"Anaferon" for prevention: release form, composition and instructions for use

• November 7, 2018
• Other drugs
• Gena Poddubny

To treat children, doctors often prescribe pharmacological drugs that activate antiviral immunity, thereby having antiviral and immunomodulatory effects. One of these medications is the children's Anaferon, the instructions for use of which we will consider in detail in this article.

Active ingredients

"Anaferon" for the prevention of viral diseases has long found its use in pediatrics and the treatment of adult patients. The principle of action of the medicine is based on its active component, the amount of which varies depending on whether the medicine is produced in tablets or drops.

Thus, one pill contains 3 mg of affinity-purified antibodies to human interferon. The drops already contain 6 mg. Additional substances are also declared.

The tablet contains:

• lactose;
• magnesium stearate;
• microcrystalline cellulose.

The drops have a slightly different composition. The auxiliary components include:

• glycerol;
• citric acid;
• maltitol;
• potassium sorbate;
• water.

“Anaferon” is recommended for use by adults and children for the prevention of colds. However, first it is necessary to find out its effect on viruses.

Anaferon for children

It contains 0.003 grams of affinity-purified antibodies to human interferon gamma. Among the auxiliary components are magnesium stearate, lactose and cellulose. The mechanism of action is the same; it was described in detail in the paragraph “Anaferon instructions and mechanism of action.”

Children's Anaferon is produced in the form of lozenges. The jar may contain 20 or 50 tablets. Pediatricians like to prescribe it because it is effective and safe even for children under 1 month of age. For preventive purposes, anaferon can be prescribed for no more than 3 months and is not addictive, while the risk of getting sick is reduced by 2 times. Long-term use of the drug does not lead to depletion of the body's immune forces. Plus, children's anaferon has a pleasant sweetish taste. Clinical studies have confirmed the safety and effectiveness of anaferon, which deserves the trust of patients.

Additional information about children's anaferon

There have been no cases of overdose yet. The drug is well tolerated and does not react with other drugs, so it can be included in combination treatment regimens.

Cautions

Since one of the components of children's anaferon is lactose, it should be avoided in case of glucose malabsorption syndrome, congenital galactosemia and congenital lactase deficiency.

Impact on the body

Due to the active immunomodulatory and antiviral effect of Anaferon, it is advisable to use this medication to speed up the healing process and prevent viral pathologies.

The active ingredient is active against:

• adenovirus;
• influenza and parainfluenza virus;
• rotavirus;
• herpes.

The drug also actively eliminates the manifestations of respiratory diseases. Once in the body, the active substance quickly reduces the level of viral microparticles in organs and tissues, as a result, the disease quickly recedes because the patient’s own interferons multiply in the blood. The drug increases the activity of macrophages, helps induce antibodies against viruses and stimulates the cellular response to the invasion of pathogenic particles. However, to date there are no available chemical studies that would reveal the full cycle of the drug’s effect on the body, starting from absorption in the stomach and ending with its complete elimination. Therefore, the manufacturer does not provide complete data on the pharmacological characteristics of the drug’s effect on the body.

Anaferon and Ergoferon: stages of production and mechanism of action

First, rabbits are injected with recombinant (artificially synthesized) interferon. Then, (proteins) to human interferon gamma, the main active ingredient of both drugs, are obtained from the animal’s blood plasma

Next, the antibodies are diluted in the ratio: 1 part antibody/99 parts aqueous-alcohol solution. It turns out that the amount of active substance in one gram of the drug is negligible. Therefore, it is impossible to confirm or refute its presence in the drug using existing methods.

Whereas the manufacturer claims that it is ultra-low doses that stimulate the body’s cells to produce their own interferon, which is able to fight all viruses: influenza, adenoviruses and others. In addition, from the instructions of the drugs it follows that antibodies to interferons also improve the functioning of the immune system as a whole.

Meanwhile, official science has not yet fully elucidated the mechanism by which antibodies to interferons have exactly this effect.

Replacement for antibiotics. Possible or not

The ability to use Anaferon for prevention is based on the ability of the drug to stimulate the patient’s own immunity. As a result, the patient’s body more actively fights the viral particles that have penetrated inside. However, the active substance is not capable of destroying pathogenic microorganisms and does not affect their ability to reproduce. The effect of the drug is based on immunomodulatory properties and increasing the body’s ability to fight the disease, but these tablets cannot replace antibiotics. Therefore, when a doctor prescribes antibacterial therapy, you should not rely on the use of Anaferon, which belongs to the category of homeopathic drugs.

Drug interactions

The peculiarity of viral infections is that they (when therapy is not started in a timely manner) can provoke the development of secondary diseases that are of a bacterial nature.

Anaferon can be combined with other antiviral, antibacterial and symptomatic agents that may be needed to treat a baby from a viral infection. This medication in no way reduces the effectiveness of other drugs, but only helps to increase their performance.

When is the use of medication justified?

