Viferon in the treatment and prevention of acute respiratory viral infections

Treating ARVI, influenza and other viral infections is usually more difficult than preventing them, especially in childhood. For successful prevention, take drugs with an immunomodulatory effect, for example, Viferon ointment. This is an inexpensive and quite effective drug that can be used not only by adults, but also by newborns, including premature babies.

When can the medicine be used?

The drug is indicated for the treatment of respiratory infections of viral etiology. The medicine effectively relieves symptoms of influenza, respiratory syncytial, rhinovirus and other infections. It is actively used to treat COVID-19, including in children, pregnant and lactating women. The medication can be used even with the addition of bacterial flora:

• Inflammation of the membranes and tissue of the brain;
• Infection in the womb (cytomegalovirus, herpes, candidiasis, chlamydia, etc.);
• Pneumonia;
• Pathologies of the reproductive organs (trichomoniasis, ureaplasmosis, HPV and others).

Viferon can be prescribed together with antibacterial and antifungal medications, as it increases the immune defense of the entire body.

The product is effective against viral intestinal diseases, namely: rotavirus, enterovirus. When using the drug, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and intoxication quickly go away.

The medicine is often used for herpetic rashes caused by Herpes simplex types 1 and 2. The product relieves itching and rash.

The drug can be used even in newborns and premature infants. It does not cause serious complications and is non-toxic.

Viferon Ointment: indications for use

According to the instructions, the drug is recommended for use in the treatment of acute respiratory viral infections and influenza, as well as herpetic eruptions of various locations. For the treatment of influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI), the drug is applied to the nasal mucosa three to four times a day. As a rule, in case of a viral infection, the ointment is prescribed in complex therapy with antipyretic and symptomatic medications (for cough, runny nose, sore throat, etc.), as well as with antiviral suppositories. It is better to use the remedy from the first hours of illness, that is, it is better to start treatment with Viferon ointment for a runny nose, as a manifestation of ARVI, immediately, the course is five days. For herpetic infections of various localizations, especially when they are recurrent, the drug is best used at the first signs of a rash (itching, burning, redness). Does Viferon ointment help? According to research results, the use of this drug helps to get rid of the manifestations of the virus on the third or fourth day*.

Instructions for use

The medicine in suppositories is used rectally (the suppository is inserted into the anus). To insert suppositories correctly, you need to spread your buttocks and insert a suppository into the anus. After administering the medicine, you should lie down for half an hour. During this time the candle will dissolve.

Now we will tell you how to place a Viferon suppository rectally for a baby. For children, suppositories are administered in a position on their side (newborns) or on their stomach (children over 1 year). To administer the medication, spread the buttocks and insert a suppository into the anus. Next, squeeze the gluteal muscles and hold the child in this position for 2-3 minutes (since the candle may slip out). After administering the drug, the baby should lie down for half an hour.

Can Viferon be used by children?

Viferon suppositories can be used by children of different ages. Doses of medication for infection in newborns and premature infants:

• Prematures with a gestational age of more than 34 weeks, 150,000 IU twice a day. The interval between doses is 12 hours. The duration of course therapy is 5 days.
• Premature babies less than 34 weeks - 150,000 IU three times a day (every 8 hours) for 5 days.

Children under 7 years of age with ARVI are also advised to take Viferon 150,000 IU twice a day. Course therapy lasts up to 5 days. If treatment is ineffective, you should see a pediatrician.

The number of courses of treatment may vary depending on the type of disease:

• flu - 1-2,
• cytomegalovirus infection - 2-3,
• enterovirus infection - 2-3,
• pneumonia (as a complication after a viral infection) - 1-2,
• herpes - 2.

The number of courses is determined by the doctor. The interval between them is 5-6 days.

According to research, with coronavirus, children under 7 years of age can be prescribed up to 1,000,000 IU 2 times a day. And for children over 8 years old, up to 3,000,000 IU twice a day. The duration of therapy is 7-14 days, depending on the severity of the pathology. Treatment with high doses allows you to quickly remove the pathogen from the body.

