Interferon: how to protect children from colds? Interferon preparations - classification, main representatives.

On the this moment There are many ways to deal with viruses and oncological diseases. There are drugs that cover both of these areas. For example, these are drugs containing interferon, the instructions for which determine the immunomodulatory, antiviral and antitumor effects.

What is interferon?

In essence, these are proteins that are found in the blood. They are produced by the cells of the body during the invasion of viruses and other foreign agents. Interferons block the process of reproduction of viral RNA and DNA. Also, these proteins affect neighboring cells, making them immune to viruses. That is, they provide natural protection to the body. Almost all RNA and DNA-containing viruses are sensitive to interferon and cannot adapt to its action.

During the disease, natural protection is violated, therefore, additional funds in the form of preparations containing interferon are effective. Their instructions point to various diseases for which they may be prescribed.

So, these funds are used to treat herpes, SARS, influenza, hepatitis, fungal and bacterial infections, gynecological infectious diseases, and even AIDS and cancer.

Dosage forms

For the treatment of cancer and hepatitis, interferon preparations are administered intravenously, subcutaneously or intramuscularly. For gynecological diseases, suppositories are used. During SARS and influenza, intranasal drops or solutions for inhalation based on interferon are used. Moreover, inhalations can be used for children. An ointment is used to treat herpes.

There are two types of preparations containing interferon. The use of the first of them, leukocyte, is dangerous because there is a risk of contracting diseases that are transmitted through the blood. This is explained by the manufacturing method - such interferons in the form of a powder are made from human donor blood. On its basis, drops and candles are produced. Such drugs are also called first-generation interferons.

There are also second-generation interferon preparations, they are also recombinant, that is, manufactured by genetic engineering. They are safer than leukocyte ones, since donor blood is not used in their creation.

When should interferon not be used?

Not in all cases, preparations containing interferon can be used. The instructions for some of them indicate an extensive list of side effects. Therefore, they are appointed only in extreme cases.

On the part of the digestive system, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, changes in taste sensations, weight loss, abdominal pain are possible. In rare cases, there are constipation, ulcerative stomatitis, heartburn, flatulence, increased peristalsis, even less often - liver failure.

On the nervous system these drugs can affect, provoking a decrease in concentration, sleep disturbance, cognitive decline, convulsions, anxiety, dizziness.

Other negative effects include blurred vision, anemia, impaired function thyroid gland. And this is not all the side effects that can occur while taking drugs containing interferon. The instructions for any of these medicines cover this issue in more detail.

Contraindications include hypersensitivity, renal or myocardial infarction, severe mental disorders, cirrhosis of the liver, lactation, epilepsy. And this is also not full list. However, for different drugs based on this substance, criteria such as contraindications, side effects and scope may vary slightly, therefore, in order to obtain more complete information for each of them, it is recommended to refer to the instructions for a particular drug.

The onset of autumn, the season of colds, means that the child is attacked by millions of viruses that cause diseases. And whether your child's body can resist them depends on his immunity. Unfortunately, poor ecology, malnutrition, visiting a clinic or kindergarten lead to weakened immunity, and the child is more prone to colds viral diseases. Interferon for children solves two problems at once: it kills viruses and helps the body resist infectious agents.

Interferon is a protein that is produced by blood cells in response to an infection attack. It triggers certain defense mechanisms in the immune system. In children, their own immune cells produce interferon with great difficulty. Therefore, drugs containing interferon have become widespread in pediatric practice.

The range of its application is quite wide, more often it is used for the prevention and treatment of viral diseases - SARS, influenza. For these purposes, interferon is used as nasal drops. First, it is the most convenient form of medicine for children. And secondly, when administered intranasally, the agent acts locally - it kills viruses and prevents them from being absorbed into the blood.

Release form

Interferon ampoules contain lyophilized powder 1000 IU, which must be diluted with two milliliters of boiled or distilled water at room temperature. It turns out a reddish opalescent solution, which is stored for no more than a day in the refrigerator. Then you need to make a new medicine.

Dosage and administration

Interferon is used for the initial signs of a cold - feeling unwell, sneezing, coughing, or if the nose is stuffy. The earlier treatment is started, the more effective it will be. Injection of the drug is strictly prohibited!

