When carrying out complex therapy for infectious diseases, it is imperative to follow the doctor’s recommendations, as well as take medications correctly. Today, antiviral medications are available in several forms, namely: tablets, suppositories, syrups, sprays, ointments and gels. Suppositories are considered the most effective and fastest-acting form, however, in order to achieve a positive effect from treatment, they must be used correctly. How to place Viferon suppositories for a child and what should be taken into account when administering the drug?
From what age can it be used?
Young children are more susceptible to respiratory illnesses than adults. The difficulty in treating children under one year of age is that many medications are contraindicated for them. The advantage of Viferon is that it has no age restrictions . Therefore, children can take it from birth, even those born prematurely.
If a 4-5 month old baby in the family falls ill, Viferon antiviral suppositories for children will help in his treatment, the dosage rules of which will be presented below.
This medicine is suitable for treatment and as a prophylactic against ARVI.
Composition and release form of the drug
Viferon is produced in Russia. The suppositories are packaged in a plastic container, in which a separate compartment is provided for each suppository.
The container is enclosed in a cardboard package. The number of candles in one pack is ten. The dosage of the drug has 4 types. It depends on the age of the patient.
For babies under one year old, it is customary to use Viferon 150,000 IU. Each suppository must have a uniform consistency. The color of the medicine is white or cream-colored. The shape of the candles is oblong and narrowed towards the end.
The substance that has the main effect is interferon alpha 2b .
The drug contains ascorbic acid, alpha-tocopherol acetate, polysorbate, disodium edetate dihydrate and benzocaine.
Cocoa butter is used as the main mass of candles, and, less often, confectionery fat.
In pharmacies, the drug Viferon may be offered to you in other forms, for example:
- gel,
- ointment.
What effect does it have on the child’s body?
The medicine contains interferon; the active substance begins to intensively destroy viruses that have settled in the cells of the body.
Beneficial properties of interferon-based suppositories:
- The immune system of a sick baby becomes stronger and begins to provide intense resistance to the disease. Thanks to this property, the drug is also effective as a prevention of acute respiratory viral infections and influenza.
- Proven fact: in children who were given suppositories during the flu, the risk of complications was reduced to a minimum.
- Already at the beginning of taking Viferon, the child’s general well-being improves significantly: the inflammatory process is inhibited.
- Tissues damaged by the harmful virus begin to recover, which means the toxic effects on the body are reduced.
How do suppositories work?
The active substance is interoferon. Once in the body, it kills germs and viruses. The component strengthens the immune system , helps in the production of antibodies that recognize infectious agents at the intercellular level.
The suppositories contain benzocaine. It has antiseptic properties, improves the general condition of children, renews cell membranes and acts as an anesthetic. Vitamins C and E included in the suppositories enhance the effect of interoferon.
Scientists have proven that the effect of suppositories reduces the risk of complications after the flu. Improves the condition of children in the treatment of herpes, hepatitis, papillomavirus and cytomegalovirus.
Indications for use
Viferon has a detrimental effect exclusively on viruses . It is not able to fight bacterial infections.
Diseases for which the drug is indicated:
- The first most common disease in the fight against which medicine will help is acute respiratory viral infections, influenza. The most dangerous thing about such infections is their complications. An interferon-based drug will help avoid this.
- The drug is used in the complex treatment of meningitis. This dangerous disease occurs due to an attack by viruses or bacteria on the lining of the brain.
The manifestation of the disease is characterized by vomiting, attacks of severe headache, and increased body temperature.The disease is deadly, so timely treatment is vital.
- A disease in which a harmful virus enters the circulatory system is called sepsis. Ends in death.
- The causative agent of herpes infection is a virus. Therefore, treatment with Viferon will be appropriate. However, it is not possible to completely cure herpes. It will be possible to stop the relapse and make the manifestations of the disease more rare.
- Infections of the genitourinary system, which can be transmitted to the child from an infected mother during childbirth. For example, candidiasis, trichomoniasis, chlamydia, etc.
Can it be used for babies?
Viferon suppositories are used both for the treatment of viral infections (flu, ARVI, herpes) and for their prevention in children. They are prescribed to frequently ill children. Suppositories can be used even by premature babies over 34 weeks.
There is a table for calculating the pediatric dose based on the age of the children. But doctors prescribe the drug individually.
