A broad-spectrum drug called Interferon is used for diseases that are viral in nature. Due to its natural origin, this medicine rarely leads to the development of allergic reactions. It is completely non-toxic and suitable for young children, and also pregnant women.
Description of the drug
According to the instructions for use, "Interferon" is used for therapy, and at the same time, for the prevention of various diseases that are caused by viruses. The substance alpha-interferon (the active component of the drug) is produced in the human body by white blood cells and acts as part of the basic immunity. When the viral load is too high, and the immune system is untenable, such drugs as Interferon are prescribed to patients during the treatment process.
The composition of the medication
As indicated by the instructions for use, "Interferon" contains the leukocyte human interferon. Its auxiliary components are sodium chloride, potato and corn starch, ethanol, and in addition, various substances in the form of flavors and fragrances.
Release Forms
This medicine is available in several of the following forms:
- In the form of drops "Interferon", intended for intranasal use, as well as for ocular and ear instillations.
- Pills.
- In the form of a solution for intramuscular injection.
- Rectal suppositories.
- Powder for inhalation "Interferon".
The forms of the drug differ from each other mainly in doses of the active component and excipients. The choice of a format suitable for treatment depends on the severity of the patient’s illness, on his age, and so on. For example, it is advisable to treat respiratory viral infections with courses of inhalation or tablets, and injections are required for the treatment of acute hepatitis. Inhalations are diluted once, and you can not store such a solution.
Children, especially young children, are recommended to prescribe rectal suppositories as part of the prevention of otolaryngological diseases during influenza epidemics. Interferon nasal drops are also prescribed for children to treat respiratory infections. Intranasal drug administration is not recommended for children under two years of age.
Indications for use
In accordance with the instructions for use, "Interferon" is shown to people in the following cases:
- In the presence of viral lesions. For example, with viral hepatitis.
- In the role of an immunomodulatory agent.
- In order to prevent influenza and otolaryngological diseases.
- Against the background of the identification of tumor cells of the thymus as an immunomodulating agent.
- In the presence of cancer, as this drug is able to have an antitumor effect.
- Against the background of encephalitis as an immunostimulating agent.
- With chronic leukemia.
- Against the background of hepatitis virus at the stage of remission.
- In acute infections and respiratory diseases.
It is worth noting that the widespread use of "Interferon" is increasingly provoking mutations in viruses, so doctors are forced to increase the dose of this drug, which can negatively affect the liver. For the greatest effect, synthetic varieties of the drug are used, for example, Interferon alfa and Interferon gamma. Thanks to this therapy, the effect of viruses on cell membranes is significantly reduced. Reviews about Interferon are mostly positive.
Now we find out in what cases the medication is not suitable for use.
Contraindications
This drug is contraindicated in people if there are the following diseases:
- Urinary system and kidney failure.
- The presence of severe congenital diseases, heart defects, cirrhosis and the like.
- With neurological diseases and epilepsy.
- Against the background of disruption of the normal functioning of the thyroid gland, and, in addition, with other endocrinological disorders.
- The drug "Interferon" is strictly contraindicated during therapy with immunosuppressants.
- In the presence of melanoma on the skin.
This is confirmed by the instructions for use of "Interferon".
Methods of use and dosage of medication
As part of the prevention of respiratory ailments, this remedy should be taken in courses. For adult patients, pills are prescribed one per day, and children are usually prescribed Interferon drops in their nose, and in addition, rectal suppositories three times.
In the presence of a serious viral lesion, combination drug therapy with injections, as well as tablets, is prescribed. The appointment of several medications to patients at once requires round-the-clock medical supervision and monitoring in the dynamics of the test results.
The preparation of Interferon solutions for inhalation does not require any specialized skills. The finished solution is poured into a special tank, after which the apparatus is turned on.
The action of Interferon is unique.
The recombinant form works best in the form of inhalations for the treatment of otolaryngological diseases. The drug inhibits the synthesis of viral proteins and produces a powerful antiviral effect.
special instructions
With great caution, it is necessary to take this medicine to patients who have allergic reactions to medications containing interferon with its metabolites. People with inflammatory diseases of the digestive system and ulcers need to take this medicine by intravenous or subcutaneous injections.
A viral infection, which is at the initial stage of development, or the prevention of an ailment does not require a high concentration of an antiviral agent. In this regard, in such cases, it is better to take Interferon in the form of tablets with a low percentage of the active ingredient.
Analogs of "Interferon" consider below.
Application for young children
This drug is not prescribed for infants, premature babies because of the poor development of their excretory system. Subsequently, the form of this agent is selected for treatment individually, depending on the condition, age, stage of the child’s disease, as well as the presence of concomitant complications and pathologies. It is not recommended to use this medicine for children who have genetic diseases, and in addition, congenital intolerance to lactose and egg white.
Drug interaction
This drug does not differ in active interaction with other drugs, but it has the ability to enhance or weaken the effect of certain antibiotics. Hormonal medicines that are intended for contraception, under the influence of "Interferon" may lose their effectiveness.
Before taking Interferon in combination with other medical devices, you need to consult a doctor. Only he is able to correctly calculate the safe dose for complex therapy.
The interval between taking drugs depends on the concentration of active components. Do not recommend a single dose of Interferon with Paracetamol.
Side effects
“Interferon”, subject to the correct dosage regimen and well-chosen dosage of adverse reactions does not cause. But in some cases, unwanted effects can still occur. For example, the following undesirable effects are possible:
- The appearance of heart rhythm disturbance.
- The occurrence of acute urinary retention.
- Increased liver enzymes in a biochemical blood test.
- The occurrence of yellowness of the skin, nausea, vomiting and dizziness.
- Itching and rash on the skin.
Drug overdose
In case of exceeding a single dosage or daily norm, symptoms of an allergic reaction occur in the form of a rash, urticaria, redness on the skin, and so on. In the event that the dosage of the medicine is constantly exceeded, the main manifestations will be noted on the part of the digestive system, while vomiting with heartburn and nausea can be observed. Against the background of the first signs of an overdose, you should consult a doctor to prescribe another antiviral drug. The duration of treatment in this case can significantly increase.
Analogs of Interferon
On the pharmaceutical market today there are a lot of different analogues of this drug, as well as medicines that are used to supplement the main treatment. So, we are talking about drugs such as Viferon, along with Alfaferon, Inferon, Lockeron, and so on.
Now we’ll get to know consumer reviews and find out what they write in their comments about the treatment with Interferon.
Reviews
Parents of young children report in reviews that the tool is great as a preventative measure for influenza in a child. It is noted that after drops of “Interferon” in the nose, children experience an epidemic without getting sick. No side effects have been reported in the comments.
Patients take this medicine against chronic hepatitis. People write that it is thanks to the medication that it is possible to maintain liver function. To maintain the condition in this case, patients are injected with intramuscular injections of Interferon.
Satisfies buyers and the cost of this medicine, which ranges from one hundred twenty to three hundred and fifty rubles. Thus, buyers consider this drug not only effective in the treatment and prevention of various diseases, but also affordable compared to other more expensive counterparts.
Other consumers in the reviews about Interferon say that they regularly take this medicine in tablets in order to conduct immunomodulation. This drug is very suitable for those who suffer from a chronic form of viral hepatitis. Such patients write that without Interferon they get sick instantly and suffer this disease very hard.