There is a drug intended for use by adults, as well as “Anaferon” for children. Instructions for the prevention of viral pathologies contain complete information about diseases for which taking the medication would be justified. Indications for prescription may be the following:

1. Treatment and prevention of acute respiratory viral infections. Influenza is also a direct indication.
2. Treatment and prevention of herpes (labial and genital)
3. As an adjuvant treatment in the presence of bacterial infections.
4. Therapy for tick-borne encephalitis.
5. Treatment of chicken pox.
6. Prevention and treatment of rotavirus, coronavirus and enterovirus.
7. Treatment of immunodeficiency conditions.

The most common area of ​​application of "Anaferon" for children for prevention is to eliminate the threat of acute respiratory diseases. The drug does not have a negative effect on the child’s body and, judging by the reviews of parents, successfully copes with its task. However, doctors warn that you should not abuse the drug, otherwise the body will not be able to successfully fight diseases on its own.

pharmachologic effect

According to the instructions for use, “Anaferon” for children has an immunomodulatory and pronounced antiviral effect. Clinical/preclinical studies have established its high effectiveness against parainfluenza virus, influenza, two types of herpes simplex (including labial and genital herpes), other herpes viruses (varicella and infectious mononucleosis), enteroviruses, rotavirus, respiratory syncytial virus, adenovirus, tick-borne encephalitis virus, calicivirus, coronavirus.

Also, the instructions for “Anaferon” for children indicate that this drug helps reduce the concentration of the virus in the affected tissue of the body, has a direct effect on the system of endogenous interferons and related cytokines, and induces the formation of early endogenous interferons and interferon gamma. The medication has a stimulating effect on the humoral and cellular immune response, significantly increases the production of antibodies (including secretory IgA), activates the functionality of T-helpers, T-effectors, and stabilizes their ratio.

In addition, Anaferon for children helps to increase the functional reserve of Th and other cells that take part in the immune response. The drug induces a mixed Tx1- and Th2-immune response, which manifests itself in the form of increased production of Tx1 (IL-2, IFN γ) and Th2 (IL-4, 10) cytokines, modulation (restoration) of the Th1/Th2 balance. In addition, this medicine increases the functional activity of killer cells and phagocytes and has antimutagenic properties.

"Anaferon": instructions for use, prevention

The drug is available in the form of pills and drops. If the doctor prescribed it for a cold, then it should be taken as early as possible. Only in this case can a positive result be achieved. Drops and pills are used only internally. Recommended dosage regimens for children and adults differ. The dosage and duration of use depend not only on age, but also on the severity of the disease and the characteristics of the body. Doctors recommend consulting a specialist for advice before starting therapy.

Dosage regimen for adult patients

If an adult detects the first symptoms of a cold, you can start using Anaferon for prevention. How to take the medicine is described in detail in the annotation, and a standard dosage regimen has been developed.

The treatment course always begins with sucking 1 pill every 30 minutes. In total, you need to take 5 pieces within two hours. Then, during the same day, you need to take three more pills at regular intervals. Further therapy depends on the severity of the disease and should be prescribed by a doctor. The approximate regimen described in the instructions involves taking 3-6 tablets per day. If a pronounced therapeutic effect is achieved, then it is necessary to take 1 tablet per day for a week for prevention.

"Anaferon" drops: instructions for use for prevention

Often parents cannot determine which form of the drug to choose. Experts note that drops are more convenient for treating children. The medicine comes in glass bottles with a built-in dispenser. The standard dosage is 10 drops per dose. To achieve maximum effect, you need to use 10 drops every 30 minutes during the first two hours. Then, in the remaining time, take 10 drops three more times.

During the cold season, you can use Anaferon drops for prevention. How to take the medication is also described in the instructions. To prevent the disease, it is enough to take a standard dose of the drug three times a day for five days.

You should not combine medication and food. Treatment is carried out in the intervals between feedings. When treating children, the rule is: drink drops 15 minutes before meals.

Features of therapy for children

"Anaferon" for children in drops for prevention is used for painful conditions during colds and flu in young patients. If you need to protect your baby from infection during the season of acute respiratory diseases, you can use lozenges. In this case, the child is offered 1 pill daily for a month. The manufacturer also indicates in the instructions that a repeat course is allowed a month after the therapy.

In many cases, Anaferon drops are useful. The instructions for the prevention of tick-borne encephalitis say that taking it for 21 days, in a therapeutic dose of 10 drops, will help avoid this terrible disease.

Important instructions

The main rule for taking Anaferon is to use the medicine immediately after the first symptoms of the disease appear. If you start using the medication as early as possible, the patient’s health usually improves within three days. If this does not happen, then consultation with a specialist is required. "Anaferon" for children can be used for prevention without worrying about the consequences and side effects. Scientific studies have been conducted on its safety and effect on the children's body. As a result, data were obtained on the inability of the drug to provoke negative phenomena, as well as cancerous tumors. It was information about the oncogenic nature of the drug that previously served as a reason for many doctors not to prescribe this medication.

Side effect information

"Anaferon" - drops for the prevention of viral diseases, the action of which is based on a component that has a high degree of influence on the body's own immune forces. Currently, there are sufficient statistical data on the use of the drug to judge its almost complete safety. However, it is worth remembering that allergic reactions are sometimes possible, which are caused by the individual reaction of the body and are caused by the synthesis of histamine. Dyspeptic disorders, manifested in the form of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, are also possible, but only if the recommended dosage is violated.