For viral hepatitis B, C, D, it is recommended to prescribe Viferon suppositories:

• Under 6 months of age: 3,000,000-5,000,000 IU per day;
• Up to 12 months of age: 5,000,000 IU per day;
• 1-7 years: 3,000,000 per 1 square meter of body surface area per day;
• Over 7 years of age - 5,000,000 IU per 1 square meter of body surface area per day.

In the first 1.5 weeks of therapy, the medicine is taken twice a day. Next, candles are placed every other day for six months to a year.

Viferon is a new antiviral and immunomodulatory drug

How can we increase the effectiveness of etiotropic therapy and at the same time achieve a reduction in side effects that appear during its use? How can you increase the functional activity of your own immune system and speed up the restoration of its damaged parts? How to circumvent the possibility of allergization of the body and the development of immunodeficiency?

The role of the immune system in the body's anti-infective defense has been proven. More and more data are emerging on the direct and feedback communication of the immune system with the interferon system. The state and activity of these systems largely determine the outcome of the disease and the nature of its course.

Antibiotics and chemotherapy drugs are traditionally used in the treatment of infectious and inflammatory diseases. However, such therapy often does not live up to the expectations placed on it. This is explained primarily by the resistance of many microorganisms to drugs available in the arsenal of practical medicine. For example, according to statistics,

The resistance of some strains of Staphylococcus aureus to erythromycin in Western Europe and Japan reaches 90%. The emergence of new generations of antibiotics is accompanied by the immediate emergence of new resistant strains. The same can be said about antiviral drugs. Currently, strains of the herpes virus have been isolated that are resistant to acyclovir and its analogues. One should not lose sight of the numerous side effects of antibiotics and chemotherapeutic agents: allergic reactions, dysbacteriosis, hepatotoxicity, immunosuppressive effects, etc. This is especially true for the use of antibiotics in the treatment of infections in which the pathogen has intracellular localization at one of the stages of reproduction (chlamydia, mycoplasma, etc.) and uses the biochemical apparatus of the infection carrier for its reproduction. In these cases, highly active broad-spectrum antibiotics are usually used, suppressing the metabolic and synthetic processes of both the pathogen and the carrier of the infection. The side effects of such therapy are even more pronounced. The “immunological deficiency” syndrome that develops after a course of antibiotic therapy can lead to persistence of the pathogen, relapse of the disease, and also increases the likelihood of subsequent infections with infectious agents of a different nature, since restoration of the immune status does not occur quickly enough.

It is appropriate to note that in recent years there has been an increase in autoimmune diseases (reactive arthritis, glomerulonephritis, multiple sclerosis, etc.), one of the causes of which is viral infection. Therapy for these diseases also requires correction of the immune and interferon systems.

Currently, interferon preparations occupy a worthy place in the arsenal of practical medicine. And this is not surprising. Interferons, as natural factors of nonspecific defense of the body and mediators of immunity, have the widest spectrum of action.

At first these were human leukocyte interferon (IFN) preparations, which were later replaced by recombinant IFN preparations.

Initially, IFN drugs were used to treat only viral diseases (influenza, viral hepatitis, herpes, tick-borne encephalitis, etc.). Due to the pronounced immunomodulatory effect of IFN, their clinical effectiveness has been proven in the treatment of many bacterial and protozoal infections (bacterial and fungal meningitis, sepsis, chlamydia, ureaplasmosis, etc.), various allergies, autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, glomerulonephritis, etc.), oncological pathology. (leukemia, lymphosarcoma, lymphoma, etc.).

Currently, there are quite a few recombinant IFN preparations: reaferon, realdiron, intron-A, roferon, welferon. Most of them are highly effective, but their application often poses significant difficulties. These drugs are introduced into the patient’s body, usually in high doses (3-10 million IU per day) and parenterally (intravenously, intramuscularly, subcutaneously), which causes significant side effects: fever, flu-like syndrome, arthralgia, depression , diarrhea.

