From this article you will learn:
- release forms of the drug Viferon,
- instructions for use, reviews,
- clinical efficacy studies.
Viferon is a drug based on recombinant human interferon alpha-2b (Russian production), intended for the treatment of bacterial and viral infections. The drug is often prescribed for herpetic lesions of the oral mucosa in children. In addition to interferon alpha-2b, the drug contains vitamins E and C. The drug is considered safe and can be used even in newborns.
According to the manufacturer, Viferon has a large list of functional activities - primarily an antiviral effect, as well as immunomodulatory, antiproliferative and other properties. The drug has release forms - Viferon suppositories with dosages of 150,000 IU, 500,000 IU, 1,000,000 IU, 3,000,000 IU, as well as Viferon gel and ointment. The choice of release form will depend on the age of the child or adult, as well as on the location of the infectious focus (inflammation). The drug is intended for over-the-counter use.
Viferon candles: photo of packaging
For infants, the most convenient form is in the form of suppositories (candles). Accordingly, when using this form, the localization of the source of inflammation will be completely unimportant, because the drug will spread through the bloodstream. But for adults and children of middle and older age, of course, it is better to choose forms for topical use in the form of an ointment or gel. For various diseases, the choice of ointment and gel form is important.
For example, only Viferon-gel is suitable for application to the mucous membrane, because the gel form will adhere well to the moist mucosa. There is no point in applying Viferon ointment to mucous membranes. Remember that absolutely any preparations in the form of ointments or creams (i.e., fat-based) make sense to use only when the source of inflammation is localized on the skin of the face or the red border of the lips. In case of damage to the mucous membranes, preparations for topical use should only be in the form of gels.
The use of Viferon in dentistry -
In dentistry, this drug is used primarily for the treatment of herpetic stomatitis, which is caused by the herpes virus. It should be noted that stomatitis is not only of viral origin (herpes virus), but very often of allergic or bacterial origin.
The use of the drug makes sense only if the stomatitis is herpetic (i.e., viral in origin). The use of Viferon for other forms of stomatitis, for example, for aphthous stomatitis, is completely pointless, leads to delays in receiving proper treatment and, as a result, to a deterioration in well-being. Therefore, before starting treatment, it is necessary to determine the form of stomatitis.
→ Symptoms of the herpetic form of stomatitis → Symptoms of the aphthous form of stomatitis
Viferon suppositories for children: instructions for use
This form of the drug is administered rectally. There are no contraindications based on age, i.e. It can also be used by adults. For the treatment of acute and chronic recurrent herpetic stomatitis, the following course of treatment is used: 1 suppository (see dosage below) - 2 times a day. The interval between use should be 12 hours. The course of treatment is 10-12 days.
- for newborns and children under 7 years old – 150,000 IU 2 times a day,
- for children over 7 years old – 500,000 IU 2 times a day,
- for the treatment of adults - from 1,000,000 IU 2 times a day.
Viferon suppositories for children: reviews of suppositories are the best form of the drug for young children, while attempts to use forms for topical use (especially when it is necessary to treat the oral mucosa) are perceived negatively by children, they begin to cry, treatment with gel causes the child to increased salivation and drooling from the mouth.
Viferon candles: price (package No. 10)
- candles of 150,000 IU - about 300 rubles,
- candles 500,000 IU - from 400 rubles,
- candles 1,000,000 IU - from 550 rubles,
- candles for 3,000,000 IU - from 900 rubles.
Use in pregnant and lactating women - Viferon suppositories can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding without restrictions, but only starting from the 14th week of pregnancy.
VIFERON-1 candles rect. 150,000 IU No. 10
Directions for use and doses
The drug is administered 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). In the complex therapy of various infectious and inflammatory diseases in newborns, including premature infants:
newborns, including premature infants with a gestational age of more than 34 weeks, are prescribed VIFERON 150,000 IU daily, 1 suppository 2 times a day after 12 hours. Course of treatment - 5 days.
Premature newborns with a gestational age of less than 34 weeks are prescribed 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 in children, including newborns and premature infants: ARVI, including influenza, including those complicated by a bacterial infection - 1-2 courses, pneumonia (bacterial, viral, chlamydial) - 1-2 courses, sepsis - 2-3 courses, meningitis - 1-2 courses, herpetic infection - 2 courses, enterovirus infection - 1-2 courses, cytomegalovirus 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.
In the complex therapy of chronic viral hepatitis B, C, D in children and adults:
For children with chronic viral hepatitis, the drug is prescribed in the following age-specific doses: up to 6 months, 300,000-500,000 IU per day, from 6 to 12 months - 500,000 IU per day. At the age of 1 year to 7 years - 3,000,000 ME per 1 m2 of body surface area per day. Over the age of 7 years - 5,000,000 ME per 1 m2 of body surface area per day. The dose of the drug for each individual patient is calculated by multiplying the recommended dose for a given age by the body surface area calculated according to the nomogram for calculating the body surface area by height and weight according to Garford, Terry and Rourke, divided into 2 administrations, rounded to the dosage of the corresponding suppository. The drug is used 2 times a day every 12 hours for the first 10 days, then three times a week every other day for 6-12 months. The duration of treatment is determined by clinical effectiveness and laboratory parameters.
