The main requirements for all medications are effectiveness and safety, which is especially true when it comes to medications for the smallest children. But the number of groups of drugs used in children is limited: out of twelve thousand drugs registered in Russia, less than a thousand are used in pediatrics. What drugs can be used to treat infants without fear of undesirable consequences?
- When are VIFERON suppositories prescribed?
- Can I use ointment?
- In what cases is VIFERON Gel indicated for infants?
- Recommendations for purchasing and storing medicines
According to the World Health Organization, every year about ten million children in the world do not live to reach the age of five. Pneumonia alone causes the death of up to two million children every year. More than half of them could be saved with medication. But the problem is based not only on the inability to obtain medical care for families with children for some groups of the population. One of the leading problems of modern medicine and pharmacy is the limited number of drugs approved for use in pediatrics. According to the European Commission, more than 50% of drugs used in pediatrics are not approved for use in children. As practice shows, in intensive care units, doctors treat children with “adult” medications in almost 90% of cases.
Can children and adults be given the same medications?
Leading pediatricians say that special medications are needed to treat a child’s body. Children's medications should differ from medications intended for adults, firstly, in the rate at which the drug is eliminated from the body. For example, in infants, the kidneys are in the developmental stage, so the active ingredients of the drugs must be quickly eliminated from the body.
Not all medications can be prescribed to babies at an early age; for example, the use of antibiotics in the first months and, especially, days of a child’s life can lead to the formation of persistent dysbiosis, secondary enzymatic deficiency and the development of such a serious complication as pseudomembranous enterocolitis. Secondly, the drug must have a rapid therapeutic effect and maintain its therapeutic effect for a long time. Plus, children's medications should be in a form that is easy to take.
One of these drugs that is approved for the treatment of infants from the first days of life is the antiviral drug VIFERON, which has a wide spectrum of antiviral activity. Antiviral properties allow it to block the reproduction of the virus, and the immunomodulatory effect helps restore immunity. The drugs, which are produced in the form of suppositories, gels and ointments, were developed as a result of fundamental research in the field of immunology, which proved that the presence of antioxidants (vitamins C, E and others) enhances the antiviral effect of interferon. The drug can be used in infants.
How does the drug affect the body?
The modern remedy Viferon is produced in the form of suppositories, gel or ointment. The most convenient form of using the drug for treating children is, of course, rectal suppositories. They are prescribed by many pediatricians when signs of a viral infection or fever appear. Viferon is also often prescribed for a runny nose. In addition, it is quite possible to treat a cough with Viferon.
Thanks to the use of a child dose of the drug, it is possible to effectively overcome the infection without causing harm to the child’s body. Viferon suppositories are perfectly combined with hormonal agents and antibacterial drugs. Thanks to the prescription of this medicine, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of dysbiosis in a child. This drug is used to strengthen the body's protective functions and prevent ARVI.
Viferon candles for children include the following components:
- interferon;
- sodium ascorbate;
- alpha-tocopherol acetate;
- disodium edetate dihydrate;
- ascorbic acid.
In addition, the composition contains fat. Additional components significantly increase the effectiveness of interferon. After using the medicine, the defenses quickly increase, which helps to better respond to the activity of pathogenic microorganisms.
The product stimulates the immune system and reduces fever
When using the drug, the amount of immunoglobulin A increases, the amount of immunoglobulin E normalizes. It is also possible to restore the endogenous interferon production system.
When ascorbic acid enters, an anti-inflammatory and restorative effect is observed. Viferon for colds, which is used in the form of suppositories, causes virtually no side effects, which cannot be said about the parenteral use of interferon. Also in this case, antibodies that are able to neutralize interferon are not produced.
The positive effects of this drug include the following:
- Treatment of diseases with the use of suppositories is much more effective than without their use.
- The obvious advantage of these suppositories is the fact that they can be used by newborns and during pregnancy.
- The product is easily tolerated and does not cause addiction.
- Thanks to its convenient release form, it is possible to use the drug to fight colds in young children.
- Thanks to the use of the product, it is possible to prevent the exacerbation of chronic pathologies.
When is VIFERON Suppositories prescribed for infants?
For the treatment of ARVI, including influenza, including those complicated by bacterial infection, pneumonia, the drug VIFERON is used. Suppositories (suppositories) can be used to treat babies from the first days of life. The dosage of the drug for infants is as follows. Premature newborns with a gestational age of less than 34 weeks are prescribed the drug 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.
Children under 7 years old, incl. newborns and premature infants with a gestational age of more than 34 weeks are prescribed VIFERON Suppositories (suppositories) 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. This dosage, according to the instructions, is used from 0 to 7 years.
The use of the drug in the form of suppositories helps reduce the duration of the disease and its manifestations, such as fever, cough, lethargy.1
Application of VIFERON Suppositories for infectious and inflammatory diseases of newborns, including premature babies: meningitis, sepsis, intrauterine infection
Recommended dose for newborns, incl. premature babies with a gestational age of more than 34 weeks - the drug 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 prescribed Viferon 150,000 IU daily, 1 suppository 3 times a day every 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, cytomegalovirus infection - 2-3 courses, mycoplasmosis, candidiasis, incl. visceral – 2-3 courses. The break between courses is 5 days. According to clinical indications, therapy can be continued.
