Children more often than other patients suffer from infectious pathologies. This is due to the fact that their immune system has not yet been formed. The therapeutic regimen includes universal medications. The most popular are Viferon and Viburkol. These drugs belong to different pharmacological groups.
Viferon is an immunomodulatory drug characterized by antiviral and antiproliferative properties. Viferon is based on human recombinant interferon alpha-2b. This component prevents the replication of the pathogenic virus and accelerates the regeneration of damaged cells. The medication is characterized by the absence of age restrictions. It is allowed to be given even to newborns and infants. This is due to the relative safety of this drug.
Viburkol is an effective medicine of natural origin. It has a positive effect on the patient's body. The drug consists of plant extracts.
It is used for nasal congestion, ARVI, teething, hyperthermia. The safety profile of Viburkol has been fully studied. The medication has immunostimulating, antitumor, antiviral and antiherpetic effects.
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.
Contraindications
Viburcol is strictly prohibited for use if you are hypersensitive to the ingredients of the medicinal composition. During pregnancy, the drug is not recommended for use without doctor's prescription. The same goes for women who are breastfeeding. Viburkol is allowed to be taken together with other antiviral medications. The risk of negative consequences is minimal.
In this respect, Viferon differs significantly from Viburkol. It can provoke the development of negative clinical manifestations. The medication should be avoided by patients suffering from the following pathologies:
- hypersensitivity;
- chronic hepatitis;
- cardiovascular diseases;
- disruptions in the functioning of the nervous system;
- partial dysfunction of the kidneys and liver;
- epilepsy.
Taking Viferon is contraindicated for minors, pregnant women, and nursing mothers. The drug should not be included in the drug regimen together with immunosuppressants.
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.
Nosological classification (ICD-10)
- A41.9 Septicemia, unspecified
- A49.3 Mycoplasma infection, unspecified
- A59.0 Urogenital trichomoniasis
- A74.9 Chlamydial infection, unspecified
- B00.0 Herpetic eczema
- B00.1 Herpetic vesicular dermatitis
- B18 Chronic viral hepatitis
- B25.9 Cytomegalovirus disease, unspecified
- B34 Viral infection of unspecified localization
- B37.3 Candidiasis of the vulva and vagina (N77.1*)
- G03.9 Meningitis, unspecified
- J06 Acute upper respiratory tract infections of multiple and unspecified localization
- J11 Influenza, virus not identified
- J18 Pneumonia without specifying the pathogen
- N39.0 Urinary tract infection without established location
- N76 Other inflammatory diseases of the vagina and vulva
- O35.3 Fetal injury (suspected) due to maternal viral disease requiring maternal medical attention
- O35.8 Other fetal anomalies and lesions (suspected) requiring maternal medical attention
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.
"Cefekon" suppositories for teething
"Cefekon" is an antipyretic suppository that has analgesic properties. They help relieve fever and pain. Applicable in the treatment of various symptoms. In trade they have the name “Cefekon-D”. Aimed at treating children, mostly newborns. The main advantage of the medicine is that it does not affect the balance of water and salt in the human body, and taking it does not lead to dehydration during fever. Another advantage of these suppositories is that they are eliminated from the body very quickly. The composition of the drug components is safe for children.
"Cefekon" is produced in the form of white and yellow torpedo-shaped candles. Available in 50, 100 and 250 mg.
The main component of "Cefekon" is paracetamol. It is an active substance. It is able to relieve pain and eliminate high fever as it has an anti-inflammatory effect. Another component is vitepsol; it acts as a base when creating these candles. Since the composition of the medicine is quite uniform, it is very effective and not dangerous for the child’s body.
The effect of the drug begins 25-30 minutes after its use.
Before using the medicine, you should carefully study the instructions. The main condition for use is an enema given to the child during the procedure. For an enema, a chamomile solution or plain warm water is usually used. Next, you need to get rid of the packaging and warm up the candle in your hands.
Age Weight Dosage
1-3 months 4-6 kg. 1 suppository (pack of 50 mg.)
3-12 months 7-10 kg. 1 suppository (pack of 100 mg.)
12 months - 3 g. 11-16 kg. 1 suppository (pack of 200 mg.) or 2 suppositories (pack of 100 mg.)
3-10 years 17-30 kg. 1 suppository (pack of 250 mg.)
10-12 years old 31-36 kg. 2 suppositories (pack of 250 mg.)
A newborn up to three months should be administered 1 suppository at a minimum dose of 50 mg. After taking the drug, it is important to monitor the child’s well-being, as there is a risk of intestinal mucosal allergies. It is very important to store the medicine correctly. Storage for no more than two years at a temperature not lower than twenty degrees. Candles are quite common and purchasing them does not cause problems for buyers. The price for "Cefekon" varies from 50 to 100 rubles. Available in almost every pharmacy.
The main analogue of Cefekon is Paracetomol, Paracetomol-Alpharm and Children's Panadol.
"Cefekon" is a medicine that should be in every family with small children. After all, it has a gentle effect and has almost no contraindications.
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
Viburkol
Viburkol is a homeopathic remedy . This is a multi-component drug that is produced in candles that have the shape of a torpedo and have a faint, peculiar odor. The color of suppositories can vary from white to yellowish-white. There may be an air rod or a funnel-shaped depression on the longitudinal section of the candle, which is not a defect.
The active components of the drug stop the inflammatory process and lower high body temperature.
Suppositories are recommended in combination with other drugs as an antipyretic and anti-inflammatory agent for respiratory diseases in children.
In addition, suppositories can be inserted into children to eliminate unpleasant symptoms when teething.
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.
Side effects
Ointment: in most cases, VIFERON® is well tolerated. When applied to the nasal mucosa, side effects are weak and transient and disappear on their own after discontinuation of the drug.
Gel: in extremely rare cases, a local allergic reaction may occur in some highly sensitive individuals. In such cases, stop using the drug.
Suppositories: in rare cases - allergic reactions (skin rashes, itching). These phenomena are reversible and disappear 72 hours after stopping the drug.
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.
Active Ingredients
Viburkol is a homeopathic remedy. It contains extracts of the following plants:
- pharmaceutical chamomile;
- meadow lumbago;
- belladonna;
- plantain;
- nightshade.
Healing extracts are combined with solid fat and calcium carbonate. All of these components are characterized by relative safety.
Viferon contains recombinant alpha-2b. This component is the main one, it is supplemented with auxiliary ingredients. Suppositories include fat, cocoa butter, ascorbic acid, polysorbate 80, sodium ascorbate.
The external gel also contains alpha-tocopherol acetate. In addition to this, the following is added to the drug:
- purified water;
- ethanol;
- benzoic acid;
- citric acid monohydrate;
- distilled glycerin;
- sodium tetraborate decahydrate;
- sodium chloride.
The main ingredient is characterized by a wide spectrum of action and the ability to suppress the replication of DNA and RNA viruses. Thanks to interferon, it increases the cytotoxicity of white blood cells and activates antibacterial protection.
Alpha-tocopherol acetate and vitamin C have antioxidant, restorative, membrane-stabilizing and anti-inflammatory effects. Cocoa butter, which together with confectionery fat provides structure, contains phospholipids and polyunsaturated fatty acids.