This depends on the condition of the child, his place of residence (whether the region is favorable or not), weight and a number of other indicators.
Contraindications
The drug is well tolerated in children. But there are still contraindications. In rare cases, allergies occur . The rash can appear on both the baby’s face and body. But most often the rashes are observed in the cheeks and chin.
If such a reaction to the drug does occur, it is not necessary to stop taking it. An antihistamine is prescribed simultaneously with Viferon.
The use of interferon-based suppositories is unacceptable in cases where the child has an inflammatory process in the rectal area.
Instructions for taking the drug, dosage rules
For children under one year of age, the drug is prescribed at a dose of 150,000 IU.
Specific recommendations for taking medication may differ : they depend on whether the child was born full-term and what illness he had.
- For rotavirus infections and influenza, treatment should continue for five days.
Newborn babies born after 34 weeks are given one suppository twice a day, and premature babies are given one suppository, but three times a day. - Infections (herpes, meningitis) and blood poisoning require treatment over several courses.
Depending on the severity of the disease, five-day courses can be repeated up to three times. Full-term infants are prescribed one suppository once every 12 hours, and premature infants are prescribed one suppository once every 8 hours. - If a child is diagnosed with hepatitis, the doctor will determine the required duration of treatment.
As for dosage, the daily dose of medicine for children from birth to six months is from 300,000 IU to 500,000 IU. Babies over 6 months old, but under one year old, are prescribed 500,000 IU of the drug per day. Depending on the situation, the frequency of administration can be from two to three times a day.
You will find additional information about the correct use of the drug in the form of suppositories in a separate material.
Recommended dosage
You can use Viferon suppositories 150,000 IU and 200,000 IU for children. The active drug substance in the drug is interferon. It helps the body fight infection.
Doctors recommend adhering to the following dosages and rules during treatment:
- from birth to 1 year - use Viferon 150 thousand IU. Place two suppositories per day, morning and evening. The course of treatment is 5 days;
- children 1 year -7 years old - use Viferon 150 thousand IU. They operate according to the scheme described above. The course of treatment and dosage can be slightly increased;
- children 7-18 years old - use Viferon 500 thousand. Light 1 candle 2 times a day.
The maximum course of treatment with Viferon in young children should not exceed 8-9 days . At an older age, you can use Viferon suppositories longer. Your doctor will help you determine how many times a day to administer the suppository. The specialist will prescribe an individual treatment regimen for the child if necessary.
Method of use
The main condition for the absence of difficulties when administering the drug to a child is the correct storage of Viferon.
To prevent candles from becoming soft and losing their shape, they need to be stored in the refrigerator .
Direct use of suppositories is advisable after bowel movements.
The introduction of a suppository is a provoking action for defecation. If this happens, the drug will not have time to have the necessary effect on the body.
Before inserting the suppository, you must wash your hands. The child needs to be placed on his side and his legs bent at the knees. The medicine must be introduced into the anus carefully, immediately after removing it from the package, otherwise the candle may melt under the influence of heat. You can learn more about how to properly light a candle for your baby here.
After completing the necessary actions, place the child on his tummy to avoid rejection of the medicine.
How to use it correctly
Candles are inserted twice a day at equal intervals, that is, every twelve hours.
Before using the suppository, the child must have a bowel movement. If there is feces in the rectum, the effect of the suppository will be practically reduced to zero.
Then place the child on his back, lift his legs, holding his heels, and carefully insert the suppository into the anus. Don't forget to wash your hands well with soap and water before handling the candle.
The suppository is inserted with the sharp end into the rectum. After inserting the suppository, press the baby's buttocks with your hands, as the product may come out if the child pushes a little.
At the end of the procedure, provide him with quiet leisure time.
Attention! The baby may be a little fussy. This is due to discomfort when inserting a suppository into the anus.
Interaction with other substances, side effects
Almost always, along with Viferon, the doctor prescribes some other medications for sick children. Therefore, the question of their joint action cannot be ignored. Suppositories do not suppress the effect of other drugs and interact well with them.
The medicine is almost 100% tolerable , and side effects are very rare. Sometimes a skin rash occurs, which is localized on the face.
Such a phenomenon as a drug overdose has never been observed in medical practice.
Cost in Russia
The drug is inexpensive. The price depends on the region. On average in Russia, the cost of Viferon in a dosage of 150,000 IU is 270 rubles.