• Dosage form of the drug Viferon and its components

The chosen dosage form - suppositories - provides a simple, safe and painless method of administration.

Human recombinant IFN-a2b, one of the most common IFNs in clinical practice, was chosen as the active principle.

All variants of Viferon, in addition to recombinant IFN-a2b, included antioxidants - a-tocopherol acetate (vitamin E) and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in therapeutically effective doses.

Viferon is available in three versions: Viferon-1, Viferon-2, Viferon-3.

Viferon-1 contains human recombinant interferon-a2 in the amount of 150,000 IU (international units) per suppository.

Viferon-2 contains human recombinant interferon-a2 in the amount of 500,000 IU per suppository.

Viferon-3 contains human recombinant interferon-a2 in the amount of 1,000,000 IU per suppository.

Viferon-3 is prescribed primarily for the treatment of viral hepatitis in children and adults.

• Therapeutic effect of the drug Viferon

The complex composition of Viferon provides a number of its advantages: in combination with antioxidants, the antiviral activity of recombinant interferon increases 10-14 times, its immunomodulatory effect on T- and B-lymphocytes is enhanced, the content of immunoglobulin E is normalized, there are no side effects that occur with parenteral administration of interferon preparations . It has been established that with long-term use of Viferon for two years, antibodies that neutralize the antiviral activity of recombinant interferon-2 are not formed.

The interaction of Viferon components makes it possible to significantly reduce course doses and duration of courses of antibiotic and hormonal therapy.

• Clinical effectiveness of Viferon

Viferon is the only drug registered in Russia, belonging to the class of recombinant interferons, approved by the State Pharmacological Committee of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation for the treatment of various infectious and inflammatory diseases in newborns, including premature babies, as well as for the treatment of chronic viral hepatitis B, C, D children and pregnant women with urogenital infection.

Viferon has proven itself positively in the treatment of viral and bacterial infections in newborns: ARVI, sepsis, pneumonia, meningitis, specific intrauterine infection (chlamydia, herpes, cytomegaly, ureaplasmosis).

It must be emphasized that the drug is highly effective in the treatment of pneumonia of chlamydial etiology (Fig. 1).

The clinical effectiveness of Viferon is to reduce the duration of infectious toxicosis, accelerate the resolution of the pathological focus (reducing the duration of cough, shortness of breath, faster normalization of CBS indicators). The inclusion of Viferon contributed to a reduction in antibacterial therapy by 10 days and a decrease in the total duration of the disease by an average of 8 days (Table 1).

When Viferon was included in the course of treatment for meningitis of various etiologies in newborns, cytosis in the cerebrospinal fluid normalized 2 weeks earlier than in the comparison group. At the same time, there was a significantly smaller number of purulent and neurological complications.

Viferon-1 is indicated for newborn babies (including premature babies with a gestational age of more than 34 weeks). The drug is used 1 suppository 2 times a day every 12 hours. The course of treatment is 5 days.

For premature babies with a gestational age of less than 34 weeks, Viferon-1 is prescribed 1 suppository 3 times a day every 8 hours. The course of treatment is 5 days.

The inclusion of Viferon in the complex therapy of chronic viral hepatitis B, C, D in children contributed to a decrease in the pathological process in the liver, a decrease in the activity of AST and ALT, a decrease in HBsAg titers, the disappearance or seroconversion of HBeAg to anti-HBe. There was an increase in the function of macrophages. This

Table 1. The effectiveness of treatment with Viferon in newborns with pneumonia of chlamydial etiology (Keshishchyan E. S., 1990)

was expressed in an increase in the percentage of macrophages capable of chemosynthesis.
With a long-term 6-month course of Viferon therapy in patients with chronic viral hepatitis of minimal activity, remission was observed in 62% of cases, while in the group of patients who did not receive Viferon, remission did not occur. In 71% of patients with severely active chronic viral hepatitis and liver cirrhosis who were on glucocorticoid therapy, the inclusion of Viferon in the treatment regimen made it possible to reduce the dose of prednisolone by 3.5 times (Reizis A.R., Drondina A.N., 1992), and in 28% of patients, cancel hormones completely (Chistova L.V. et al., 1995). It is interesting to note that in the group of children with chronic viral hepatitis C, 83% of children experienced remission immediately after discontinuation of Viferon therapy, and the rest showed persistent improvement Figure 2. Clinical effectiveness (%) of Viferon