For treatment, the drug is dripped into the nose, 5 drops at intervals of 2-3 hours, that is, about six times a day. The duration of treatment is five to seven days. The medicine can also be used in the form of inhalation. To do this, three ampoules of Interferon are dissolved in 10 ml of water and added to the nebulizer. Inhalations are carried out once or twice a day.

For prophylactic purposes, Interferon drops are used when there is a threat of infection until the danger of infection has passed. This is especially true for children in groups and babies up to a year. The drug is instilled into the nose by 5 drops with a longer interval of 6 hours.

Side effects and contraindications

Before taking the medicine, read the instructions for use of interferon.

The drug is contraindicated if there are:

• kidney failure;
• severe diseases and heart defects;
• cirrhosis of the liver and chronic hepatitis;
• neurological disorders, epilepsy;
• dysfunction of the thyroid gland;
• allergic reactions to egg white or antibiotics.

Nasal drops are not used in premature newborns with perinatal pathology. For the treatment of infections in such patients, another interferon preparation, viferon, is used.

To side effects drug include fever. This is due to the mobilization of the body's resources to fight the virus. When treated with interferon, the risk of allergic reactions increases, because the drug stimulates all parts of the immune system, including those responsible for the development of allergies.

It is necessary to use the drug in children with allergies with great care. Be sure to tell your doctor if your child has any food or drug sensitivities.

It is worth remembering that pediatricians do not recommend taking courses of treatment more than twice a year: viruses become resistant to the drug, and their own interferon ceases to be produced in the right quantities.

Do not self-medicate! Only the prescription of the drug by a doctor will avoid many complications.

How to buy?

Interferon can be bought at a pharmacy without a doctor's prescription. Pay attention to the expiration date of the product and the conditions for its storage. From the moment of production, the medicine is stored for a year and a half in the refrigerator. Only then will everything be saved. medicinal properties drug.

What interferon preparations are there?

Interferon in drops is part of Russian drugs Grippferon and Genferon light spray.

Grippferon is a recombinant interferon obtained by genetic engineering. It is not absorbed into the blood; when instilled into the nose, it acts locally. showed nice results in prevention and therapy viral infections including children and pregnant women.

In order to prevent and treat viral diseases, interferon inducers are used. The mechanism of their action is associated with the production of protein substances that prevent the reproduction of pathogenic pathogens. Preparations based on inducers allow you to fight respiratory diseases, herpetic and hepatitis infections, influenza.

Definition of interferon

This is the name of a group of compounds that are of protein origin. They are produced by cells that are infected with viral pathogens.

Interferon substances are non-specific factors in the body against bacterial, chlamydial, pathogenic fungal infections, cellular structures of tumors. They also play the role of regulators of intercellular interaction of systemic immunity. They are also called immunomodulators with an endogenous nature.

There are several forms of human interferon substances: leukocyte, or a-interferon, fibroblast, or b-interferon, and immune, or g-interferon.

The scheme of the mechanism of their work begins with the binding of proteins and receptors of a specific nature in cells. With this interaction, protein molecules are synthesized within three tens. With the help of regulatory peptides, the activity of T-type lymphocytes and macrophage structures is stimulated, viruses are prevented from entering through the cell membrane and multiplying. It is they who determine the protective properties.

Natural interferon inducers are viral cells that have penetrated into a living organism. They are strong and weak stimulators of the production of a protective protein. Most pathogens of serious diseases are poor inducers. These include cytomegalovirus and HIV infection, herpes, hepatitis C and B forms. But many pathogenic microorganisms that cause respiratory infections are considered strong stimulants for the production of a protective protein.

Interferon inducers (drugs): what is it

Usually this is the name of drugs of the class of synthetic immunomodulators. They are manufactured by pharmaceutical companies. Interferon inducers (drugs) are included in a large class of compounds with different chemical structures. The active ingredient can be a low- and high-molecular substance, synthetic or natural origin. They are united common property, allowing to induce own or endogenous interferon in the cells of the body. Such drugs are able to exhibit antiviral and immunomodulatory effects.

