Diseases, especially colds, often arise due to the weakened protective properties of the body. Revitalizing the immune system helps to cope with viruses and bacteria. Immunomodulators help increase the body's resistance. Among the many drugs, Genferon and Viferon are especially popular. The main difference between drugs from others is that they can be used from birth. To determine which is better, you just need to compare them.
The main characteristics of "Genferon"
It should be noted immediately that both drugs are prescribed by a pediatrician at an early age. Usually it is he who decides what is best for children - “Genferon or“ Viferon ”. But over time, visits to the doctor become less and less, so it will not be out of place to get acquainted with the composition of the funds, so that later they can be used independently.
"Genferon" - a combined agent with immunomodulating, anti-inflammatory effect, can inhibit the oxidation process. Interferon alpha-2b, which is part of it, has bacteriostatic, antiviral properties, and prevents the proliferation of tumor cells. Increases the body's defensive response to intracellular parasites, non-cellular infectious agents.
Taurine, which is also the active substance of the drug, normalizes metabolic processes and helps restore damaged tissues. The component removes excess oxygen, which contributes to the formation of pathological processes. Taurine enhances the healing properties of interferon.
The drug has anesthetic properties. Benzocaine, which is part of it, prevents the onset of pain. The substance enhances the action of analgesics.
General information about Viferon
This drug, like Genferon, is an immunomodulator. The active substance of the drug "Viferon" is a human hybrid interferon. It normalizes the level of antibodies responsible for the formation of allergies, increases the level of cells that support the immune system.
Ascorbic acid and vitamin E have healing, anti-inflammatory properties. Components reduce the permeability of membranes, block adrenergic receptors.
When using Viferon in combination with antibiotics and hormonal drugs, you can reduce the dosage of the latter. The drug reduces the negative effect on the body of antibacterial drugs.
The drug has no side effects associated with the rectal method of administration. The body does not produce antibodies that weaken the antiviral dynamics of interferon.
Release form
"Viferon" is available in the form of ointment or gel in tubes of 12 g. or in the form of rectal suppositories 40,000 IU in 5 or 10 suppositories per pack.
"Genferon" is produced only in the form of vaginal and rectal suppositories with a content of 250,000, 500,000 and 1,000,000 IU of the active pharmaceutical component, five or 10 pieces per pack. The number of suppositories depends on the content of interferon in them.
When comparing, it is clearly seen how the Viferon candles differ from the Genferon candles:
- The content of active substance is different in quantity, which ultimately affects the duration of the prescribed course and price.
- There are differences in the method of application.
Indications for the use of drugs "Genferon" and "Viferon"
Both agents have the same main active substance, interferon alpha-2b. This leads to a similar pharmacological effect and some indications for use:
- Urogenital diseases caused by pathogenic bacteria, mycelium and viruses: chlamydia, papillomavirus infection, bacterial vaginosis, ureaplasmosis, mycoplasmosis, gardnerellosis.
- Bronchitis.
- Cytomegalovirus infections.
For these diseases, Viferon or Genferon is prescribed in combination with other drugs. Both immunomodulators interact well with different groups of drugs.
Viferon, in addition to the above, successfully provides assistance with the following disorders:
- Viral hepatitis B, C, D. Application is carried out during extracorporeal procedures (plasmapheresis, hemosorption).
- Viral and bacterial infections of the respiratory tract, including influenza, pneumonia.
- Meningitis of viral and bacterial etiology.
- Visceral candidiasis.
- Sepsis in adults, children and newborns.
- Intrauterine infections (enterovirus, mycoplasmosis).
"Genferon" is prescribed for bacterial chronic cystitis.
In what cases is it not recommended to use drugs?
Knowing the composition of both immunomodulators, it is much easier to figure out which is better - Viferon or Genferon. Also, having an idea of the components of the drugs, you can understand to whom and in what cases they are contraindicated:
- Hypersensitivity to active substances.
- If there is an allergy, use with extreme caution.
- During pregnancy, therapy is carried out only as prescribed by the doctor.
Dosage and methods of using drugs - what is the difference?
Depending on the disease, degree of damage, age of the patient, the optimal course of taking medications is calculated. Which candles are better - "Viferon" or "Genferon" - the attending doctor decides. Their choice also depends on the drugs in the complex therapy.
With urogenital diseases, suppositories are prescribed for 10 days. The amount is calculated depending on the form of pathology, but the active substance in a single dose should be at least 50,000 IU. Unlike Viferon, Genferon is used vaginally, which increases the effectiveness of therapy and accelerates the healing process.
With CMV infections, the dose of the drug is calculated individually for each. The duration of the course is 10 days, if the need arises, therapy is allowed to continue. If this disease is detected in pregnant women, Viferon is prescribed from the second trimester.
"Genferon" for bronchitis take 5 days, 2 suppositories per day.
With SARS, influenza in adults and children from 7 years of age, Viferon is recommended to be used for 5 days at 1,000,000 IU per day. For children under the age of seven, the dose should not exceed 150,000 IU per day. For other indications, the course is prescribed based on the results of the analyzes and the patient's condition.
For treatment and prophylactic purposes, for young children, instead of Genferon, it is recommended to use Genferon Light. In its composition, the concentration of interferon is lower, which reduces the risk of overdose.
What are the differences between Genferon and Genferon Light?
The drugs were developed by the same pharmaceutical company "Biocad". Means have the same mechanism of action and almost identical composition.
“Genferon Light” does not include benzocaine, which is an anesthetic and reduces the bactericidal efficacy of sulfonamides. All other components are the same as those of Genferon, only with a lower concentration. But, despite the reduced content of interferon, the drug is highly effective.
Both drugs are produced in the form of suppositories, but Genferon Light can be used both rectally and vaginally. In addition to suppositories, the drug is made in the form of a nasal spray, which is very convenient for use for prevention.
Regardless of which tool is chosen - "Genferon Light" or "Viferon", it can not be used for too long. This is due to the fact that with prolonged artificial stimulation, the natural immune system loses its ability to produce antibodies.
What is better for the child - "Genferon Light" or "Viferon"?
In the recommendations for the treatment of colds of viral and bacterial etiology in small patients, a single dose of interferon is 125000-150000 UNITS. The content of the main active substance in "Genferon Light" or "Viferon" for children is optimal.
Suppositories of funds have a convenient shape and small size, allowing you to enter them with little or no discomfort. If there are no particular contraindications and hypersensitivity to interferon and taurine, you can use any of these drugs. Up to a year, doctors generally prescribe Genferon Light, because, unlike Viferon, it does not contain cocoa butter, which can cause allergies.
Which is cheaper - "Genferon" or suppositories "Viferon"?
When choosing medicines, cost is, of course, important, but it should not play a fundamental role. Both drugs are developed and produced by domestic manufacturers, so the price is relatively reasonable.
If in doubt, what to choose - "Genferon" or "Viferon", then it is better to ask a specialist. Although both drugs belong to immunomodulators and are similar in degree of effectiveness and safety, they should not be taken without a prescription.