was noted even after 6 months (Uchaikin V.F., Cherednichenko T.V. et al., 1995).
This effect has never been observed with parenteral administration of interferon preparations. At the same time, the cessation of the replicative activity of the HC virus due to the disappearance of RNA was recorded. HCV was detected in all patients. According to Professor A. R. Reizis, the best effect of Viferon therapy is observed with a long 13-18-month course (Table 2). It must be emphasized that antibodies that neutralize the antiviral activity of recombinant interferon-2 are in the blood of patients who received a long course of Viferon therapy. not detected (Chistova L.V. et al., 1995).

The successful use of Viferon coupled with the use of extracorporeal treatment methods: plasmapheresis and hemosorption in the complex treatment of children with severe chronic viral hepatitis and liver cirrhosis has been noted. Conducting a 14-day course of viferon therapy before plasmapheresis and/or hemosorption prevented the development of ARVI and exacerbation of herpetic diseases. In the comparison group, the addition of intercurrent diseases was observed in 100% of cases (Kladova O.V., 1995).

In the complex therapy of acute and chronic viral hepatitis B, C, D, children under 7 years old are prescribed Viferon-2, and over 7 years old - Viferon-3. The drug is prescribed 2 suppositories per day every day at 12-hour intervals for 10 days. Then 3 times a week every other day, 2 suppositories per day at 12-hour intervals for 1 month for acute hepatitis and 6-12 months for chronic hepatitis. The duration of treatment is determined by the dynamics of clinical and laboratory parameters.

For patients with severe chronic hepatitis and liver cirrhosis, before plasmapheresis and/or hemosorption, the use of Viferon-1 or Viferon-2 (depending on age) is indicated for 14 days, 2 suppositories daily with a 12-hour interval.

In recent years, Viferon has been successfully and effectively used in obstetric practice. Viferon is approved for use in pregnant women (starting from the 28th week of pregnancy) with viral-bacterial urogenital infections (herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, cytomegalovirus, chlamydia, mycoplasmosis, ureaplasmosis, toxoplasmosis). During the course of viferon therapy, there was a significant increase in the level of specific antiviral immunoglobulins of class G, as well as normalization of the relative indicators of the lymphocyte subpopulation (CD3, CD4, CD4/CD8).

When using the drug in pregnant women, a decrease in colonization of the birth canal by opportunistic microorganisms, a decrease in the contamination of the endocervix with chlamydia, ureaplasma, and genital herpes was revealed. Elimination of pathogens occurred in every second or third patient. In every sixth patient, vaginal microbiocinosis was restored without additional use of eubiotics. The antiviral nature of the drug's action consisted of reducing the duration of relapses and increasing the intervals between relapses. The inclusion of pregnant women with autoimmune diseases in the course of therapy made it possible to abandon the prescription of glucocorticoids.

The high effectiveness of Viferon consisted of a pronounced reduction in the frequency of generalized forms of intrauterine infection from 25.6% to 4.7% (Tareeva T. G. et al., 1996).

Clinical trials of Viferon in the complex treatment of glomerulonephritis associated with the hepatitis B virus, herpesvirus and cytomegalovirus infections have been completed.

Table 2. Efficacy of maintenance therapy with Viferon 13-18 months from the start of treatment in children with chronic viral hepatitis B

It is noted that the use of Viferon contributes to the accelerated elimination of symptoms of intoxication, clinical signs of pyelonephritis and bacteriuria. Follow-up observation of children treated with Viferon indicates the persistence of stable clinical and laboratory remission for 6-12 months in the majority of patients.

