To protect children from viral infections, interferon-based drugs are often used. One of them is a medicine called Infagel, which is produced by the Russian company Vector-Medica. Can I use it in childhood and how to do it correctly?
Release form
Infagel is represented by a homogeneous white or white-gray gel-like mass. He packed either in glass bottles or aluminum tubes. One bottle / tube can contain 2 g, 3 g, 5 g or 10 g of medication. During storage, the medicine inside the package sometimes exfoliates, but after shaking it again becomes homogeneous.
Composition
The active ingredient of Infagel is alpha 2B interferon, which contains 10 thousand IU in 1 gram of the drug. During the production process, it is sorbed on aluminum hydroxide. Polyvinyl alcohol acts as an auxiliary compound, due to which the drug has the desired consistency and, when dried, forms a film on the skin. The remainder of the drug is represented by purified water.
Operating principle
Thanks to interferon, Infagel has an antiviral effect, and also stimulates local immunity. The drug interferes with the multiplication of viruses in the affected cells, protects healthy cells from the pathogen and activates the work of macrophages to remove dead and non-viable cells. The gel applied to the skin forms a film, which allows the drug to remain active for up to 12 hours.
Indications
Infagel is in demand for the prevention of influenza and other acute viral infections that affect the upper respiratory tract. In addition, the medication is prescribed for infection with herpes viruses - with herpes simplex, chickenpox, shingles, herpetic stomatitis and other lesions.
From what age is it allowed to take?
The instructions for Infagel do not contain any age restrictions for its use, however, if the drug is planned to be used for a child under 2-3 years old, you should definitely consult a pediatrician before that.
Contraindications
The gel is not recommended for use in children with exacerbation of allergic pathologies. Also, the agent is not prescribed for intolerance to any of its components.
Well, now the not unknown doctor Komarovsky about children's antiviral
Side effects
The manufacturer does not note any side effects from the use of Infagel. When lubricating the nasal mucosa, it does not dry out.
Instructions for use and dosage
With chickenpox and other herpes lesions, a gel is treated with a rash on the mucous membrane or skin, applying the agent twice a day (12 hours should pass between treatment). After smearing with the medicine, you need to wait 10-15 minutes for the gel to dry out and a protective film is formed. The duration of treatment is usually 3-5 days, but the medication can be applied until the integrity of the mucous membrane or skin is completely restored.
To prevent ARVI or influenza, Infagel is used in the nose. The drug is lubricated in the nasal passages twice a day for one week, then they take a break for one week, after which the medicine is used for another 7 days.
Overdose
Due to the exclusively local application and the low level of absorption, exceeding the dose of the gel cannot have a harmful effect on the patient's body.
Interaction with other drugs
In the annotation to the gel, it is noted that it is compatible with any other medications, for example, glucocorticoid hormones, antiviral drugs or antibiotics.
Terms of sale
Infagel is an over-the-counter medicine, so it's pretty easy to get it at the pharmacy. The average price of a tube or bottle with 2-3 g of the drug is 120 rubles.
Storage conditions and shelf life
To store tubes or jars with Infagel, you should choose a place hidden from small children, where the sun's rays do not fall. The best option would be a refrigerator, since the manufacturer's recommended storage temperature is in the range from 0 to +10 degrees. The shelf life of the gel is 2 years.
Reviews
Most parents are satisfied with the use of Infagel in children. The drug is praised for its ease of use, since the treatment is carried out only twice a day, and the gel applied to the skin does not smear or flow.
According to mothers, the herpetic vesicles treated with the medicine quickly dry out and heal, and the application to the nose helps not to get the flu in the cold season. However, occasionally there are negative reviews in which they mention the lack of effect and the need for storage in the refrigerator.
Analogs
Other medicines based on interferon can replace Infagel, for example:
- Grippferon. The drug is presented with nasal drops and nasal spray.
- Viferon. This medicine is available in the form of a gel, ointment and rectal suppositories.
- Genferon Light. This medication is produced in the form of nasal drops, suppositories, and a spray.
