The cold season, which is often accompanied by precipitation, lasts quite a long time in our latitude. And as you know, in conditions of high humidity, viruses multiply and spread. Usually, a common cold starts with all colds (SARS or flu). In any case, this symptom should not be ignored so that complications do not arise in the future. This means that special attention should be paid to the focus of infection, which at the very beginning is localized, usually in the nasopharynx.
According to WHO statistics, viral diseases are the most common on the planet. People of all ages are exposed to them. In treatment, antiviral agents in the nose are used.
Varieties and principle of action of drugs of this type
There are several types of medications against viruses in the form of drops, ointments and sprays. The most common are drops based on human interferon - this is a polypeptide that has an immunomodulating and antiviral effect. In addition, the active components are interferon inducers - substances that actively stimulate the production of natural interferon in the body.
When the virus enters the nasal passages, it binds to the surface of the host cell, and then it penetrates the whole (endocytosis) or introduces its nucleic acid into the cell using special mechanisms. Antiviral medicines act at various stages of the spread of viruses. Some destroy its particles, while others stop their synthesis and distribution.
To combat microbial and viral infections in the body there are special substances - interferons (protein molecules). They arrive at the site of introduction of the infectious pathogen and reduce the susceptibility of tissues to its negative effects. Interferon inducers enhance its production to suppress subsequent infection and fight the pathological process.
Indications for the use of medications
Antiviral agents in the nose are used for the treatment and prevention of diseases of the ARVI group and influenza. There are few contraindications to the use of such drugs, and the most important of them is hypersensitivity to the composition of the drug.
Most drugs are made on the basis of interferon, which has a protein base, which can cause allergic reactions. Therefore, such funds should be used with caution in people who have intolerance to chicken eggs.
Rules for the use of drugs
It is advisable not to use antiviral medications in the nose more than 2 times a year. This is due to the fact that they can adversely affect the state of immunity, especially in a child. Frequent use of such drugs reduces the level of their own interferon, which makes the body susceptible to bacterial and viral infections.
In addition, antiviral drugs in the nose are not used in conjunction with vasoconstrictor drugs, as this can provoke excessive dryness of the mucosa. The main rule of treatment for acute respiratory viral infections - solutions of interferon and other antiviral drugs should not be the main means of treatment, they should be used only in a complex (most often with oral systemic medicines). Before instillation into the nose, it is recommended to heat the bottle in the hands. With severe runny nose and nasal congestion, you must first clear the nasal passages of mucus by rinsing with saline.
For the best effect, antiviral drugs in the nose should be used as soon as possible the occurrence of pathological symptoms, since the body begins to independently produce interferons only on the 3rd day from the onset of the disease.
Overview of Popular Tools
All drugs in this category are designed to combat viral infections and have a practically similar mechanism of action, but they are far from the same. Different medicines have different properties. The most popular among them are:
- "Grippferon";
- "Nazoferon";
- Derinat;
- "Ingaron";
- Viferon (ointment);
- "Genferon Light."
Grippferon
These are colorless antiviral drops in the nose for children, spilled in bottles of 10 or 5 ml, Russian-made. The shelf life of this medication is 2 years, but the opened bottle should be stored for no longer than 1 month. The active substance of this drug is the human recombinant interferon alpha-2b. The medicinal product has an intense immunomodulatory, antiviral and anti-inflammatory effect and is prescribed in the treatment of colds, as well as for their prevention.
This antiviral medicine in the nose is allowed to be taken by pregnant women and children from birth. Contraindications to use are the tendency to develop allergic reactions and individual intolerance to interferon. Therapy lasts 5 days.
For preventive purposes, after contact with the patient or hypothermia, it is recommended to use these inexpensive antiviral drops in the nose twice a day. One click on the bottle is equal to 1 dose of a medical product.
It is undesirable to simultaneously use vasoconstrictive drops and sprays to avoid drying out of the mucous membrane. As a side effect, the manufacturer indicates allergic reactions, which is also confirmed by patient reviews (the appearance of rashes on the skin). In general, this medication is characterized positively and is one of the safest and most effective. When using it, a shortened recovery period, good tolerance and the absence of complications are noted.
"Nazoferon"
This is an antiviral in nose for adults and children of Ukrainian origin. It comes in two forms:
- nasal drops: transparent, colorless, 5 ml each in glass bottles with droppers;
- nasal spray: transparent, colorless, 5 ml each in glass bottles with a metering pump.
The drug "Nazoferon" has antimicrobial, antiviral, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. Interferon is an active component of this tool - an immunity mediator, which has a pronounced tissue specificity, helps protect against infectious diseases.
The main effects of the drug "Nazoferon":
- Inhibition of virus replication (adenovirus, influenza virus) due to the inhibitory effect on the processes of translation and transcription.
