It's no secret that in the cold season, young children catch a cold easily and often get sick. In search of the most effective means that can quickly and safely help babies in the fight against infectious pathogens, parents spare no effort or money. One of the most effective and universal are Viferon candles for children.

The composition (active substance) of the drug

Candles are produced in 2 dosages: 150,000 and 500,000 IU. Designed to protect children from infections of various origins and strengthen their immunity.

The composition developed in medical laboratories is absolutely safe even for the smallest children:

  • interferon α-2b;
  • α-tocopherol acetate;
  • vitamin C;
  • cocoa butter or other fat.

The basis of the candles is a protein created in the laboratory using genetic engineering. It is a substitute for natural interferon, which is secreted by the body during the period of exposure to bacteria, in order to naturally protect all cells.

Synthetic interferon combines with its own and helps to improve its production. Absorbed through the rectum, interferon enhances the productivity of cells that protect the child's body from the attack of infectious pathogens.

A specific protein is effective in the fight against various viral and bacterial diseases - influenza, herpes and others.

Candles also include a number of other substances that improve their effect. Before using the drug, you should first study the instructions for use, which indicate the detailed composition. This is especially true for allergy sufferers. For example, candles contain cocoa butter, due to which the process of introducing a suppository is greatly facilitated, and its dissolution in the intestine is significantly accelerated. But it is worth paying attention that it is precisely on this component that children often have an allergy.

Therapeutic effects

Viferon immunomodulatory suppositories of Russian manufacture are widely known due to the effective performance of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functions. The drug stimulates the immune system, helping it in the fight against infections. Pediatricians, based on their practice, testify to the excellent tolerance of suppositories by children. A significant percentage of parents of sick babies use these suppositories to treat and prevent the effects of viral infections on the body, even without the recommendation of a pediatrician. Having received a positive effect, they repeatedly turn to this drug for each subsequent disease.

Experts confirm that even in cases of prolonged use of suppositories, children do not develop antibodies to their components, and the drug remains effective. Many doctors recommend that parents use Viferon suppositories on temperature in children, considering them completely harmless.

The obvious pluses include:

  • safe composition;
  • the possibility of treating patients of the youngest age;
  • acceptable price;
  • comfortable shape.

The use of Viferon reduces the duration of treatment with antibiotics and hormones.

Substances included in the therapeutic suppository contribute to the longest stay of interferon in the blood. Other medicines produced before the appearance of Viferon could not have such a lasting effect.

Why are candles prescribed?

In cases of illness of children, especially young children, many parents are faced with the fact that the kids refuse or simply cannot take the antiviral medicine in tablet form. And with a decrease in high temperature it is impossible to hesitate, every minute is important. In such cases, Viferon comes to the rescue - torpedo-shaped candles that help accelerate the healing process with a wide range of diseases.

It is allowed to use even in children born earlier than normal. The combination of suppositories with other drugs allows you to achieve effective indicators in the treatment.

Indications for use:

  • SARS and inflammation of the respiratory system, complicated by a decrease in immunity;
  • pneumonia;
  • flu of various forms and degrees of severity;
  • meningitis;
  • sepsis;
  • inflammatory processes of the mucous membranes of the brain and spinal cord;
  • chronic herpes, characterized by a complex course;
  • viral hepatitis B, C, D, E;
  • diseases acquired during prenatal development, which are caused by cytomegaloviruses, enteroviruses, chlamydia, herpes, chlamydia, candidiasis.

Viferon suppositories begin their active action 15 minutes after administration. The components quickly enter the circulatory system, stimulate the immune system, and effectively relieve inflammation.

Instructions for use Viferon for children

Rectal suppositories have a pointed shape, greatly simplifying the administration procedure.

They are quite easy to use, but still, before the first use, you need to read the instructions to familiarize yourself with the basic rules:

  1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap, preferably antibacterial.
  2. Remove the candle from the blister.
  3. Put the baby on his back, bending his knees. Or help take a comfortable position on your side.
  4. Carefully insert the suppository with the sharp side inside the rectum, gently pushing your finger on the lower edge. Depth of input should not exceed 2 cm.The components of the candle, upon contact with the finger, begin to melt and thereby lubricate the surface near the anus. Therefore, do not worry about additional processing and moisturizing the anus.
  5. For the best effect, after inserting a candle, squeeze the baby’s buttocks slightly for 1 - 2 minutes. This is necessary so that the suppository fixes its position and does not come back.

An antiviral drug begins its action in a short time, without irritating or injuring the gastrointestinal tract. The recommended dose needed for a small patient will be determined by the doctor.

Treatment regimens and dosage by age

According to the classical scheme, Viferon is used after waking up and before bedtime, 1 candle at equal time intervals. To consolidate the achieved positive effect, it is recommended to conduct 2 - 3 courses of 5 days.