Children with chronic viral hepatitis of pronounced activity and cirrhosis of the liver before plasmapheresis and/or hemosorption are advised to use the drug for 14 days daily, 1 suppository 2 times a day every 12 hours (children under 7 years old VIFERON 150000 ME, children over 7 years old - VIFERON 500,000 ME).
Adults with chronic viral hepatitis are prescribed VIFERON 3,000,000 IU, 1 suppository 2 times a day every 12 hours for 10 days daily, then three times a week every other day for 6-12 months. The duration of treatment is determined by clinical effectiveness and laboratory parameters.
In complex therapy in adults, including pregnant women, with urogenital infection (chlamydia, cytomegalovirus infection, ureaplasmosis, trichomoniasis, gardnerellosis, human papillomavirus infection, bacterial vaginosis, recurrent vaginal candidiasis, mycoplasmosis), with primary or recurrent herpetic infection of the skin and mucous membranes ( localized form, mild to moderate course, including the urogenital form).
For adults with the above infections, except for herpes, VIFERON 500,000 IU is prescribed, 1 suppository 2 times a day every 12 hours. The course is 5-10 days. According to clinical indications, therapy can be continued with breaks between courses of 5 days.
For herpes infection, VIFERON 1,000,000 IU is prescribed, 1 suppository 2 times a day every 12 hours. The course of treatment is 10 days or more for recurrent infections. 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.
For pregnant women with urogenital infection, including herpetic infection, in the second trimester of pregnancy (starting from the 14th week) - VIFERON 500000 IU, 1 suppository every 12 hours (2 times a day) for 10 days, then 1 suppository every 12 hours ( 2 times a day) twice a week - 10 days. Then, after 4 weeks, preventive courses of the drug VIFERON 150000 IU are carried out, 1 suppository every 12 hours - for 5 days, the preventive course is repeated every 4 weeks. If necessary, it is possible to conduct a treatment course before childbirth.
In the complex therapy of acute respiratory viral infections, including influenza, including those complicated by bacterial infection in adults.
Use VIFERON 500,000 IU, 1 suppository 2 times a day every 12 hours. The course of treatment is 5-10 days.
The drug Viferon: reviews and studies
Let us say right away that the treatment of viral and bacterial diseases with interferons is recognized in the USA and Europe, and even in Kazakhstan, which is close to us, as ineffective. Clinical studies that were published in Russia have a level of evidence – class II (B). This means that small randomized controlled clinical trials were conducted, involving only a small number of people. From the point of view of evidence-based medicine, such studies do not inspire much confidence. Nevertheless, sales of Viferon are a very large market of several billion rubles.
As a doctor (my personal opinion), I do not consider the drug Viferon to be effective, and I have never seen a significant positive result from its mono use. As for patients, patient reviews of Viferon are absolutely diverse, because... Patients usually take several medications at once. Therefore, it is easy to make a mistake in interpreting the results, because the result could have been achieved through another drug, or simply through the natural cessation of the disease. This is well demonstrated by the proverb: To treat a cold or not to treat it, it will still go away in 7 days.
Viferon gel: instructions, price
Viferon gel is used (as well as suppositories) for the treatment of acute and recurrent herpetic stomatitis. The gel is applied 4-5 times a day directly to the lesions on the oral mucosa (24stoma.ru). Before applying the gel, it is advisable to dry the mucous membrane with a dry gauze swab, then apply the gel to the lesions using a spatula or a cotton swab. The course of treatment is from 5 to 10 days (until symptoms disappear).
Viferon gel is also suitable for treating not only the mucous membrane, but also the red border of the lips. The drug can be used by pregnant and lactating women without any restrictions (due to the low absorption of the active ingredients through the mucous membrane). Viferon gel – the price will be 0t 150 rubles.
Viferon gel for local and external use 36000 IU/g 12 g in Dmitrov
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 acute respiratory viral infections, 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 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.
Viferon ointment: instructions for use
Viferon ointment can be used in adults and children from 1 year of age to treat herpetic infections localized on the skin or red border of the lips (for the mucous membrane it is better to use Viferon gel). For herpetic rashes, the ointment is applied in a thin layer to the affected areas 3-5 times a day. The duration of treatment is only 5-7 days. Viferon ointment can be used without restrictions during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Viferon ointment – price starts from 180 rubles. We hope you found our article useful!
Sources:
1. The author’s higher professional education in dentistry, 2. Based on 20 years of personal experience as a dentist, 3. The European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (EU), 4. National Library of Medicine (USA), 5. https://www. vidal.ru/, 6. “Pediatric therapeutic dentistry. National leadership" (Leontyev V.K.).