- Inhibition of the processes of reproduction of cells infected with viruses (antiproliferative effect).
- The initiation of the production of protein kinase, a specific enzyme that inhibits translation due to the phosphorylation of one of the initiating factors of this process.
- Activation of specific ribonuclease damaging matrix viral RNA.
- Induction of the production of specific enzymes.
- Stimulation of the synthesis of other cytokines.
- Inhibition of cell proliferation.
- Immunomodulation (enhances the phagocytic activity of macrophages).
Drops and spray are prescribed for the prevention and treatment of acute respiratory viral infections and colds in people of all ages. The medication is used for long and frequent respiratory tract diseases, as well as after contact with patients, after hypothermia, with a seasonal increase in the incidence in adults and children's groups. The drug "Nazoferon" is contraindicated in the age of up to 1 month (for drops) or 1 year (for spray), during pregnancy, lactation and with allergic diseases.
Derinat
What other antiviral nasal drops for adults and children can be used? Derinat is a Russian medicine for topical and topical use: clear, colorless, 10 or 20 ml is poured into glass bottles or 10 ml into dropper bottles or into bottles with a spray nozzle. The active ingredient of this antiviral agent in the nose is sodium deoxyribonucleate (0.25%).
The medicine "Derinat" activates the processes of the cellular and humoral immune system. Its immunomodulatory effect is provided by the stimulation of B-lymphocytes and T-helpers. The medication activates the nonspecific resistance of the body, reduces inflammatory reactions, increases the immune response to fungal, viral and bacterial antigens, stimulates reparative and regenerative processes, increases the body's resistance to infections, helps regulate hematopoiesis (normalization of the number of leukocytes, lymphocytes, platelets, granulocytes, phagocytes) .
Due to pronounced lymphotropy, the use of Derinat stimulates the drainage and detoxification functions of the lymphatic system. The drug significantly reduces the sensitivity of cells to the effects of radiation therapy and does not have embryotoxic, teratogenic and carcinogenic effects.
This medicine in the nose has only one contraindication - sensitivity to the components of the composition, and its use is allowed for children from the 1st day of life.
"Ingaron"
This is an antiviral medicine in the nose for children and adults. It can be used as both the main treatment tool, and as part of combination therapy.
The drug "Ingaron" is available in a single form - a lyophilisate for the manufacture of a solution for intramuscular, subcutaneous or intranasal administration. Therapeutic effects are provided by gamma-interferon - the active component of the drug. This substance is normally produced in the body by the cells of the immune system and performs a number of functions. The composition of the drug contains recombinant gamma-interferon obtained through genetic engineering technologies.
These inexpensive, but effective antiviral drops in the nose have an immunomodulatory and antiviral effect, stimulate the activity of the immune system, so it quickly detects and suppresses viruses and damaged cells. The antiviral effect of this medication is due to indirect and direct effects on viruses. The direct effect is that gamma interferon blocks the production of viral proteins, DNA and RNA. The indirect effect of the drug is to stimulate the cells of the immune system to produce more substances that have a detrimental effect on the infection. The medication is prescribed at any age.
Viferon
This antiviral agent is produced in Russia in the form of an ointment for local and external use of a yellowish-white color with a specific smell. The composition of the medication contains recombinant interferon alfa-2b. The tool is an antiviral, immunomodulating medication that is applied to the inner surface of the nasal passages. This antiviral ointment in the nose for children and adults also has an antiproliferative property.
Contraindication to its use is the age of 1 year and sensitivity to the drug.
Genferon Light
This medical product is produced by a domestic pharmaceutical company and has two forms: an antiviral spray in the nose and drops. This tool, when instilled into the nose, has an immunomodulating and antiviral effect, stimulates the functions of the immune system, so it quickly detects and suppresses viruses and damaged cells.
The antiviral effect of this medication is due to indirect and direct effects on viruses. The direct effect is that the active substance blocks viral proteins and inhibits the reproduction of viruses. The indirect effect of the drug is to stimulate the cells of the immune system, which produce a greater number of active substances that are detrimental to viruses. Taurine, which is part of this medication, is a strong antioxidant that has a membrane-stabilizing and immunomodulating property. It normalizes metabolic processes and restores tissue. It effectively preserves the bioactivity of interferon, which increases the therapeutic effect of Genferon Light.
This antiviral agent in the nose of children is contraindicated in drops up to 1 month, and in the form of a spray - up to 14 years. The medicine is not used also with high sensitivity to its components.
Conclusion
Antiviral medications in the nose are very popular today. Patients characterize them as safe, inexpensive medications to enhance immune defense and successfully fight infections. “Grippferon” drops are recognized as the most effective antiviral drops in the nose, due to their low price and the possibility of use in infants. A rather well-known and proven drug from this series is also Viferon ointment.