Interferon preparations in tablets. Human leukocyte interferon

Viruses lie in wait for humans everywhere at any time of the year, so to prevent the development of acute respiratory viral infections or combat them, they are often used antiviral drugs and, in particular, Interferon nasal drops.

But to find a cure in such dosage form with just such a name it is impossible.

This is explained by the fact that, under the name Human Leukocyte Interferon, on pharmacy shelves there is a powder or lyophilisate for preparing a solution, packaged in ampoules.

It can be diluted and instilled into the nasal passages, or you can immediately purchase drugs in the form of interferon-based drops or spray.

What is Interferon: indications for use

They prevent the multiplication of viruses, their further spread and promote the activation of synthesis by the body special cells, destroying viral particles.

There are several types of this substance, but alpha interferon is mainly synthesized by the pharmaceutical industry. It helps in every possible way to prevent viral diseases and speeds up recovery if infection does occur.

Therefore, medications based on it are widely prescribed for:

• ARVI;
• flu;
• rhinitis of viral origin;
• herpetic lesions of the mucous membranes or skin around the nostrils, etc.

They can also be used to prevent the occurrence of complications and the addition of a bacterial infection during a prolonged or severe course of ARVI.

But it should be noted that the use of drugs of this kind is practiced only in the vast expanses of post-Soviet countries, although their effectiveness has been confirmed by research.

What effect does the drug have?

It has a large list of pharmaceutical actions, including:

• anti-inflammatory;
• immunomodulatory;
• immunostimulating;
• antitumor;
• bacteriostatic.

But still, its main positive property is its antiviral effect. It is most advisable to use interferon in the nose for preventive purposes in the midst of epidemics or in the initial stages of the development of the disease.
Source: website Today, the pharmaceutical market offers many interferon-based drugs in the following forms:

• powder for preparing a solution for local use (strictly prohibited for parenteral, that is, intravenous, intramuscular, etc., administration);
• nasal drops and spray;
• ointment;
• candles.

It is impossible to say unequivocally which form of release is better, since each of them has its own characteristics and advantages. However, most often with colds

Contraindications and side effects

The medication is absolutely safe because it is a natural compound for the human body, produced during various viral infections. Therefore, it can be used with virtually no restrictions, which is why it is sold over-the-counter from pharmacies.

But for a number of pathologies, its use is permitted only as prescribed by a doctor. This:

• severe diseases of the cardiovascular and nervous system;
• disorders of the liver and kidneys;
• acute allergies;
• pathologies of the thyroid gland;
• hypersensitivity to components.

Attention

Sometimes, while using the medication, patients experience an increase in body temperature and chills. But such a reaction of the body is normal, since this is how the fight against pathogenic microorganisms increases.

In rare cases, patients experience side effects such as:

• allergic reaction, in particular, the appearance of a skin rash, itching, etc.;
• short-term disturbances in the functioning of the heart, including arrhythmia and decreased blood pressure;
• dizziness, headaches and muscle pain;
• seizures;
• dyspepsia (nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea);
• sleep disorders.

However, when local use risk of occurrence side effects extremely low, since the active substance is not absorbed into the blood.

More often, this is the result of an overdose, but in any case, if similar reactions are observed in response to its administration, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible.

Interferon: instructions for using nasal drops

Interferon powder for preparing nasal drops immediately before use must be dissolved with water for injection or regular boiled water (but not hot) to obtain 2 ml of solution.

For convenience and accuracy of dosing, each ampoule has a special mark up to which you need to add solvent.

The finished solution is transparent or has a slight yellowish tint. The dose and frequency of administration depends on the reason for its use and the age of the patient.

The method of using the finished preparations is described in the annotation for each of them, since each of them contains active ingredients in different concentrations.


But in any case, before administering the product, it is recommended to clear the nasal passages of mucus and crusts by rinsing the nose with any saline solution, for example, Humer, Aquamaris, Marimer, Physiomer, etc.

When using it to avoid drying out the mucous membrane.

Name of nasal drops with interferon

In the form of a powder for preparing a solution or a ready-made solution, you can purchase:

1. Roferon-A;
2. Lafferon alpha;
3. Lipoferon;
4. Intron A, etc.

Medicines are also available in the form of drops and spray. Interferon drops are presented under the trade names:

1. Nazoferon (100,000 IU);
2. Grippferon (100,000 IU);
3. Laferon Nasal (200,000 IU).

There is a drug called Ingaron, but it contains not alpha, but gamma interferon, to which various viral particles are not able to develop resistance, making it effective at any stage of the disease.