How do they work

Inductors endogenous interferon- drugs aimed in most cases to combat a viral infection. The mechanism of their action is based on the contact of the active substance of the drug with the cellular and tissue contents, which results in the production of a protective protein.

Interferon inductors are pharmaceutical drugs that artificially increase protein secretion. Their action is similar to natural stimulants, which include viral, bacterial cells and various substances.

The use of interferon inducers can provoke hyporeactivity. In this state, with repeated administration of the drug, there is no response production of a protective protein, its suppression is observed. At this stage, it is not advisable to administer the drug. The duration of such a state is determined by the inductor itself. The change of the active substance, as well as the interruption of treatment with the same agent, contribute to the elimination of hyporeactivity.

The appointment of drugs that stimulate the production of a protective protein does not cause severe undesirable consequences that require their abolition.

Advantage of endogenous protein inducers

There are two ways to increase immunity with interferon. This compound can be administered exogenously or directly to the body. Another way involves endogenous interferonization with the introduction of substances that stimulate the production of one's own interferon. Such a protein does not show antigenicity, which cannot be said about recombinant interferon. Prolonged administration of the finished protein in the form of preparations leads to the development of undesirable reactions.

Endogenous interferon inducers, when studying their effectiveness, showed pharmacological activity in a wide range of infections. Their bifunctional property was established, characterized by an antiviral effect and a pronounced immunomodulatory effect.

The action of interferon inducers leads to the synthesis of proteins, which in their activity are similar to ready-made protective proteins. Such a process is considered balanced, it is controlled by mechanisms that reliably protect the body from excessive formation of these compounds.

With a single use of drugs that induce interferon, there is a rather long circulation of the protective protein in the required therapeutic dose. To obtain such a dosage when prescribing exogenous protein, it should be repeatedly administered in large volumes. Such treatment is considered more expensive.

List of medicines

Currently, doctors are increasingly using interferon inducers - drugs, the list of which is updated every year with new medicines. A large number of immunomodulatory agents can fight many diseases.

The immune system contains functionally interconnected components that eliminate compounds of antigenic origin that are unusual for the body. Each element of immunity has specific agents. This explains the variety of drugs that promote the production of a protective protein.

There are various interferon inducers (drugs), the list of which is headed by the drug "Poludan". This tool is considered the very first stimulator of protective proteins, which began to be used back in the 70s. It includes polyadenylic and polyuridic acids. Its effectiveness in the production of interferon is low. Eye drops and injections of the drug "Poludan" also treat keratoconjunctivitis. Applications for the treatment of colpitis and herpetic vulvovaginitis are made with a solution of the drug.

Interferon inductors - preparations "Actaviron", "Lavomax", "Tilaxin", "Tilorone dihydrochloride", "Amiksin", "Tiloram" - have an active component tilorone in their composition.

Drugs "Ridostin" and "Sodium salt of double-stranded ribonucleic acid" are produced with the active substance sodium ribonucleate.

The substance umifenovir is part of the medicines "Arbidol", "Arbivir", "Immust" and "Arpeflu".

There are also interferon inducers, the preparations of which are named after the active substances. These include Kagocel and Tiloron tablets.

Meglumine acridonacetate and Cycloferon medicines are produced on the basis, and sodium oxodihydroacridinyl acetate is present in the Neovir medicine.

The composition of the drug "Yodantipyrin" includes 1-phenyl-2,3-dimethyl-4-iodopyrazolone, and the tablets "Alpizarin" contain a magniferrin salt.

Inductors their description

There are a large number of adult medicines that can be given to a child, but only from a certain age. For example, the drug "Cycloferon" begins to treat four-year-old children, and the drug "Ridostin" is prescribed from the age of seven. Both drugs have a wide range of effects. They are suitable for the treatment of respiratory diseases of a viral nature, influenza, chronic hepatitis, herpes disease. Their disadvantage is possible undesirable side reactions.

Interferon inducers are drugs for children in a special form, designed specifically for a child. Among them, the remedy "Arbidol" is distinguished. It is used with two years of age. The children's form of the drug is produced in the form of capsules for internal use. The drug has antiviral and immunomodulatory effects.

