood cells, and prevents the penetration of pathogenic flora into the body. If the infection occurred, then Immunal reduces the time of the disease by almost half. It is not prescribed for nursing mothers who are sick with tuberculosis, multiple sclerosis, and also have the status of HIV-infected.
Derinat is a universal drug
It is acceptable to use antiviral drugs for lactation based on sodium deoxyribonucleate. The trade name of such a medicine is Derinat. The medicine has an immunomodulating, antiviral, regenerating effect. The drug stimulates the lymphatic system in the focus of inflammation.
It is important that Derinat is used for rhinitis, lesions of the larynx and pharynx, and viral diseases of the oral mucosa. The medication is widely used in gynecology, and newly-made mothers often have postpartum complications requiring antiviral therapy. Indications for the use of the drug are very many. Among the contraindications, only hypersensitivity is mentioned. If you are breast-feeding and need to use Derinat, be sure to consult your doctor first.
Engistol and Oscillococcinum: homeopathic remedies
The composition of the drug "Engistol" includes sulfur and hirudinaria. There is also lactose. Therefore, if the child is intolerant of this substance, it is worth refusing to use it. The safety of the drug is based on its homeopathic composition. This remedy has no contraindications for use, with the exception of hypersensitivity. Engistol is prescribed for the symptoms of the virus and flu: a runny nose, fever, cough, general deterioration of well-being.
Another homeopathic remedy is Oscillococcinum. This drug is better known than its predecessor. A medication is prescribed for treatment and prevention. It can be used during breastfeeding and pregnancy. The composition includes an extract of the heart and liver of the Barbarian duck. It is known that Oscillococcinum has no proven effectiveness. Nevertheless, homeopathic antiviral drugs for lactation help women cope with the first signs of a cold and prevent complications.
Anaferon and Ergoferon
These two medicines are produced by one Russian pharmaceutical company, Materia Medica. Anaferon incorporates purified antibodies to human interferon. They enter Ergoferon, but there are also antibodies to histamine. From this we can conclude that Anaferon tablets are an antiviral agent with an immunomodulatory effect. Ergoferon is an immunostimulant that can cope with viruses and prevent allergies.
Can I use such antiviral drugs? During breastfeeding and throughout pregnancy, these funds are prescribed by doctors without fear. But the instructions say that there is no reliable data on their safety for the child. Recall that Ergoferon tablets are recognized as more powerful in their action.
Genferon: rectal and vaginal suppositories
Antiviral drugs during breastfeeding are prescribed not only for the treatment of colds. Such funds are widely used in gynecology. Indications for this are: chlamydia, genital herpes, mycoplasmas and ureaplasmas, bacterial vaginosis, erosion, and so on. Suppositories have a pronounced antiviral effect, they stimulate the immune system. All due to the fact that the composition of the drug includes recombinant interferon in an amount of from 250,000 to 1,000,000 IU. Candles have a mild anesthetic effect.
Antiviral drugs for breastfeeding: reviews
All the described tools form different opinions about themselves. Particularly active debate is around homeopathic remedies. Such medications are quite expensive. But many consumers doubt their effectiveness. Most often, expectant mothers (according to statistics) are assigned "Grippferon" and "Viferon." These drugs are considered the safest for the parent and her child. Ergoferon or Anaferon tablets are less commonly prescribed.
Women say that the sooner the antiviral composition was adopted, the higher its effectiveness. Doctors support this opinion. Doctors also report that to ensure the safety of the child, you should use the medicine immediately after the next feeding. In this case, part of the active substances will be removed from the mother’s body before the next application.
Summarize
From the article you were able to find out which drugs can be used to combat viral infection during lactation. The list of drugs and their characteristics are presented to your attention. Remember that before using any medication, it is recommended to consult a doctor. Do not be ill!