Often during the cold season, doctors recommend Anaferon for children and adults for the prevention and treatment of viral diseases. Sometimes acute respiratory viral infections are dangerous for their complications, and taking antibiotics and other strong medications puts a tremendous strain on the body and causes many side effects. In this regard, experts advise to use, in some cases, antiviral and immunomodulating agents, which, when used correctly, can significantly help in healing and speed up the healing process.
Forms of drug release
"Anaferon" today is presented in two forms of release:
- lozenges;
- drops for oral administration.
The composition of the drug differs depending on the form. The amount of active ingredient also varies.
Active components
Anaferon for the prevention of viral diseases has long been used in pediatrics and the treatment of adult patients. The principle of action of the medication is based on its active component, the amount of which varies, depending on whether the medicine is produced in tablets or drops.
So, in one pill contains 3 mg of affinity-purified antibodies to human interferon. Their drops already contain 6 mg. Additional substances are also claimed.
The tablet contains:
- lactose;
- magnesium stearate;
- microcrystalline cellulose.
Drops have a slightly different composition. As auxiliary components are listed:
- glycerol;
- citric acid;
- maltitol;
- potassium sorbate;
- water.
"Anaferon" for the prevention of colds is recommended for adults and children. However, first you need to find out its effect on viruses.
Effects on the body
In connection with the active immunomodulating and antiviral effect of Anaferon, it is advisable to use this medication to accelerate the healing process and the prevention of viral pathologies.
The active ingredient is active against:
- adenovirus;
- influenza virus and parainfluenza;
- rotavirus;
- herpes.
Also, the drug actively destroys the manifestations of respiratory diseases. Once in the body, the active substance quickly lowers the level of viral microparticles in organs and tissues, as a result, the disease quickly recedes, because its own interferons multiply in the patient’s blood. The tool increases the activity of macrophages, promotes the induction of antibodies against viruses and stimulates the cellular response to the invasion of pathogenic particles. However, to date, there are no chemical studies available that would reveal the full cycle of the effect of the drug on the body, from absorption in the stomach to its complete elimination. Therefore, the manufacturer does not provide complete data on the pharmacological characteristics of the effects of the drug on the body.
Replacement for antibiotics. Maybe or not
The ability to use Anaferon for prevention is based on the ability of the drug to stimulate the patient's own immunity. As a result, the patient’s body is more actively struggling with viral particles that have penetrated inside. However, the active substance is not able to destroy pathogenic microorganisms and does not affect their ability to reproduce. The action of the drug is based on immunomodulating properties and increasing the body's ability to fight against the disease, but these tablets cannot replace antibiotics. Therefore, when prescribing antibacterial therapy by a doctor, one should not rely on the use of Anaferon, which belongs to the category of homeopathic medicines.
When is the use of the medicine justified?
There is a drug intended for use by adults, as well as "Anaferon" for children. The instruction for the prevention of viral pathologies contains complete information about the diseases in which the medication will be justified. Indications for use may include the following:
- Treatment and prevention of acute respiratory viral infections. Influenza also refers to direct indications.
- Treatment and prevention of herpes (labial and genital)
- As an adjunct treatment in the presence of bacterial infections.
- Tick-borne encephalitis therapy.
- Treatment for chickenpox.
- Prevention and treatment of rotavirus, coronavirus and enterovirus.
- Treatment of immunodeficiency conditions.
The most common area of application of Anaferon Children's for prevention is to eliminate the threat of acute respiratory infections. The drug does not adversely affect the children's body and, judging by the reviews of the parents, it successfully copes with its task. However, doctors warn that you should not abuse the drug, otherwise the body will not be able to successfully fight diseases on its own.
"Anaferon": instructions for use, prevention
The drug is available in the form of pills and drops. If the doctor prescribed it in the presence of a catarrhal disease, then the reception should be started as soon as possible. Only in this case can a positive result be achieved. Drops and pills are for oral use only. Recommended regimens for children and adults are different. The dosage and duration of administration depends not only on age, but also on the severity of the disease, the characteristics of the body. Doctors recommend that you consult a specialist before starting therapy.
Admission Scheme for Adult Patients
If an adult finds the first symptoms of a cold, you can start using Anaferon for prevention. How to take the medicine is described in detail in the annotation, while a standard dosage regimen has been developed.
The treatment course always begins with the resorption of 1 pill every 30 minutes. In total, 5 pieces must be taken within two hours. Further, during the same day, it is necessary to take three more pills at regular intervals. Further therapy depends on the severity of the disease and should be prescribed by a doctor. The approximate scheme described in the instructions involves taking 3-6 tablets per day. If a pronounced therapeutic effect is achieved, then it is necessary to take tablets for prophylaxis of 1 piece per day for a week.
"Anaferon" drops: instructions for use for prevention
Often, parents cannot determine which form of the drug to choose. Experts note that drops are more convenient for treating children. The medicine comes in glass bottles with a built-in dispenser. At one time, a standard dosage of 10 drops is assumed. To achieve maximum effect, it is necessary to consume 10 drops every 30 minutes during the first two hours. Further, in the remaining time, take another 10 drops three times.
