Preparations that strengthen the child's immunity are in high demand in the autumn and winter. With their help, many mothers strive to protect babies from colds and SARS, or to speed up recovery and avoid complications if the child nevertheless becomes infected. Derinat is very popular among the drugs used for this purpose. When is it prescribed for children and with what medications, if necessary, can it be replaced?
How does
Derinat is an agent based on sodium deoxyribonucleinate, which has immunomodulatory properties. Such an active compound affects the cells of the immune system, and also stimulates the production of immunoglobulins and other humoral immunity factors. Thanks to this, viruses, bacterial cells and some fungi that attack the child's body are destroyed by the child's immune system faster.
The drug also has regenerative properties. Local application of the solution helps to accelerate the healing of infected wounds, deep cuts, severe burns, traces of frostbite, trophic ulcers and other injuries. In addition, the medication copes well with damage to the mucous membranes, therefore it is used to treat the mouth and throat, and also drips into the eyes.
Derinat is produced in several versions of liquid form - nasal drops, spray and ampoules. The medication has no taste or smell. This is a clear solution without color, which, in addition to the active ingredient, contains only sterile water and sodium chloride. Small children are usually prescribed drops, and from 3 years of age, you can use a spray. Injections are prescribed by a doctor if there are serious indications for this.
When is it used?
Most often Derinat is used in children for acute respiratory infections and influenza, as well as for the prevention of viral lesions of the nasopharynx... The drug is dripped or injected for rhinitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis and other diseases. Ophthalmologists prescribe such a remedy for various eye diseases, and surgeons - for skin lesions. Gargling with Derinat is in demand for stomatitis and other problems in the oral cavity, and inhalations with such a medicine are prescribed for adenoids, bronchial asthma or hay fever.
The only contraindication to treatment is intolerance to deoxyribonucleinate. Side effects when using such a tool practically do not appear. The average price of a medicine is 250-350 rubles, depending on the form of release. Since the drug belongs to non-prescription drugs, there are usually no problems with purchasing it in pharmacies.
What to replace?
If you need to choose a replacement for Derinat, your doctor may recommend one of these drugs:
- Deoxinate... The basis of such a medication is also deoxyribonucleinate, therefore the indications for its use coincide with the reasons for prescribing Derinat to the child. It is produced both in a solution for external treatment and in ampoules for injections.
- Grippferon... The effect of this drug on the immune system is due to the presence of interferon in its composition. The drug is produced in nasal drops, as well as in the form of a metered-dose nasal spray. It is prescribed for the treatment of acute respiratory viral infections, as well as for the prevention of flu and colds. The medication is approved for use from birth.
- Viferon. This drug also contains alpha interferon, so it is used for various viral infections. Children are most often prescribed it in the form of rectal suppositories, because this form is allowed to be used at any age. Local treatment of the nasal mucosa can be carried out with Viferon in the form of a gel, which is also allowed for children from birth. But such a form as an ointment can be used only from 1 year.
- IRS-19. The immunostimulating effect of such a drug in the form of a nasal spray is associated with the presence in its composition of lysates, which are obtained from several microorganisms. In children, the medication can be used from three months. It is in demand for rhinitis, tonsillitis and many other diseases.
- Imudon. Such lozenges also contain lysates of bacteria and candida, therefore they are prescribed for gingivitis, pharyngitis, stomatitis and other problems. They are allowed to be used in children from 3 years of age.
- Cycloferon. This medication is prescribed for children over 4 years old. It is presented as a coated tablet containing an interferon inducer. The drug is used for herpes, flu and other viral infections.
How to choose the right analogue of Derinat for children
If a mother is interested in which drug Derinat will best replace for the treatment of her son or daughter, the most correct decision would be to consult a pediatrician. There are quite a few analogues of such a medication with a similar effect on immunity. Some of them are cheaper, others cost almost the same, but choosing a replacement only at a price is very risky.
Each of the immunomodulators has its own characteristics, because the active substances in such drugs are different. In addition, they all have different contraindications, and only a specialist can correctly take them into account during treatment. It is not worth buying any other medication that can affect the child's immunity instead of Derinat on your own.
And now let's listen to Dr. Komarovsky about immunomodulators for children
Each child has a different state of the immune system from other children, as well as a predisposition to allergic and other adverse reactions. That is why it is best to rely on your doctor in the selection of any drugs for children.