In recent years, patients with urinary tract infections are often diagnosed with chlamydia, in which the course of the disease is torpid in nature with frequent recurrences. This made it possible to include Viferon as an immunocorrector in complex therapy, along with antibacterial drugs acting on chlamydia (macrolides, tetracycline antibiotics). For glomerulonephritis, viferon was prescribed both during the active phase and during the period of subsidence of the process. In children with the nephrotic form of glomerulonephritis, an earlier onset of remission was detected. Moreover, stable clinical and laboratory remission was obtained in individual children with the nephrotic form against the background of HBs antigenemia, which could not be achieved before the prescription of Viferon. Viferon has been proven to be highly effective for the prevention of purulent-septic postoperative complications. The drug is prescribed daily, 2 suppositories at 12-hour intervals for 5 days.

Viferon has been found to have a good effect in the complex treatment of intestinal dysbiosis in children. Viferon was prescribed daily, 2 suppositories per day at 12-hour intervals for 10 days, then a maintenance dose - 2 suppositories per week for up to 1 month. After the course of viferon therapy, restoration or a tendency towards normalization of the intestinal microflora was noted. In Fig. Table 2 shows the clinical effectiveness of Viferon for various diseases.

• Interaction with other drugs

Viferon is compatible and goes well with all medications traditionally used in the treatment of the diseases listed below (antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, glucocorticosteroids, immunosuppressants, interferon inducers).

Prescribing Viferon can significantly reduce course doses and duration of use of antibiotics and glucocorticoids, as well as reduce the toxic effect when using immunosuppressive drugs. Viferon is well tolerated by patients and does not cause side effects or allergic reactions.

The drug Viferon was developed at the Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology named after.
N. F. Gamaleya RAMS, patented (patent No. 2024253), registered with the pharmacological committee of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (registration No. 96/432/5). The trademark Viferon (VIFERON) is registered (certificate No. 120337). Viferon is produced by ZAO BKI, Moscow (license No. 64/349/96 dated December 25, 1996, Order of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation No. 432 dated December 31, 1996). Manufacturer: tel./fax (Moscow) Branch in St. Petersburg: tel./fax

Treatment of various infections in adult patients

In adults, for ARVI, influenza and other pathologies of viral etiology, 500,000 IU is prescribed twice a day. Therapy lasts 5-10 days. If treatment needs to be continued, after completing the first course, take a break for 5 days, after which the therapy is repeated.

Pathologies caused by the herpes virus are indicated to be treated with a dosage of 1,000,000 IU twice a day. The course of treatment lasts 1.5 weeks. With frequent relapses, the course of therapy can last more than 1.5 weeks.

During pregnancy with a viral urogenital infection (including herpes), it is recommended to put a suppository of 500,000 IU twice a day for 1.5 weeks. Then twice a week, 1,000,000 IU per day (course therapy - 1.5 weeks). After a month, preventive therapy is indicated at a dose of 150,000 IU twice a day for 5 days. It is possible to repeat prophylaxis before childbirth.

For viral hepatitis, the medicine is indicated in a dose of 3,000,000 IU twice a day every day for 1.5 weeks. Afterwards, a maintenance course of 3,000,000 IU is prescribed every other day for six months to a year. The duration of therapy is determined by the doctor depending on the results of laboratory tests and the patient’s well-being.

For the drug to work correctly, you need to know where to store Viferon suppositories. The medication should be stored in a cool place so that the candle keeps its shape and does not melt. The optimal temperature is 2–8 °C.

Ointment and gel - rules of use

Ointment or gel is often used to treat herpes on the skin and mucous membranes. A single dosage is 0.5 cm. The drug is applied to the skin or mucous membrane (nasal passages, tonsils) 3-5 times a day. The surfaces to be treated must be pre-cleaned. The duration of therapy is 5 days. External agents are indicated simultaneously with Viferon suppositories.

The gel can be used to treat inflammatory processes of the cervix. The product is applied twice a day. Before use, it is recommended to clean the cervical mucosa with a cotton swab so that there is no mucus. The course of therapy is 1-2 weeks. The gel is also used as part of the general treatment of cervicitis.