It refers to anti-influenza agents that suppress type B and type A viral cells. With its participation, the production of internal interferon is stimulated, which prevents contact and penetration of the infection into the cell. Under the action of a protective protein, the lipid viral envelope is not able to connect to the cell membrane.

Interferon inductors for children contribute to the strengthening of the type, during their action the body becomes more resistant to infectious agents, the number of complications decreases.

The drug "Kagocel" has a similar effect on the child's body. It is produced in the form of tablets for internal use. The permissible age for using the drug is from three years.

Therapy of respiratory diseases

Interferon inducers are drugs for the treatment of acute respiratory viral infections, which lead to the formation of a protective protein in the cells of the body. They are also prescribed for influenza disease.

The most effective means are medicines based on tilorone, which include tablets "Tiloron" and "Amiksin". For the treatment of influenza and acute respiratory illness of a viral nature, adults are recommended to use 125 mg orally at a time. This dose applies to the first two days, then 125 mg is taken every other day. The course amount of the drug is 750 mg.

For preventive measures 125 mg is used at a time, followed by a 6-day break. This course is repeated for about six weeks.

Preparations based on tilorone are contraindicated in case of individual intolerance, during pregnancy and during breastfeeding child.

Taking these medications can cause nausea, elevated temperature body, an allergic reaction.

The drug "Umifenovir" has interferon-inducing activity, stimulation of cell-type immunity, increasing the resistance of the whole organism to infectious agents.

For preventive measures in contact with sick people, a daily dose of 200 mg is prescribed for one week. During the seasonal period of influenza and respiratory diseases, a daily dose of 100 mg is used at a time, then a two-day break is taken. This course lasts three weeks. For Therapy colds 200 mg is prescribed 4 times a day for three days.

Preparations with umifenovir are not used with existing individual intolerance, during severe somatic pathologies. Taking these medications can cause allergic manifestations.

Treatment of autoimmune diseases

Such diseases include pathological conditions in which antibodies are produced or autoaggressive clones of killer cells multiply in response to healthy tissues. This leads to damage and destruction of healthy tissue, resulting in autoimmune inflammation.

Usually, interferon inducers are used for treatment. Drugs for autoimmune diseases are prescribed those that have an immunosuppressive effect.

For the treatment of multiple sclerosis, the drug "Amixin" is used. At the slightest manifestation of an acute respiratory infection, which aggravates the condition, a dose of 125 mg or 250 mg of the drug is prescribed after a meal. Tablets are drunk every other day, the duration of administration is from 6 to 12 days.

For the prevention of exacerbation of multiple sclerosis, 125 mg of the drug is prescribed, 2 times in 7 days.

In the complex treatment of the active phase of the disease with the existing signs of exacerbation, the drug is taken 125 mg 10 times in 30 days for 6 months. The drug "Amixin" is prescribed together with peptide bioregulators, the overall effect of which reduces the body's hypersensitivity to the myelin protein.

Complex therapy with the drug "Cycloferon" allows you to fight reactive and rheumatoid arthritis, systemic diseases that affect connective tissue. His work is aimed at suppressing what provides the effect of anti-inflammatory and analgesic nature. With the help of the tool, the immune state is regulated for various immunodeficiency disorders. The medicine "Cycloferon" is produced in tablet form, in the form of an injection solution and liniment.

For the treatment of arthritis, the drug is used intravenously or intramuscularly 1 time per day. The dosage of 250 mg is used from the first to the twelfth day on even days. In acute diseases, an initial increased dose of 500 mg is used.

Therapy of viral diseases

The drug "Amiksin" refers to interferon inducers of the fluoreon low molecular weight class. With its participation, all types of protective proteins are formed, the level of which a day after the use of the drug reaches the highest value in plasma.

The medicine has a wide range antiviral action. In addition to respiratory diseases, it is used for hepatitis C and B, acute and chronic forms, recurrent genital herpes, infections of the cytomegalovirus and chlamydial type.