But since the drug has not undergone clinical trials on children, it is approved for use only for the treatment of children over 7 years of age and adults, with the exception of pregnant women.

For children over 1 year of age and adults, it is more convenient to use a nasal spray. In this form you can purchase:

• Nazoferon (100,000 IU);
• Genferon light (50,000 IU);
• Grippferon (100,000 IU).

All of the above drugs are obtained chemically, or rather biotechnologically, that is, they contain recombinant interferon.

While the powder ampoules contain human leukocyte interferon isolated from the blood of donors.

That's why allergic reactions are more often observed when the latter is introduced, since it is extremely difficult to completely purify the substance from foreign impurities, in particular proteins.

Interferon nasal drops for children: how to use

How to drip for children depends on the goals pursued, the age of the patient and the type of medicine chosen. A solution prepared at home from lyophilisate is used as follows:

1. For preventive purposes, Interferon is administered into the nose of children 5 drops twice a day with a break of at least 6 hours. The duration of therapy is determined by the severity of the epidemiological situation.
2. For treatment, children are administered 5 drops of solution every 2 hours for 3 days.

When choosing ready-made medications, you must be guided by the instructions for it and administer a strictly defined amount to the child in order to exclude the possibility of developing side effects.

After all, each drug contains a different amount of active substance, so ignoring the instructions can lead to the development of undesirable consequences.


However, it is undesirable to use them especially for a long time or more than twice a year, since this is fraught with inhibition of the cells’ synthesis of their own interferons and, consequently, a decrease in natural protection.

For babies

For first-year babies, interferon-based products. The solution prepared at home can be instilled directly into the nasal passages or use cotton swabs soaked in 2-3 drops of medicine.

The use of sprays to treat children under 1 year of age is prohibited to avoid the development of complications. Drops are allowed to be used in strict accordance with the instructions for them.

Interferon during pregnancy

Interferon for the nose can be used without fear during pregnancy. Regardless of whether it is 1st trimester or 3rd, dosage medicine remains unchanged and corresponds to the administration of 5 drops every 2 hours for therapeutic purposes and twice a day for preventive purposes.


However, before using it, it is recommended to consult a doctor about the advisability of using the drug and the need to take additional medications.

Storage conditions

The drugs are stored according to the manufacturer's recommendations. But since most of them are destroyed by exposure high temperatures, it is usually recommended to store them on the refrigerator door.
If nasal drops with interferon were prepared at home from powder, it can only be used for 24 hours, so to continue treatment, a new ampoule of the medicine is opened every day.

Analogues

There are many antiviral agents. The following are available in nasal form:

• IRS-19;
• Euphorbium compositum and others.

The following are produced in the form of oral preparations:

• Ergoferon;
• Arbidol;
• Anaferon;
• Isoprinosine;
• Oscillococcinum and others

Antiviral agents are also available in the form of ointments and suppositories:

• Viferon;
• Oxolinic ointment;
• Grippferon.

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I take reaferon lipint capsules to prevent ARVI and influenza. A course once a year is enough to avoid getting sick for a year. I also like the convenience; you can take the capsules with you on the road or on vacation. There were no side effects, which I’m glad about, because taking antibiotics caused me... I take reaferon lipint capsules to prevent ARVI and influenza. A course once a year is enough to avoid getting sick for a year. I also like the convenience; you can take the capsules with you on the road or on vacation. There were no side effects, which I’m glad about, because I have intestinal problems from taking antibiotics.

Interferon is an excellent remedy, I spent a long time selecting a drug based on interferon, and found the optimal one - reaferon-es-lipint. It is in capsules, and you drink it for only 5 days, it puts you on your feet when you have the flu already on the second or third day + noticeably increases your immunity. Effective and without side effects, what more do you need? :)

And we take Reaferon-ES-Lipint for the flu, it contains interferon, and it gets you back on your feet within a few days of taking it. It’s very convenient to drink, one capsule in the morning and evening, for five days. The drug is not only an antiviral, but also an immunomodulator. There are no side effects from the drug, since it does not contain any additives or dyes.