The attending physician of the child can offer an individual scheme:

  • From 0 to 1 year - 1 candle of 150,000 IU in the morning and at night. In premature infants, the interval between administrations should be reduced to 8 hours.
  • From 1 to 7 years - 1 candle 2 times a day.
  • From 8 to 12 years old - in the treatment adhere to the same scheme, only the concentration of interferon should be 500,000 IU.

For various diagnoses, candles are taken in accordance with separate schemes:

  1. In acute forms of infections per 5-day course: children under 7 years old - 150,000 ME, over 7 years old - 500,000 ME, 1 candle in the morning and before bedtime. If, as prescribed by the therapist, the procedure must be repeated, the interval between courses should be at least 5 days.
  2. With hepatitis: children up to 7 years - 150 000 ME for 1 candle in the morning and at night for 14 days. Children over 7 years old - 500 000 ME.
  3. For infections of newborns received during fetal development (herpes, cytomegalovirus infection), suppositories are used for 5 days. Infants, including those born for a period of more than 34 weeks, - 150,000 ME for 1 candle 2 times a day. Children born for less than 34 weeks - 150 000 ME for 1 candle after 8 hours.

For different types of infectious diseases, a certain number of treatment courses are prescribed: sepsis - 2 - 3 courses, meningitis - 1 - 2, enterovirus infection - 1 - 2, candidiasis - 2 - 3.

Interaction with other medicines

Doctors are sure that Viferon immunomodulatory is characterized by full compatibility with all drugs included in therapy aimed at treating a wide range of diseases. Suppositories can be used even in conjunction with chemotherapeutic agents. They can be freely bought at any pharmacy; on vacation, a prescription and a doctor’s appointment are not required.

Contraindications and side effects

As a rule, children tolerate candles quite well. Sometimes itching and hives may occur. After 3 days after discontinuation of the drug, allergic manifestations should stop.

Suppositories are contraindicated in the following cases:

  • common, atypical and generalized forms of herpes;
  • skin tumors;
  • psychosomatic disorders of the nervous system.

Caution should be used simultaneously with narcotic, sleeping pills and sedatives.

Antiviral drug analogues

In Russia, immunomodulating drugs are very popular.

In the domestic market, you can find a sufficient number of Viferon analogues for children:

  1. "Genferon." One of the best substitutes is available in the form of a spray, drops, candles. Effectively stimulates the performance of natural interferon.
  2. Interal P Injection solution. Antiviral immunomodulator substitute with effective antitumor activity. It is prescribed for children with hepatitis C and after chemotherapy.
  3. "Altevir." The solution in ampoules extinguishes the activity of some oncogenes. It is prescribed for malignant tumors and as an anti-inflammatory agent.
  4. "Genferon Light." Inexpensive substitute with a light dosage of interferon.
  5. InfagelAn immunomodulator that helps in the treatment of herpes, SARS, influenza and other diseases of a bacterial or viral nature.
  6. "Hyaferon." It treats genital infections of a viral nature, recurrent herpes.
  7. Interferon Inexpensive analogue consisting of a single main active element. Intended for the treatment of immunodeficiency. Available in both liquid and dry form. Dry powder is diluted in water or saline and administered intranasally.
  8. "Wagiferon." The composition of suppositories includes, in addition to interferon, fluconazole and metronidazole. These components contribute to the implementation of anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antibacterial, immunomodulating and antiviral functions. Suppositories are administered intravaginally.
  9. Anaferon. A popular antiviral agent among baby parents. To achieve maximum effectiveness, it is recommended to start taking the drug immediately when the very first symptoms of a cold appear.

Ukrainian manufacturers also represent several inexpensive analogues of Viferon:

  1. "Vitaferon". It is prescribed for viral hepatitis, acute respiratory viral infections, influenza. Allows you to reduce the course and reduce the intensity of a respiratory infection.
  2. "Alfarekin" - inexpensive substitutes in the form of an injection solution and suppositories. Similar to natural interferon, they have antiviral, immunomodulating and antitumor biological activity.

Analogues of Viferon candles with a lower cost can be selected among similar products produced in Belarus:

  1. "Ruferon." It is used for reduced immunity, bacterial, viral or fungal diseases.
  2. Laferobion. Generic "Viferon" with a similar therapeutic effect.

Among foreign manufacturers, only a few produce analogues of the discussed tool. The medicine of other countries almost does not practice the use of synthetic interferon in the treatment of diseases.

Such funds are prescribed in emergency cases resulting from serious immunodeficiency.

The cost of such medicines is very high, which reduces their competitiveness over analogues of Russian production:

  1. "Bioferon." It is made in Argentina. Immunostimulating solution for injection in the treatment of myeloma, lymphoma, certain types of leukemia, HIV infection.
  2. Intron A Injection is prescribed as an immunomodulator in the fight against tumors.

Despite the good practice and the identified effectiveness of exposure to viral and bacterial pathogens, preparations containing synthetic interferon in medical practice began to be used recently. The consequences of taking them are currently not well understood. Therefore, do not use Viferon suppositories for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases without consulting a doctor.