Suppositories for children
Viferon suppositories for runny nose in children are used rectally. This means that the active components enter the systemic circulation through the rectum. Due to this, this substance has a general effect on the body, which requires the correct determination of the amount of the active component - interferon.
The dosage of Viferon suppositories for children should be prescribed by a doctor. There are several types of the drug depending on the volume of the active component:
- Viferon 1 suppositories – include 150,000 IU of interferon;
- Viferon 2 suppositories – the content of the active substance is 500,000 IU;
- Viferon 3 suppositories – include 1 million IU;
- Viferon 4 suppositories – contain 3 million IU.
Viferon suppositories for a runny nose in a baby are used with the smallest amount of active ingredient. They can be used literally from the first day of life to 1 year. Children aged 1-7 years are prescribed the second category of the drug. A product containing 1 million IU is suitable for children aged 7-12 years. Viferon for adults and adolescents should contain the maximum amount of the active ingredient.
The dosage of Viferon for a child is chosen exclusively by the doctor.
Viferon for colds should be used in accordance with the doctor's prescription and instructions. When choosing a medicinal substance, it is necessary to take into account the age of the baby . It is strictly forbidden to use suppositories of a higher dosage than allowed for the treatment of an infant.
It should also be borne in mind that a drug containing 150,000 IU is unlikely to give the desired result if you try to replace drug 2 or 3 with it.
As a rule, the course of therapy is 5 days. If the need arises, it is repeated again after 5 days. The duration of treatment depends on the complexity of the pathology. Sometimes the method of using Viferon requires an extended course, which can range from 10 days to 2 months.
Viral infections and hepatitis are treated within 5 days; it may take 5-10 days to eliminate enterovirus infection or herpes. If sepsis or mycoplasmosis develops, it takes 10-15 days. If bacterial pneumonia develops, the drug is usually used for 1 week.
Is it possible to use VIFERON Ointment for infants?
In a newborn child, the immune system is in the development stage, so not all drugs that are suitable for treating adults and older babies are suitable for those who have not yet turned one year old. Differences in tissue hydration, breathing rate, and heartbeat give scientists reason to assume that medicinal substances are unequally distributed in the body of an adult and a child and other features of use.
On this basis, the instructions for the drug indicate that VIFERON Ointment is not suitable for infants as a cold prevention. This drug in the form of an ointment is used in children over 1 year of age.
In what cases is VIFERON Gel indicated for infants?
Antiviral gel VIFERON is indicated for infants in the treatment and prevention of ARVI and influenza, as well as for the treatment of herpes and other diseases, starting from the first days of a child’s life, as well as for the treatment of older children.
For treatment, it is necessary to apply a strip of gel approximately 0.5 cm long to the nasal mucosa 3-5 times a day for 5 days. Before this, it is better to rinse the mucous membrane with saline solution. In order to protect a child from ARVI, it is necessary to apply a strip of gel approximately 0.5 cm long to the nasal mucosa 2 times a day as a preventive measure. 2-4 weeks is the standard duration of treatment with VIFERON Gel. The infant and her parents should visit a doctor before extending the course, if necessary.
Recommendations for parents on purchasing and storing medications for children
In order for the treatment of both infants and older children to be effective and lead to the desired results, it is necessary to adhere to several rules:
- When purchasing medications for children, carefully study the packaging, monitor the date of manufacture, shelf life and storage conditions of the medications;
- be sure to check the presence of a description leaflet on the use of the selected medication, make sure that it can be used to treat a child;
- strictly follow the dosage and duration of treatment;
- do not buy medications for your child in advance and without a doctor’s prescription, except those in which you are completely sure;
- do not leave medicine packages open or in the wrong place;
- Get into the habit of regularly checking your home first aid kit every 3-4 months, and get rid of expired medications on time.
Reference and information material
Author of the article
Belyaev Dmitry Alexandrovich
General doctor
- Nesterova I.V. “Interferon drugs in clinical practice: when and how,” “Attending Physician,” September 2021.
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Important Tips and Precautions
- Use Viferon only as prescribed by your doctor. You should not self-medicate your baby.
- Keep candles in the refrigerator, do not violate the storage rules.
- Monitor the expiration date of the drug, do not use expired suppositories. This will harm the baby.
- If allergic reactions occur, stop using the suppositories and take your baby to the hospital.
- Do not violate the instructions, strictly follow the dosage and duration of prophylaxis, without increasing them.
In addition to using candles, it is recommended to maintain water balance . Clean water removes toxins and waste from the body and promotes rapid recovery. Children under one year old are recommended to drink 1 liter of water per day, and from 1 year to 12 years old - up to two liters of water.
The diet of children or nursing mothers (for infants) should include fresh vegetables, fruits, and berries. Diversify your menu with whole grain cereals, meat, fish, milk and dairy products.
Viferon suppositories are one of the safest drugs. They have antiviral properties and strengthen the baby's immunity. Suppositories are prescribed to frequently ill children as a prophylaxis against acute respiratory viral infections and other viral diseases. The duration and dosage are prescribed by the pediatrician, based on the condition of the baby and the characteristics of the course of the disease.