Attention! The tube should be stored in a cool place. Otherwise, the effectiveness of treatment is reduced.

For preventive purposes, external forms are recommended to be applied to the tonsils or nasal mucosa twice a day. Course therapy lasts up to 1 month.

Gel Viferon 36,000 ME

Viferon, 1 piece, 12 g, 40000 IU/g, ointment for local and external use

Ointment, externally and locally.

For herpes infection, apply a thin layer of ointment to the affected areas 3-4 times a day and rub in gently. Duration of treatment is 5–7 days. It is recommended to begin treatment immediately when the first signs of damage to the skin and mucous membranes appear (itching, burning, redness). When treating recurrent herpes, it is advisable to begin treatment in the prodromal period or at the very beginning of the appearance of signs of relapse.

To treat influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections, the ointment is applied in a thin layer to the mucous membrane of the nasal passages 3-4 times a day throughout the entire period of the disease.

Children from 1 year to 2 years - 2500 IU (1 pea with a diameter of 0.5 cm) 3 times a day; from 2 to 12 years - 2500 IU (1 pea with a diameter of 0.5 cm) 4 times a day; from 12 to 18 years - 5000 IU (1 pea with a diameter of 1 cm) 4 times a day. The duration of treatment is 5 days.

Gel, externally and locally.

In the complex therapy of ARVI, including influenza, long-term and frequent ARVI, incl. complicated by bacterial infection:

a strip of gel no more than 0.5 cm long is applied to the pre-dried surface of the nasal mucosa and/or to the surface of the tonsils 3-5 times a day using a spatula or a cotton swab/cotton swab (see
Note
). The course of treatment is 5 days; if necessary, the course can be extended.

Prevention of ARVI, including influenza:

during the period of rising incidence, a strip of gel no more than 0.5 cm long is applied to the previously dried surface of the nasal mucosa and/or to the surface of the palatine tonsils 2 times a day for 2–4 weeks.

In complex therapy of recurrent stenotic laryngotracheobronchitis:

a strip of gel no more than 0.5 cm long is applied to the surface of the tonsils using a spatula or a cotton swab/cotton swab in the acute period of the disease 5 times a day for 5–7 days, then 3 times a day for the next 3 weeks.

Prevention of recurrent stenosing laryngotracheobronchitis:

a strip of gel no more than 0.5 cm long is applied to the surface of the tonsils using a spatula or a cotton swab/cotton swab 2 times a day for 3–4 weeks, the courses are repeated 2 times a year.

In complex therapy of acute and chronic recurrent herpetic infection (at the first signs of the disease or during the period of warning signs):

a strip of gel no more than 0.5 cm long is applied using a spatula or a cotton swab/cotton swab to a previously dried affected surface 3-5 times a day for 5-6 days, if necessary, the duration of the course is increased until the clinical manifestations disappear.

In complex therapy of herpetic cervicitis:

1 ml of gel is applied with a cotton swab to the surface of the cervix, previously cleared of mucus, 2 times a day for 7 days; if necessary, the duration of the course can be increased to 14 days.

Note.

The gel is applied to the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity after cleansing the nasal passages, and to the surface of the palatine tonsils - 30 minutes after eating. When applying the gel to the tonsils, do not touch the tonsils with a cotton swab, but only with the gel; the gel flows down on its own along the surface of the tonsil. When applying the gel to the cervix, you should first remove mucus and discharge from the vaginal vaults and cervix with a cotton or gauze swab.

When applying the gel to the affected areas of the skin and mucous membranes, after 30–40 minutes a thin film is formed, onto which the drug is again applied. If desired, the film can be peeled off or washed off with water before reapplying the drug.

Suppositories, rectally.

1 suppository contains human recombinant interferon alpha-2b as an active substance in the indicated dosages (150,000 IU, 500,000 IU, 1,000,000 IU, 3,000,000 IU).

Acute respiratory viral infections, including influenza, incl. complicated by bacterial infection, pneumonia (bacterial, viral, chlamydial) in children and adults as part of complex therapy.