There are analogues of the product on the Russian market. Their price may be slightly more expensive or cheaper than the original drug.
In the articles on our website we will tell you about other equally effective and popular antiviral suppositories for children. Read these articles:
- Laferobion is a cure for viruses from the first days of life!
- Polyoxidonium - properties of the drug and effects on the children's body.
- Genferon Light - indications for use, instructions and recommendations for use.
- Kipferon is a remedy for treating children from various infections.
By the way
Viferon Suppositories are indicated in complex therapy not only for acute respiratory diseases, they are also used in the treatment of other viral diseases. The therapeutic effect of the drug in combined regimens of such diseases as herpes, papillomavirus infection, hepatitis, cytomegalovirus and others has been clinically proven. In addition, Viferon has a direct anti-chlamydial effect, as well as anti-inflammatory, regenerating and membrane-stabilizing properties. During treatment with the drug VIFERON® Suppositories, there is a rapid decrease and elimination of clinical symptoms of infectious diseases, the likelihood of relapses in chronic forms decreases, and the child’s body’s resistance to infection significantly increases.
Based on materials:
1. “Viferon: modern opportunities in the prevention of influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections in frequently ill children”, V.V. Malinovskaya, L.N. Mazankova, S.K. Karyaeva, O.V. Parshina, T.S. Guseva, V.V. Lazarev, Z.D. Kaloeva, T.A. Chebotareva. 2. “Viferon: therapy for viral infections”, I.V. Nesterova.
Materials were prepared by employees based on open information sources
Important Tips and Precautions
- To get the greatest effect from treatment, start taking the medicine when the very first signs of the disease appear.
- If treatment requires this, the drug can be used in conjunction with other drugs, for example, antibiotics or hormones.
- As for women who are pregnant, the drug is approved for them after the 14th week of pregnancy.
- During lactation there are no restrictions on the use of Viferon.
- In order for candles to take effect at the right time, they must be stored correctly - in the refrigerator. The shelf life is no more than two years.
- To avoid unpleasant consequences even when taking the most harmless remedy, you should not prescribe treatment yourself. The selection of the necessary treatment methods should be carried out by a specialist.
Viferon suppositories can be used for children immediately after birth. They can help if the disease is caused by exposure to viruses. The method of administration and dose are determined by the doctor depending on the age and type of pathogen.
With rare exceptions, there are no contraindications for use. Particular attention should be paid to the method of storing candles.
Viferon: instructions.
What is Viferon?
This is a human recombinant drug of interferons of the alpha2b group, which has the following properties:
- prevents the proliferation of viruses in the cell;
- regulates the immune system;
- fights viruses
- increases the human body's resistance to various types of infections.
In addition to interferon, Viferon contains auxiliary ingredients,
which enhance interferon activity.
Viferon composition:
Viferon for children.
Viferon has several forms of release:
- ointment
- gel
- rectal suppositories.
Depending on the form of the drug, additional components vary, but the basic principle of the composition remains.
Suppositories, ointments or Viferon gel contain oxidation inhibitors (vitamin E or C), in the presence of which the positive effect of inerferon alpha 2b on the human body is enhanced.
The vitamins themselves have anti-inflammatory properties for the cell membrane, and are also membrane stabilizers and substances that restore cell integrity.
The most commonly prescribed drug is Viferon rectal suppositories - we will talk about them today.
Suppositories are sold in pharmacies without a prescription, but they should only be used strictly as prescribed by a doctor.
Viferon has minimal contraindications: it cannot be used only in case of intolerance to any component of the drug.
In pregnant, lactating, newborns and other categories of patients for whom various drugs are usually prohibited, the use of Viferon is possible. Cases of Viferon overdose
was not described.
Viferon is not always what the child needs at the moment.
For bacterial infections, it can, of course, enhance the effect of the antibiotic, but if the diagnosis is incorrect and the cause of the disease is bacteria, it can turn out to be completely useless (if the child does not take the antibiotic).
Viferon price
varies depending on the place of purchase and the amount of ME in 1 candle.
So, 3,000,000 IU will cost the consumer an average of 900 rubles for 10 suppositories, 1 million IU 550 rubles for 10 rectal suppositories, 150 thousand IU - 260 rubles for 10 pieces, and 500 thousand IU - 350 rubles.