In the cold season, Anaferon drops can be used for prevention. How to take the medication is also described in the instructions. To prevent the disease, it is enough for five days to take a standard dose of the drug three times a day.
Do not combine medication and food. Treatment is carried out between feedings. In the treatment of children, the rule is used: drink drops 15 minutes before eating.
Features of therapy for children
"Anaferon" for children in drops for prevention is used for painful conditions during the common cold and flu in young patients. If it is necessary to protect the baby in the season of acute respiratory diseases from infection, then tablets for resorption can be used. In this case, the child is offered 1 pill daily for a month. The manufacturer also indicates in the instructions that a second course is allowed a month after the treatment.
In many cases, Anaferon in drops is useful. The instructions, for the prevention of tick-borne encephalitis, it is said that taking within 21 days, in a therapeutic dose of 10 drops, will help to avoid a formidable disease.
Important notes
The main rule of taking Anaferon is to use the medicine immediately after the onset of the first symptoms of the disease. If you start using the medication as early as possible, then within three days, usually the patient's health improves. If this does not happen, then specialist advice is required. Anaferon for children can be used for prevention without worrying about the consequences and side effects. Scientific studies have been conducted regarding its safety and effects on the children's body. As a result, data were obtained on the inability of the medication to provoke negative phenomena, as well as cancerous tumors. It was information on the oncogenic nature of the drug that previously served as the reason for many doctors not to prescribe this medication.
Side effect information
"Anaferon" - drops for the prevention of viral diseases, the effect of which is based on a component that has a high degree of effect on the body's own immune forces. Currently, there are sufficient statistics on the use of the drug, allowing to judge its almost complete safety. However, it is worth remembering that allergic reactions are sometimes possible, which are caused by an individual reaction of the body and are caused by the synthesis of histamine. Dyspeptic disorders are also possible, manifested in the form of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, but only in violation of the recommended dosage.
List of contraindications
Despite the relative safety of Anaferon drops and tablets, which has been proven by various clinical trials, the instructions provide an extensive list of contraindications for use. Due to the fact that the product is a powerful immunomodulator, it cannot be taken with the following diseases:
- cancerous tumors;
- breast-feeding;
- pregnancy period;
- congenital galactosemia;
- lactose deficiency;
- glucose malabsorption syndrome.
In addition, contraindications include intolerance to any components that make up the product, as well as an individual allergic reaction. It is known that drops can be used to treat acute respiratory infections and prevent colds in children from birth.
Use during breastfeeding
During lactation, it is not recommended to use Anaferon for the prevention and treatment of colds. This is due to the fact that the manufacturer did not conduct laboratory studies aimed at the possibility of using the medication during breastfeeding. For this, it would be necessary to conduct clinical trials on women who are breast-feeding a child, which is prohibited by ethical standards and current legislation. That is why the medication can not be recommended by doctors in a given period of time. For the treatment of acute respiratory diseases of nursing mothers, completely different means are selected.
Combination with other medicines
At the moment, there is evidence of pharmacokinetic studies that make it possible to judge the lack of risk of combining Anaferon with other drugs aimed at treating viral diseases. The instructions for use for the drug contain information where the simultaneous use of other antibacterial, symptomatic and antiviral agents is allowed without the risk of side effects. However, it is always necessary to take into account the risk of overdose, therefore, complex treatment should be recommended only by a doctor.
Are there any analogues
It is possible to replace "Anaferon" with medicines that have a similar therapeutic effect on the body. Among the most popular drugs that prevent acute respiratory infections and help in healing include:
- Arbidol. The medicine is available in the form of tablets, capsules and suspensions. The action is based on the active substance umifenovir.
- "Kagocel". A medication based on kagocel is one of the powerful antiviral drugs.
- Ergoferon. Antiviral drug, an action that is aimed at eliminating the symptoms of colds and flu.
- Viferon. Available in the form of suppositories. The therapeutic effect is based on human interferon entering into the candles. As a result of therapy, the body increases the production of its own antibodies to viruses.
- Aflubin. An antiviral agent aimed at eliminating the manifestations of herpetic nature.
All drugs listed are immunomodulatory and antiviral drugs. They can replace the Anaferon in question. However, the appointment of each medication should be under the supervision of a physician. It is not necessary to use such means too often, so as not to weaken the body's own reserve forces aimed at suppressing pathogenic particles.
Conclusion
In the cold season, Anaferon in drops is very popular. Use for prevention is justified if your own immunity is weakened due to frequent diseases or other reasons. However, the effectiveness of the drug is associated with its administration. The sooner treatment is started, the greater results can be achieved. Judging by the reviews, some have developed a skepticism about such drugs, but the practice of use shows that the competent appointment of such drugs is justified. At the same time, uncontrolled intake can significantly undermine health and weaken the body's own defenses.