In the treatment of infections caused by viruses, agents that have an immunomodulatory effect are very popular. One of these drugs is Kipferon. Such a domestic medicine is added to the complex of treatment of various diseases. In what form is it produced, is it allowed for use in children and what analogs can it be replaced with?
Release form
Kipferon is produced in candles, of which there are 5-10 pieces in one package of medicine. They are white, light beige or yellowish-white, with a specific odor, oblong in shape, and one end of the suppositories is pointed. The structure of the candles is homogeneous, but inside there may be a depression or an air rod, and the color is marble.
Composition
There are two active substances in Kipferon, one of which is type 2b alpha interferon. The content of such recombinant human interferon in one suppository is 500 thousand international units.
The second active ingredient in suppositories is represented by plasma proteins, including immunoglobulins of types M, G and A. Their concentration in 1 candle is 60 mg. They are called a complex immunoglobulin drug (abbreviated as KIP), which explains the name of the drug. These proteins are obtained from purified donated blood.
In addition, suppositories include components due to which the suppositories keep their shape, but are quite pliable and quickly dissolve in the intestine, and the active substances are evenly distributed in them. These ingredients are an emulsifier, hard paraffin, sodium hydrogen phosphate and sodium dihydrogen phosphate, purified water, special fat and sodium chloride.
How do they work?
Due to the presence of both immunoglobulins and interferon in the preparation, suppositories have a pronounced stimulating effect on the human immune system. Also, Kipferon has antiviral activity, in particular, antiherpetic effect.
As a result of the use of such a drug, both innate and acquired immunity is activated, the normal intestinal flora is restored, the activity of immune cells and the production of gamma interferons increase.
The medication also acts locally - after the administration of the suppository, immunoglobulins M and A act on the intestinal mucosa, which has a positive effect on local immunity.
Indications
Kipferon is in demand in such situations:
- With acute respiratory infections of a different nature - laryngitis, tracheitis, otitis media and other pathologies;
- With bacterial or viral infections of the oropharynx;
- With rotavirus and viral hepatitis;
- With a bacterial intestinal infection, manifested by loose stools and vomiting, for example, with dysentery, salmonellosis or infection with pathogenic E. coli;
- With the flu;
- With intestinal dysbiosis;
- When infected with herpes viruses, for example, with chickenpox or herpes stomatitis;
- With chlamydia.
The drug can also be prescribed for prophylaxis, for example, with frequent acute respiratory viral infections or before a planned operation.
From what age is it allowed to take?
According to the instructions attached to the candles, Kipferon can be used in a child of any age, even a newborn baby. However, for small patients, such a remedy should be prescribed by a doctor.
It is not recommended to give children of the first year of life any immunostimulating medications without consulting a pediatrician.
Contraindications
The only reason to refuse treatment with Kipferon is intolerance to any component of such suppositories. There are no other contraindications in the instructions for the candles.
Side effects
In the annotation to the suppositories, no negative side effects were noted, however, in very rare cases, a small patient may have an allergic reaction to any ingredient in Kipferon. Allergies can vary in severity - from mild itching to severe swelling. In this case, the use of the product is immediately stopped and candles cannot be used in the future.
Instructions for use
When prescribing to children, Kipferon suppositories are administered only rectally. Manipulation is recommended after a bowel movement.
The dosage and regimen of administration depend on the age of the patient:
- For infants of the first year of life, the medication is prescribed one candle once a day.
- At the age of one to 3 years, the drug is used twice, 1 suppository.
- For a child over three years of age, the frequency of administration of suppositories can increase up to 3 times a day. One reception involves the introduction of one suppository.
The duration of use for viral infections and dysbiosis is usually from 5 days to one week. When infected with bacteria (for example, with purulent sore throat), the course of application lasts 7-8 days.
Overdose and drug interactions
The manufacturer does not mention cases of negative effects of suppositories in a higher dose than prescribed by the doctor. Kipferon can be used in conjunction with many other drugs, for example, in case of bacterial lesions of the intestine, it is prescribed with Sumamed, Flemoxin and other antibacterial agents.
Terms of sale
Kipferon can be purchased without much difficulty in almost any pharmacy, since it is an over-the-counter drug. The average price of 10 suppositories is 550-630 rubles.
Storage conditions and shelf life
The manufacturer recommends storing candles at a temperature within + 2 + 8 degrees Celsius, so it is advisable to keep such a medication in the refrigerator on the top shelf so that the medicine is inaccessible to babies.
The shelf life of the drug is short and is only 12 months. If it has expired, treatment with such Kipferon is contraindicated.
Reviews
They speak about Kipferon treatment differently, because the effectiveness of such a remedy is judged subjectively, and its effect on the child's body during use is different, since it depends on the severity of the disease and on the individual characteristics of the patient.
Suppositories help some children and the condition improves in just a few days. Other parents complain about the lack of any positive effect of the medication. The greatest effect of treatment with Kipferon is noted in children who began to put candles in the first three days of the disease. At the same time, any side reactions to the drug are often not mentioned.
Analogs
If necessary, replace Kipferon with other medications that include interferon:
Viferon
The drug is represented by candles, ointment and gel. In the form of suppositories, he is prescribed even prematurely.
What experts will tell about this drug - watch the video.
Genferon Light
This medication is used in candles from birth.
Grippferon
It comes in two forms (spray and nasal drops) and is allowed at any age.
In addition, the child may be prescribed other drugs with similar therapeutic effects, for example:
Immunofan candles
They are allowed from 2 years old and are also available as a nasal spray and injections. The drug is used for viral infections and immunodeficiency states.
Galavit
The drug Galavit, which is represented by suppositories, injections and tablets. Children are prescribed it for frequent ARVI, adenoiditis, stomatitis, sore throat and other diseases from 6 years old.
Imudon tablets
Due to the presence of bacteria in the lysates, this drug helps with stomatitis, tonsillitis and other diseases of the oropharynx. In childhood, it is prescribed from the age of 3.
Ingavirin capsules
This antiviral drug is used in children over 7 years old.
Nasal spray IRS19
This agent based on bacterial lysates is used for rhinitis, adenoiditis, tonsillitis and other diseases. In pediatrics, it has been used since 3 months.
Kagocel tablets
They are prescribed from the age of three for herpes and flu.
Arbidol
The drug Arbidol containing umifenovir. It is in demand for viral diseases and is available in several forms (suspension, capsules, tablets). Children are discharged from it from the age of two.
Orvirem syrup
Orvirem syrup, the action of which is provided by rimantadine. This remedy is used for influenza in children over a year old.
Cycloferon tablets
They activate the synthesis of interferon in the patient's body and are used from 4 years old.
The drug Acyclovir
Such a medicine is produced in various forms (ointment, cream, powder, tablets, etc.) and is prescribed for infection with herpes viruses.
Some parents, instead of Kipferon, decide to treat the child with homeopathic remedies (Ergoferon, Otsillococcinum, Aflubin, Anaferon). However, many pediatricians, including the popular doctor Komarovsky, doubt their effectiveness and warn that they cannot be a full substitute for immunomodulatory and antiviral drugs. In addition, you should not give your child any means that affect his immune system on his own.