Interferon increases the body's resistance to viral penetration, helping to block the reproduction of the pathogen when it enters cells.

The drug is universal due to the lack of virus specificity, which characterizes it as antiviral agent the widest spectrum of action.

Instructions for various forms of Interferon

The instructions accompany each unit of Interferon, being mandatory to follow in the case of individual use of the drug without medical advice.

Form, composition, packaging

There are quite a few varieties of the drug Interferon and each of them differs in its composition, having an identical operating basis.

The Interferon line of drugs can be presented as:

• lyophilized powder (for preparing eye/nasal drops, injection solution);
• tablets (trademark Entalferon);
• injection solution;
• microenemas;
• eye drops;
• implants;
• eye films;
• vaginal/rectal suppositories;
• nasal drops/spray;
• oral solution;
• ointments;
• aerosol;
• dermatological gel;
• liposomes

All drugs are supplied with individual packaging materials.

Storage period and conditions

Interferon in any form is stored for up to two years in cool conditions (from two to eight degrees Celsius) and protected from direct sunlight.

Ready-to-use Interferon solutions, when kept in a room at room temperature, can be stable for only three days.

Pharmacology

The main pharmacological property that is inherent in the line of interferons is the suppression of viral protein synthesis. The antiviral effect develops several hours after administration of the drug.

The antiviral effect of the active complex also manifests itself against infected cells.

Penetrating through the cell membrane, the components of the active Interferon complex interact with each other with a tendency to mutually enhance, destroy the viability of the virus and, suppressing its ability to reproduce and further develop, allow the body to significantly increase its resistance to damage by any type of pathogen and inflammatory processes viral in nature.

Pharmacokinetics

After parenteral administration, the plasma concentration of interferon reaches its maximum in the period from three to twelve hours. Bioavailability is complete.

The half-life may last two hours. Maximum seven hours.

After a day, the drug is completely eliminated.

Indications for use of the drug Interferon

Interferon drugs are usually prescribed for the treatment of viral diseases that affect the respiratory tract. Also, patients with chronic hepatitis (Delta, C, B) can receive prescriptions for medications of this type.

The use of Interferon in oncology is not excluded:

• with malignant melanoma;
• kidney cancer;
• for tumors of an endocrine pancreatic nature;
• multiple myeloma;
• non-Hodgkin's lymphoma;
• with hairy cell leukemia;
• Kaposi's sarcoma in those affected by AIDS and other similar ailments.

• thrombocythemia;
• multiple sclerosis;
• eye damage due to adenovirus/herpetic infection;
• herpes zoster.

Contraindications

Interferon is not prescribed in the following cases:

• with high sensitivity to the drug;
• patients with severe nervous system/mental disorders accompanied by prolonged depressive states, suicide attempts and thoughts of this type in adolescence and childhood;
• in combination treatment with Ribavirin for patients with renal disorders severe;
• epileptic patients.

Interferon: instructions for use

Interferons gamma/beta/alpha can be prescribed only after testing the sensitivity of the microflora that caused the disease to the drug.

The drug is dosed depending on the degree of the body’s response to therapeutic measures with its use and the clinical picture of the disease.

Interferon for children in the form of drops, suppositories and ointments

The drug is used for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes from the neonatal period.

For preventive measures used in the form of a solution prepared from lyophilized powder based on warm boiled/distilled water. The finished solution is red. It is used by instillation into the nasal passages of patients of any age.

Eye drops are used for therapeutic measures for diseases in the field of ophthalmology of a viral nature. Dose recommended for treatment: two drops/six times/day/every 120 minutes. The dose should be halved when the severity of symptoms decreases. Duration of use is up to ten days.

Infection with the herpetic virus is treated by applying a thin layer of ointment twice a day with an interval of 12 hours. Duration of use until the integrity of the affected area is completely restored. Typically takes three to five days.

For preventive purposes to prevent acute respiratory infections/flu, it is recommended to lubricate the nostrils with ointment before leaving the house. Apply the ointment twice a day for one week, then a week break and again a week of using the drug. It would also be useful to use Interferon until the epidemic of these diseases stops.

Interferon suppositories are used by rectal administration. One candle twice or once a day. Use from five to ten days.