Price

People of the twenty-first century, thanks to the numerous opportunities that the Internet in all its diversity and revealing educational television shows give them, are already addicted to the concept of “savings.” If they want to buy an expensive medicine, they will enter the desired query into a search engine and find an analog drug with a similar pharmacokinetic composition, available at a relatively lower cost. Also, reviews of satisfied (distressed) customers, necessary information on supplies, and sources of goods are always available to people. All this is easily tracked and allows you to determine for yourself whether there are savings here.

However, if the issue concerns the health of children, no one thinks about saving. Fortunately, Anaferon in different regions and major cities of Russia is no more expensive than other drugs containing components aimed at maintaining the human immune system. 200 rubles is the minimum cost of children's Anaferon in the Russian Federation. The price is relatively small, considering that other drugs that have a repulsive or suspending effect on viruses cost from 500 rubles.

List of contraindications

Despite the relative safety of Anaferon drops and tablets, which has been proven in various clinical trials, the instructions contain an extensive list of contraindications for use. Due to the fact that the drug is a powerful immunomodulator, it should not be taken for the following diseases:

• cancerous tumors;
• breast-feeding;
• pregnancy period;
• congenital galactosemia;
• lactose deficiency;
• glucose malabsorption syndrome.

In addition, contraindications include intolerance to any components included in the product, as well as an individual allergic reaction. It is known that drops can be used to treat acute respiratory infections and prevent colds in children from birth.

Anaferon during pregnancy

According to the instructions for use provided by pharmacologists, anaferon should not be taken during pregnancy. But no one has studied this fact, and no studies have been conducted among pregnant women. Practicing doctors neglect this point and actively prescribe it to expectant mothers both for treatment and for the prevention of infectious processes. Doctors believe that this homeopathic remedy is safe for the health of pregnant and lactating women. Although there are also those who are of the opinion that during pregnancy the necessary protective reactions are activated, and artificial intervention and stimulation of the immune system may turn out to be unpredictable.

Anaferon price

Nowadays it is not difficult to find and purchase a drug such as Anaferon in pharmacies. The price fluctuates within the following limits:

• Anaferon for children costs from 160-170 rubles for 20 tablets;
• Anaferon adult costs from 130-140 rubles for 20 tablets.

Use during breastfeeding

During lactation, it is not recommended to use Anaferon for the prevention and treatment of colds. This is due to the fact that the manufacturer did not conduct laboratory studies aimed at the possibility of using the medication during breastfeeding. This would require clinical trials on women breastfeeding, which is prohibited by ethical standards and current legislation. That is why the medication cannot be recommended by doctors at this time. For the treatment of acute respiratory diseases of nursing mothers, completely different drugs are selected.

Combination with other medications

At the moment, there is data on pharmacokinetic studies that allow us to judge that there is no risk of combining Anaferon with other drugs aimed at treating viral diseases. The instructions for use of the medicine contain information where the simultaneous use of other antibacterial, symptomatic and antiviral agents is allowed without the risk of side effects. However, the risk of overdose must always be taken into account, so complex treatment should only be recommended by a doctor.

Indications for use

Drops for oral administration are given to children from one month to three years of age inclusive in the following cases:

• flu;
• ARVI;
• chronic or complicated viral diseases;
• acute infection involving the upper respiratory tract;
• viral diseases of herpetic origin.

In complex treatment, the use of Anaferon drops is indicated for infections caused by bacteria, secondary immunodeficiency states of various etiologies.

Are there analogues

It is possible to replace Anaferon with medications that have a similar therapeutic effect on the body. The most popular remedies that prevent acute respiratory diseases and help cure include:

1. "Arbidol". The medicine is available in the form of tablets, capsules and suspensions. The action is based on the active substance umifenovir.
2. "Kagocel". A medicine based on Kagocel is one of the powerful antiviral drugs.
3. "Ergoferon". An antiviral drug whose action is aimed at eliminating the symptoms of colds and flu.
4. "Viferon". Available in the form of suppositories. The therapeutic effect is based on human interferon, which is included in the suppositories. As a result of therapy, the body increases the production of its own antibodies to viruses.
5. "Aflubin." An antiviral agent aimed at eliminating manifestations of herpetic nature.

All of the drugs listed are immunomodulatory and antiviral drugs. They can replace the Anaferon under consideration. However, the prescription of each medication must be under the supervision of a physician. You should not use such means too often, so as not to weaken the body’s own reserve forces aimed at suppressing pathogenic particles.

Anaferon and Ergoferon: where do they “come from”?

The drugs are products of the Russian pharmacological company, which is engaged in the production of both medicines and dietary supplements (about 70 items).

The development of Anaferon and Ergoferon is based on some principles of homeopathy:

* The active substance is highly diluted to ultra-small doses, and the water “remembers” what was once in it.

* When the drug is taken by a healthy person, symptoms of the disease are supposed to be caused: like is treated with like.

However, official pharmacotherapy, which is based on clear evidence of the effectiveness and safety of drugs (evidence-based medicine), is skeptical about the principles of homeopathy.