To treat a child from viral infections or in order to strengthen his defenses so that viruses are not scary to the baby, Viferon is often prescribed in candles. Is this drug safe for children, in what dosages is it used and what else do parents need to know about the use of Viferon suppositories in children?
Act
The main active substance in the Viferon preparation is alpha-2B interferon, created synthetically (it is also called genetically engineered or recombinant). This substance has antiviral properties, as well as an immunomodulatory effect. Interferon, after being introduced into the rectum and absorbed, activates the activity of cells that protect children's bodies from viruses, as well as bacteria.
Its effect is enhanced by the presence in the preparation of such additional components as ascorbic acid and alpha-tocopherol acetate (this is a form of vitamin E). Since the base of the suppositories is cocoa butter, this facilitates their introduction and promotes faster dissolution in the intestine.
The use of Viferon
- Enhances the production of immunoglobulins.
- Restores the production processes of its own interferon.
- Reduces the activity of the inflammatory process.
- Stabilizes cell membranes.
- It activates the regeneration processes.
All these effects on the child's body lead to a faster recovery due to the suppression of the infectious process and the activation of the baby's immune system.
Indications
Candles Viferon are recommended for use with:
- SARS and influenza, including with their bacterial complications.
- Pneumonia caused by both viruses and chlamydiae or bacteria.
- Viral and bacterial meningitis in newborns.
- Intrauterine infections and sepsis in a newborn.
- Viral hepatitis B, C and D, including forms complicated by cirrhosis.
- Herpetic infection, both primary and re-emerging.
- Infection with enteroviruses.
- Infection with mycoplasmas or cytomegalovirus.
Due to the inclusion of Viferon in treatment regimens when using hormonal and antibacterial drugs, it becomes possible to reduce their therapeutic doses, which reduces the toxicity of drugs and the number of side effects from such therapy. Viferon combines well with these drugs, without reducing their therapeutic effect.
Contraindications
Viferon in childhood is not prescribed for intolerance to any of the components of the drug. There are no other contraindications to the use of such a drug.
Release form
Suppositories for rectal administration of Viferon have a bullet shape, yellow-white color (sometimes with a marble pattern or small blotches) and a diameter of up to 10 mm. They are packed in cellular contour packs of 5 or 10 pieces. This form of the drug should be stored under low temperature conditions (+ 2 + 8 ° C), therefore they are kept in the refrigerator.
Viferon suppositories are available with different contents of the active substance, while in childhood candles 150000ME and 500000ME are used. In adults, candles are used with a dosage of 1000000ME and 3000000ME. In addition to candles, Viferon is also produced in such forms as gel and ointment.
Side effects
Rarely encountered side effects from Viferon in suppositories are an allergic reaction in the form of itching and skin rashes, weakness, headaches, fever, chills, muscle pain, decreased appetite, nausea. As soon as the drug is discontinued, these phenomena disappear within 72 hours without leaving any consequences.
The use of Viferon suppositories allows you to avoid the side effects inherent in parenteral interferon. This is due to the lack of antibodies that neutralize the antiviral properties of the drug.
Like all drugs containing interferons, the drug is an immunomodulator and affects the immune system, therefore many parents complain about the addiction of the baby's body to Viferon, when, with frequent use, the body is no longer able to cope with viruses on its own.
Features of use for newborns
The drug is completely safe for an infant in the first month of life, including babies who were born prematurely. The dosage of Viferon for prematurity is determined individually, taking into account the gestational age.
Dosage
The selection of the dosage of suppositories is primarily influenced by the age of the child. Until the age of seven, they use candles containing 150000 IU of the active substance:
- Newborn babies and infants under the age of one year are injected with 1 candle every 12 hours, that is, the drug is used twice a day.
- Children over a year old, but under 7 years old, candles 150000ME are also administered 1 piece twice a day with a pause of 12 hours.
For premature babies, the dosage is determined based on the time the baby was born:
- If the baby was born later than 34 weeks of gestation, he is prescribed candles 150000ME, 1 piece twice a day with a break between injections of 12 hours.
- In case of prematurity, infants with a gestational age of less than 34 weeks are administered 1 suppository 150000ME three times a day with a pause of 8 hours.
Children over 7 years old are prescribed 500000ME suppositories. They are administered 1 piece twice a day with a pause of 12 hours. When treating viral hepatitis, dosages are often increased, calculating them based on the area of the child's body, therefore, the attending physician should prescribe suppositories for such infections in childhood.
The course of treatment with Viferon lasts 5 days. After a five-day break, another course of therapy is possible. As a rule, several such courses of treatment are required for different infections:
- One or two courses for 5 days are enough for influenza, meningitis, enterovirus infection, ARVI and pneumonia.
- Two courses of treatment are required for herpes infection.
- Two to three courses of treatment are prescribed for sepsis, candidiasis, mycoplasmosis and cytomegalovirus infection.
Instructions for use
- Wash your hands thoroughly.
- Cut one candle from the package.
- Open its packaging and remove the candle.
- Do not heat the candle in your hand as it melts quickly.
- Place the child on the side or on his back, lift his legs bent at the knees with one hand.
- Lubricate the area around the anus with petroleum jelly.
- With the sharp end, gently insert the candle into the rectum, pushing it with your little finger 1-2 cm deep.
- Squeeze the baby's buttocks and hold them in such a position for a while so that the candle does not slip back.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after handling.
For information on how to light candles for a child, see the next video.
You can download detailed instructions for use by clicking on the following link.
Komarovsky's opinion
A popular doctor considers Viferon to be a remedy whose effectiveness has not yet been proven. He believes that children do not need such a medicine either for treatment or for prevention. At the same time, a well-known pediatrician does not classify such a drug as harmful.
Komarovsky calls the use of Viferon in childhood more psychological therapy for parents, since this gives them confidence that they are at least doing something to treat the crumbs.
Reviews and prices
Parents who have used Viferon suppositories in their children respond differently to the drug. Some note the strengthening of the immune system and the acceleration of recovery from viral infections. The advantages also include compactness, safety for babies and ease of use.
Others complain about the lack of effect, the appearance of allergies, addiction, and also the high cost. A package of suppositories 150000ME costs an average of 160-200 rubles. Candles Viferon 500000ME can be purchased for 230-300 rubles per pack.
Analogs
If it is impossible to use Viferon, you can resort to one of its analogues containing the same active ingredient:
- Candles Genferon Light - can be used from birth.
- Grippferon nose drops are used for ARVI treatment or for prevention from birth.
- Suppositories Kipferon - used in children from birth.
In the next video, an employee of the Department of the Russian National Research Medical University named after V.I. Pirogova will tell you more about Viferon preparations and its beneficial effects on the body.