Dilution and use of Interferon in ampoule form

Pour water into the opened ampoule up to the 2 milliliter mark. Shake the resulting contents to completely dissolve the solution. The drug is administered 2 times a day/5 hours/every 6 hours.

Treatment for influenza should begin as soon as possible after infection to achieve maximum therapeutic effect.

The most effective method Treatments recognized include nasal/oral inhalation. Take the contents of three ampoules and dilute them in ten milliliters of water heated to 37 degrees (for one-time use). It is recommended to carry out the procedures twice a day with a break of two hours.

To carry out instillation or spraying of the solution, dissolve 1 ampoule in 2 milliliters of water, followed by instillation of 5k/3 or 6r/day/2-3 days into each passage of the nose.

For prevention of influenza in childhood: 5k/2r/d/;

When the disease begins: 5k/6r/day/every 1 or 2 hours.

Interferon solution can be dropped into the eyes if necessary.

Interferon during pregnancy

During pregnancy, Interferon is not prescribed for use except in cases where a woman urgently needs to take the drug. The same applies to the prescription for a woman who is breastfeeding. If treatment is necessary, feeding should be stopped and the child switched to artificial feeding.

Interferon for children

• diseases of an inflammatory-infectious nature of the respiratory system;
• chronic viral hepatitis;
• meningitis;
• childhood viral infections, for example, mumps or chickenpox;
• sepsis.

The drug is also effectively used for those children who are often exposed to infectious diseases of the respiratory tract as a means of rehabilitation.

Interferon nasal drops are mainly used for children.

For infants, rectal suppositories are more often used.

Side effects

Quite often as a manifestation side effects The following were recorded for taking Interferon:

• development of anorexia;
• the occurrence of tremors in the body;
• nausea;
• chills.

Less often there were complaints of vomiting, as well as manifestations of:

• confusion of consciousness;
• increased drowsiness;
• arterial hypotension;
• feeling of dryness in the mouth;
• insomnia;
• alopecia;
• irritability;
• asthenia;
• taste disorders;
• loss of concentration;
• nonspecific flu-like symptoms;
• general malaise;
• back pain;
• the occurrence of thoughts of suicide and attempts;
• states of depression;
• musculoskeletal pain.

Side effects that are rare, but still occur:

• pain in the right hypochondrium;
• neuropathy;
• body rashes of an erythematous and maculopapular nature;
• hyperuricemia;
• high degree of nervousness;
• inflammation and pain at injection sites;
• peripheral ischemia;
• viral secondary infection (herpes simplex virus);
• impaired renal function and development of renal failure;
• dry skin;
• development of dyspnea;
• sensations of itching;
• convulsions;
• pain in the eyes;
• bleeding gums;
• the occurrence of conjunctivitis;
• increased appetite;
• blurred vision;
• infiltrates in the lungs;
• dysfunction of the lacrimal gland;
• state of increased anxiety;
• hearing impairment with possible hearing loss;
• psychotic disorders with hallucinations;
• development of hypothyroidism/hyperthyroidism;
• aggression;
• unformed stool;
• development of hyperthermia;
• manifestations of tachycardia;
• dyspeptic symptoms;
• severe weight loss;
• respiratory disorders.

It has also been established that taking Interferon can negatively affect a person’s ability to reproduce due to disturbances and disruptions in a woman’s menstrual cycle.

Disorders in the field of ophthalmology, the development of nephrotic syndrome, hyperglycemia, and renal failure cannot be excluded. Sick diabetes mellitus may feel their condition worsening. There is also a high probability that colitis, Stevens-Johnson and Lyell syndromes, pancreatitis, sarcoidosis, cerebrovascular hemorrhage, hyperglyceridermia, myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular and cardiac ischemia, erythema multiforme, tissue necrosis at the injection sites of the drug will appear.

Isolated cases of the development of aplastic anemia up to complete aplasia of the red bone marrow have been recorded when using Interferon alone or combining it with the drug Ribavirin. There have also been isolated developments of autoimmune/immune-mediated disorders.

Overdose

There are no descriptions of overdose with any type of Interferon.

Drug interactions

Some information about drug interactions Interferons and other drugs:

Interferon beta works well with corticosteroids. But it should not be combined with myelosuppressive drugs to avoid the development of an additive effect.

Beta-interferon requires caution in its use if necessary, when combined with antidepressants and antiepileptic drugs.