Many antiviral drugs are interferon inducers, and Neovir is no exception. With its participation, a large amount of protective protein is produced, especially of the fibroblast type, which explains the immunomodulatory, antitumor and antiviral effects of this medication. Neovir is used to treat encephalitis, hepatitis C and B, urethritis, cervicitis, salpingitis caused by chlamydia.

Another similar inducer of a low molecular weight protective protein is the drug "Cycloferon", for the synthesis of which carboxymethylenecridone methylglucamine salt is used. With its participation, alpha-interferon is formed, the content of which in the lymphoid tissue persists for three days.

In T and B type lymphocytes, macrophages, a protective protein is formed, stem structures are activated in the bone marrow, and the production of granulocytic units is stimulated. The medicine is used for tick-borne encephalitis, herpes, hepatitis, cytomegalovirus, human immunodeficiency virus and papillomas.

In addition to the antiviral effect, the agent is active in acute and chronic bacterial chlamydia, erysipelas, bronchitis, postoperative complications, infections of the genitourinary system, and ulcerative lesions.

The drug "Lavomax" appeared on the pharmaceutical market, it is produced by the Nizhpharm enterprise. It has an immunomodulatory effect, the ability to induce interferons, and a wide range of antiviral effects.

The composition of the tablets "Lavomax" contains 125 mg of tilorone as an active compound. The drug is an analogue of the drug "Amixin". Its activity is aimed at stimulating the production of three types of interferon in T-lymphocytes, hepatocytes, and epithelial cells of the intestinal wall.

The influence of immunomodulatory effects occurs due to the restoration of the balance between immunocompetent cells and the normalization of antibody production. The mechanism of antiviral activity is based on the inhibition of the synthesis of proteins specific for viruses in infected areas of the body. This disrupts their further reproduction.

The drug successfully treats influenza, respiratory diseases, viral hepatitis and herpes rashes.

Fast acting inductors

Usually, the introduction of such medications leads to the rapid production of a protective protein.
Fast-acting inducers of endogenous interferon within a few hours of stay in the body can cause protein formation, which proves their effectiveness.

The substance tilorone after internal use increases the protein concentration to a maximum value after 4 hours. There is a gradual formation of interferon, first in the intestine, then in the liver, and a day later - in the blood.

The drug "Cycloferon" induces protein after 4 hours, and the peak is observed after 8 hours, after which there is a gradual decrease in concentration.

Preparations containing interferon for children are used for any viral infections and colds. The drugs are produced in various forms and have wide application, from irrigation of the nose to the treatment of hepatitis. For example, Viferon is found in the form of ointments, gels and suppositories, and Grippferon is sold as a nasal spray.

Instructions for use of alpha-interferon says that it is found in the form of a lyophilized powder for the preparation of drops from the common cold, conjunctivitis, or an injection solution.

As ready-made eye drops and films, oral solution. There is an ointment and a gel, and for a cold, a dry substance is used for inhalation through a nebulizer and spray. There are rectal and vaginal suppositories, microenemas and tablets on the market. Each medication has analogues, just like Viferon and Grippferon, these drugs are presented in different forms.

The drug interferon for children is made from recombinant human interferon alpha-2b. The drug is a protein compound with similar properties, produces it human body as a result of the invasion of viruses into cells and has the following actions:

• Antimicrobial;
• Anti-inflammatory;
• Antiviral;
• Immunostimulating.

Distinguish substances alpha, beta and gamma. All of them stop the spread of viruses and prevent the reproduction of already infected cells. For children of the first year of life, an indispensable tool for maintaining immunity is a leukocyte medication (nasal spray for a cold and candles). They are represented by the preparations Viferon and Grippferon, the enclosed instructions for use will tell in detail about the correct use, so as not to harm the child during the treatment.

The Latin letters alpha, beta, gamma added to the name indicate the molecular weight of the substance used. The rate of excretion of the drug from the body depends on this indicator. Gamma particles are quickly removed. Gamma medications are indicated for the treatment of chronic granulomatosis in the form of subcutaneous injections. For an antiviral effect, a gamma agent is used in ingaron.