Recommended dose for adults, including pregnant women and children over 7 years old VIFERON® 500,000 IU, 1 suppository 2 times a day after 12 hours every day for 5 days. According to clinical indications, therapy can be continued.

Children under 7 years old, incl. For newborns and premature infants with a gestational age of more than 34 weeks, it is recommended to use the drug VIFERON® 150,000 IU, 1 suppository 2 times a day after 12 hours every day for 5 days. According to clinical indications, therapy can be continued. The break between courses is 5 days.

Premature newborns with a gestational age of less than 34 weeks are recommended to use the drug VIFERON® 150,000 IU, 1 suppository 3 times a day after 8 hours every day for 5 days. According to clinical indications, therapy can be continued. The break between courses is 5 days.

Infectious and inflammatory diseases of newborns, incl. premature babies: meningitis (bacterial, viral), sepsis, intrauterine infection (chlamydia, herpes, CMV infection, enterovirus infection, candidiasis, including visceral, mycoplasmosis) as part of complex therapy.

Recommended dose for newborns, incl. premature babies with a gestational age of more than 34 weeks VIFERON® 150,000 IU daily, 1 suppository 2 times a day after 12 hours. The course of treatment is 5 days.

Premature newborns with a gestational age of less than 34 weeks are recommended to use the drug VIFERON® 150,000 IU daily, 1 suppository 3 times a day after 8 hours. The course of treatment is 5 days.

Recommended number of courses for various infectious and inflammatory diseases: sepsis - 2-3 courses, meningitis - 1-2 courses, herpes infection - 2 courses, enterovirus infection - 1-2 courses, CMV infection - 2-3 courses, mycoplasmosis, candidiasis , including visceral - 2-3 courses. The break between courses is 5 days. According to clinical indications, therapy can be continued.

Chronic viral hepatitis B, C, D in children and adults as part of complex therapy, incl. in combination with the use of plasmapheresis and hemosorption for chronic viral hepatitis of pronounced activity, complicated by cirrhosis of the liver.

The recommended dose for adults is VIFERON® 3,000,000 IU, 1 suppository 2 times a day every 12 hours every day for 10 days, then 3 times a week every other day for 6–12 months. The duration of treatment is determined by clinical effectiveness and laboratory parameters.

For children under 6 months of age, 300,000–500,000 IU per day is recommended; at the age of 6 to 12 months - 500,000 IU per day.

For children aged 1 to 7 years, 3,000,000 IU per 1 m2 of body surface area per day is recommended.

For children over 7 years old, 5,000,000 IU per 1 m2 of body surface area per day is recommended.

The drug is used 2 times a day every 12 hours for the first 10 days, then 3 times a week every other day for 6–12 months. The duration of treatment is determined by clinical effectiveness and laboratory parameters.

The daily dose of the drug for each patient is calculated by multiplying the recommended dose for a given age by the body surface area calculated using the nomogram for calculating body surface area by height and weight according to Garford, Terry and Rourke. The calculation of a single dose is carried out by dividing the calculated daily dose into 2 administrations, the resulting value is rounded up to the dosage of the suppository.

In case of chronic viral hepatitis of pronounced activity and liver cirrhosis, before plasmapheresis and/or hemosorption, it is recommended to use VIFERON® 150,000 IU for children under 7 years of age, VIFERON® 500,000 IU for children over 7 years of age, 1 suppository 2 times a day every 12 hours. within 14 days.

Infectious and inflammatory diseases of the urogenital tract (chlamydia, CMV infection, ureaplasmosis, trichomoniasis, gardnerellosis, papillomavirus infection, bacterial vaginosis, recurrent vaginal candidiasis, mycoplasmosis) in adults, including pregnant women as part of complex therapy.

The recommended dose for adults is VIFERON® 500,000 IU, 1 suppository 2 times a day after 12 hours every day for 5–10 days. According to clinical indications, therapy can be continued.