Alpha interferon is poorly combined with Telbivudine due to mutual enhancement in relation to HIV. Combination with phosphazide leads to mutual enhancement of myelotoxicity on both sides.

Additional instructions

There are no additional instructions for the use of the drug. The instructions for use of this line of medicinal products contain a complete set of guidelines for its use.

Interferon analogues

Each type of interferon has its own analogues:

Interferon alfa-2a: drugs Roferon, Reaferon.

Interferon alfa-2b is produced under the trade names Intrek, Viferon, Intron-A.

Interferon alfa-2C is similar to the drugs Velferon, Egoferon, Berofor.

Interferons β-IFN: drugs Fron and Betaseron.

Interferon γ-IFN is in many ways identical to the drugs Immunoferon, Imukan, Gammaferon.

Price for Interferons

The cost of Interferon drugs largely depends on the volume of packaging and the manufacturer, as well as on the location of the pharmacy.

On average, the price for Interferon alfa 2 b in a package of ampoules No. 10 can be purchased by paying from 72 to 86 rubles.

The cost of Interferon beta 1a and 1b is about thirteen to twenty-eight thousand rubles.

Pegylated interferon will cost on average from seven to sixteen thousand rubles.

Interferon nasal drops can be purchased for no more than 190 rubles, and suppositories of the same name for childhood will cost the patient about three hundred rubles.

The cost of Interferon alfa, as well as tablets and Ribavirin, is very unstable. Therefore, it is necessary to clarify how much this type of drug costs when purchasing.

For children from the neonatal period (from birth), the drug is administered intranasally (by spraying or instillation). For children from 3 years of age and adults - additionally in the form of inhalation.

Intranasally

The ampoule with the drug is opened immediately before use. Sterile distilled or boiled water cooled to room temperature is added to the ampoule up to the line indicated on the ampoule, corresponding to 2 ml, and gently shaken until the contents are completely dissolved. The dissolved drug is a clear or slightly opalescent liquid, colorless or light yellow to pink. The dissolved drug can be stored at a temperature of 2 to 8 °C for 1 day.

The drug is used by instillation (using a medical pipette or syringe without a needle) or spraying. Spraying is carried out using sprayers of any system or using the supplied spray nozzle.

For prophylaxis, administration of the drug should begin when there is an immediate threat of infection and continue as long as the risk of infection remains. The drug is used intranasally by instilling 5 drops or spraying 0.25 ml into each nasal passage 2 times a day with an interval of at least 6 hours.

For treatment, the drug is used at an early stage of the disease when the first symptoms appear. clinical symptoms intranasally 0.25 ml (5 drops) into each nasal passage after 1-2 hours at least 5 times a day. The earlier its use is started, the higher the effectiveness of the drug.

Rules for using the spray nozzle:

Place the needle on the syringe, fill it with the dissolved drug in a volume of 0.25 ml (mark 10 on a scale of 40 units or mark 25 on a scale of 100 units). Remove the needle and tightly attach the spray nozzle. Bring the spray nozzle close to the nasal passage and sharply press the syringe plunger to inject the drug into the nasal passage. Remove the spray nozzle, put on the needle and draw 0.25 ml of the drug from the ampoule into the syringe. Remove the needle, tightly put on the spray nozzle again and inject the drug into the other nasal passage in accordance with point 3.

The spray nozzle is inserted to a depth of 0.5 cm into the nasal passages, previously cleared of mucus. The patient should be in a sitting position with his head slightly thrown back and remain in this position for 1 minute after administration of the drug. One attachment may only be used on one patient.

special instructions

Administration of the drug by injection is strictly prohibited.

Use with caution for persons with allergic diseases.

Use in pediatrics

For children from the neonatal period (from birth), the drug is used by spraying and instillation.

Use during pregnancy andlactation

There are no data on experience of use in pregnant women. Therefore, the drug is used as prescribed by a doctor, taking into account the ratio of expected benefits for the mother and possible risk for the fetus and child.

There are no restrictions on use during lactation.

Features of influence influence of the drug on the ability to drive vehicle and potentially dangerous mechanisms

Does not affect.

Features of the effect of the drug in persons with impaired liver and kidney functionand in gerontological practice

No application specifics identified medicinal product in persons with impaired liver and kidney function. No specific features of use in gerontological practice have been identified.