Means inductor

There are substances that can enhance the body's production of its own leukocyte interferon. Distinguish:

• Inductor in the form of synthetic compounds (amiksin, cycloferon);
• Inductor as polymers (poludan, polishacil, amplimen);
• Inductor in natural compounds (kagocel);
• An inductor released as an official drug (dibazol, chimes, no-shpa, etc.).

The inductor stimulates the production of its own protective agents, which are not capable of causing harm and have greater viral activity. In addition, the inductor is combined with other medicines. In diseases requiring long-term therapy, the prescribed inductor can reduce the cost of the interferonization process.

Release form

Interferon for children is available in several types: nasal drops or spray, ointment and suppositories, ampoules.

Drops and spray

As drops and spray from the common cold, interferon is used from the first days of life. In this form, it will not harm even a newborn and pregnant women. The leukocyte drug is used to treat acute respiratory viral infections, influenza and infectious diseases of the upper respiratory tract. Alpha substance nasal spray is also suitable as a preventive measure during seasonal epidemics. In pharmacies, nasal spray is sold under the brands Grippferon Light and Viferon ointment.

Candles

Candles alpha substances are prescribed for young children for the prevention and treatment of acute respiratory viral infections and influenza. The instruction says that they are practically incapable of causing harm. Already at the first sign of a cold, the appearance of a runny nose or a sore throat, suppositories should be used to prevent the development of the disease. Pediatricians prescribe candles containing the trade names Genferon and Viferon.

Ointment

The agent can be used as an ointment or gel for skin diseases (skin and herpes zoster, dermatitis, fistulas, ulcers), as well as for the treatment of chlamydia and vaginal dysbacteriosis. The ointment in the pharmacy is found under the names: Genferon, Viferon, Grippferon, Altevir and other analogues.

In ampoules

The substance is produced in ampoules, which contain either a powder for the preparation of a nasal, ophthalmic or injection solution, or a ready-made suspension for injections. To get drops for the nose no worse than Grippferon or the eye, you will need to dilute the contents of the ampoule in water. Instructions for use describe in detail the amount of fluid needed and what dosage is used depending on the area of ​​\u200b\u200buse.

Inhalation through a nebulizer

If the house has a nebulizer, then use dry powder for inhalation. They are able to quickly cure a child's nose from a runny nose. Inhalations through a nebulizer are carried out at a low temperature, its increase above 37 ° will destroy the drug.

The nebulizer used must be able to produce particles of at least 5 microns, preferably up to 10 microns.

Inhalations are more effective than drops of Grippferon or Viferon in the form of an ointment. This is achieved due to the fact that inhalations through a nebulizer have a moisturizing and thinning effect on the child, in addition to the antiviral effect. For inhalation during the day, the nebulizer is used from 2 to 4 times.

In order not to cause harm, it must be borne in mind that inhalations through a nebulizer cannot be done less than an hour before and after meals. And the dosage of the medicine cannot exceed that recommended by the instructions for use.

Contraindications and complications

The leukocyte composition is produced by the cells of the body, it has few contraindications. His drugs are prohibited if there are:

• Individual intolerance;
• autoimmune diseases;
• Renal or liver failure.

Such medicines are not prescribed to patients of childhood and adolescence with severe nervous and mental disorders, which are accompanied by suicidal thoughts and prolonged depression. Side effects are extremely rare and are expressed in the form of nausea, headaches, chills or skin rashes. Drowsiness, irritability and insomnia are even less pronounced.

Long-term use antiviral drugs on the basis of interferon, the blood composition of the liver function is necessarily controlled.

Analogues and prices

Considering how much the leukocyte alpha and gamma composition is in demand, it is not surprising that they have analogues. Spray or nasal drops, suppositories and ointment are offered by different manufacturers. Instead of alpha-interferon, drugs are used: Ultron A, roferon, nasoferon, wellveron, human leukocyte interferon, etc. All analogues must be used, as the instructions for use advise, so that improper use does not cause harm.

Gamma molecules contain preparations: ingaron and interferon gamma human recombinant.

Prices for analogues depend on the country and method of production. Pricing takes into account both the form of release and the scope of the drug. Even medicines that are similar in composition differ in cost. The well-known "Viferon" has both cheap and expensive substitutes. This also applies to other drugs.