Pregnant women from the second trimester of pregnancy (starting from 14 weeks of gestation) are recommended VIFERON® 500,000 IU, 1 suppository 2 times a day every 12 hours for 10 days, then 3 times for 9 days with an interval of 3 days (on the 4th day) 1 suppository 2 times a day after 12 hours. Then every 4 weeks until delivery VIFERON® 150,000 IU, 1 suppository 2 times a day after 12 hours every day for 5 days. If necessary, it is indicated before delivery (from 38 weeks of gestation) VIFERON® 500,000 IU, 1 suppository 2 times a day after 12 hours every day for 10 days.

Primary or recurrent herpetic infection of the skin and mucous membranes, localized form, mild to moderate course, incl. urogenital form in adults, including pregnant women.

The recommended dose for adults is VIFERON® 1,000,000 IU, 1 suppository 2 times a day after 12 hours every day for 10 days or more for recurrent infections. According to clinical indications, therapy can be continued. It is recommended to begin treatment immediately when the first signs of damage to the skin and mucous membranes appear (itching, burning, redness). When treating recurrent herpes, it is advisable to begin treatment in the prodromal period or at the very beginning of signs of relapse.

Pregnant women from the second trimester of pregnancy (starting from 14 weeks of gestation) are recommended VIFERON® 500,000 IU, 1 suppository 2 times a day every 12 hours for 10 days, then 3 times for 9 days with an interval of 3 days (on the 4th day) 1 suppository 2 times a day after 12 hours. Then every 4 weeks until delivery VIFERON® 150,000 IU, 1 suppository 2 times a day after 12 hours every day for 5 days. If necessary, it is indicated before delivery (from 38 weeks of gestation) VIFERON® 500,000 IU, 1 suppository 2 times a day after 12 hours every day for 10 days.

special instructions

The drug should not be used for generalized or atypical herpetic infections. Since the medicine can cause an allergic reaction, it is not prescribed for atopic dermatitis or eczematous rashes. The drug is not recommended for:

• tumor processes on the skin,
• familial pemphigus Gougereau-Hailey,
• mental disorders,
• simultaneous use of sedative drugs,
• neutropenia less than 1.5×109,
• the platelet count in the blood is less than 90,000/µl,
• diseases in which there is a disruption of the central nervous system.

Analogues of the drug Viferon

Viferon has its own structural and non-structural analogues. Structural analogues include Grippferon, Kipferon. They also contain human recombinant interferon alpha-2b. Grippferon differs only in the release form (drops, spray). Kipferon is produced in candles.

Is it possible to combine Viferon and Kipferon? The combined use of drugs is not recommended, since they have the same active ingredient. With simultaneous use, an overdose or an allergic reaction is possible.

Non-structural analogues include:

• Anaferon - contains antibodies to human interferon gamma; less effective, allowed from 1 month;
• Arbidol - indicated from 3 years of age, for example, for coronavirus and influenza, has a less pronounced clinical effect in relation to acute respiratory viral infections, and is not used at all for bacterial infections, since it has a targeted effect on viral particles;
• Kagocel is an interferon inducer, affects the production of its own interferons, and is not indicated for infants and children under 3 years of age.

Viferon is the most effective medicine among all antiviral drugs. It has proven itself in the treatment of influenza, coronavirus and other acute respiratory viral infections in adults and children. Due to the lack of toxicity and undesirable effects, it can be used in pregnant women and newborns. The medicine is ideal for the prevention of viral diseases and is used as part of the general treatment of bacterial infections.

conclusions

The drug Viferon Ointment is simple and easy to use, has a comfortable shelf life, allowing it to be used for a long period. Recommended in the complex therapy of acute respiratory viral infections and influenza, as well as herpes types 1 and 2. “Viferon ointment,” as the drug is often called by mothers, can be used for children (from 1 year), as well as for adults, including pregnant and nursing mothers.

Author of the article

Gerasimenko Igor Olegovich, General Practitioner

*A.A. Khaldin, O.V. Chistik, D.V. Ignatiev “Herpes simplex: etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment”, Practical Medicine No. 5, 2009

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