During the cold season, cold season begins for children. Children who are in children's groups (kindergartens or lower grades of school) are especially susceptible to them. Ergoferon helps to fight viruses and prevent diseases. This is a homeopathic medicine, children are allowed to drink it from the age of six months. The medicine relieves inflammation, having immunomodulatory properties. It can be used as prescribed by a doctor. But you should not give your children any medications on your own, without the recommendation of a pediatrician.
Release forms and composition of the drug
The medicine is produced in the form of tablets for resorption. The dragees are flat, cylindrical, white or almost white in color. The tablets are packaged in plastic blisters with contour cells of 20 pcs. Located in cardboard containers. The main active ingredients are antagonists to human interferon, antibodies to histamine substances and antagonists to glycoprotein (CD4).
Additional Ingredients:
- 267 mg lactose monohydrate;
- 30 mg microcrystalline cellulose;
- 3 mg magnesium stearate.
Each capsule is engraved with the name of the drug.
Pharmacological properties
The medicine belongs to the class of immunomodulators, exhibiting anti-inflammatory, antihistamine and antiviral activity.
According to clinical trials, the medicine is effective against viral infections:
- various forms of influenza - A and B;
- acute course of respiratory viral diseases caused by parainfluenza pathogens, the action of adenoviruses, coronaviruses, as well as respiratory sensitizing microorganisms;
- causative agents of herpetic disease - herpes zoster and genital type, damage to the ocular membrane virus, the development of mononucleosis, chicken pox;
- infectious intestinal diseases provoked by the action of viruses - roto-, entero-, coronaviruses;
- some forms of meningitis caused by the development of meningococcal and enterovirus infections;
- encephalitis (tick-borne);
- hemorrhagic syndrome, fever accompanied by renal disorders.
Adults are allowed to take Ergoferon if they are affected by a bacterial form of infection:
- various forms of pneumonia;
- yersiniosis;
- atypical forms of pathogens that cause the development of pneumonia;
- pseudotuberculosis;
- whooping cough.
The drug is effective in preventing viral infections. Also prescribed for complicated forms of diseases or the formation of superinfection. The use of the medicine during vaccination significantly reduces the risks of developing ARVI and influenza, and prevents the formation of some forms of ARVI, including the non-influenza form of the pathology.
The immunomodulatory effect of the medicine is achieved through the complex action of active ingredients aimed at enhancing receptor activity.
According to laboratory and clinical data, the medication has the following effects:
- Restoring the level and activity of antibodies to human interferon produced naturally, which is a necessary way to combat viral infections. Stimulation of biological processes in the body associated with interferon activity occurs. Regulation of immunoglobulin synthesis, activation of the immune response.
- Restoring and increasing the activity of receptors leading to increased production of CD4 lymphocytes. Normalization of immune capacity and immunocompetent cells.
- Due to the activation of H1 receptors, the tightness of bronchial smooth muscles decreases. This helps reduce capillary permeability and eliminate the symptoms of rhinorrhea. At the same time, there is a decrease in coughing, sneezing and other inflammatory and allergic reactions. Thanks to this action, the process of platelets and eosinophils sticking together is observed in close contact with the provocateur of the allergic reaction.
The complex action of active substances is accompanied by an immunomodulatory effect.
Reviews
Opinions about the medication are contradictory. It is treated positively, neutrally or negatively by both the doctors themselves and the parents of their young patients. Read various reviews from doctors - they have more experience working with the drug.
- A homeopathic doctor with 29 years of experience considers Ergoferon a good combination of antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antihistamine effects, and calls it improved Anaferon.
- At the same time, a pediatrician with 13 years of experience clarifies that he prescribes the medicine only in complex therapy. He evaluates its action as antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, and names the intestines as the sphere of influence of the medication.
- A family doctor with 12 years of experience categorically refuses to prescribe Ergoferon, since the proportion of positive responses from patients is too small - about 10%.
- A dentist with little experience is skeptical about the drug, drawing an analogy with local anesthesia: “would at least one homeopath agree to pull out a tooth under an anesthetic injection containing microdoses of anesthetic?”
- A pediatric pulmonologist (33 years of experience) calls the drug a dummy that has a “placebo effect” (self-hypnosis) or a medicine that just happened to appear at the right time and at the right hour.
Indications for use
It is recommended that adults take Ergoferon only after first reading the instructions for the medicine. The main indication for use of the drug is the treatment and prevention of influenza virus infection and acute respiratory viral diseases, including atypical forms of the disease - “bird” and “swine” flu.
Additional indications:
- therapy for acute respiratory viral infections caused by damage to the body by the parainfluenza form of the virus;
- treatment or preventive measures for herpes infection of various forms and types - genital and labial herpes, chickenpox, herpes zoster, development of an infectious form of mononucleosis;
- treatment, as well as preventive measures, of intestinal pathologies provoked by the activity of pathogenic microorganisms of viral origin - calicivirus, coronavirus, roto-, adeno- and enteroviruses;
- tick-borne form of encephalitis;
- hemorrhagic syndrome accompanied by renal dysfunction;
- meningococcal lesions;
- complex treatment of bacterial forms of infection - whooping cough, pseudotuberculosis, yersiniosis, pneumonia of various types and forms, including the atypical course of the disease.
- prevention of complications caused by the action of viral microorganisms, preventing the development of superinfection.
The medication is prescribed by the attending physician only after diagnostic measures have been carried out and a confirmed diagnosis.
Instructions for use, dosage of the drug for adults
Adults are allowed to take Ergoferon only after consultation with an infectious disease doctor. The drug is prescribed orally before or after meals. The dragee must be kept in the mouth until completely dissolved. Dosage – 1 tablet. Treatment should be prescribed at the first symptoms of an infectious disease. Efficiency directly depends on the period of development of the pathology.
It is recommended to use the drug according to the instructions: in the first 2 hours, the drug is taken every 30 minutes. After which, during the first day, 3 more doses are taken at equal time intervals.
Starting from the 2nd and throughout the following days, take 1 capsule 3 times a day. The duration of the therapeutic approach is determined by the treating specialist. Therapy is carried out until all symptoms of infection are completely eliminated.
As a preventive measure, 1-2 tablets are prescribed daily, 1-2 times a day. The duration of the course is determined by the doctor individually and can range from 1 month to six months.
The use of other antiviral medications in combination with the main drug is allowed. However, the treatment regimen should be determined by an infectious disease specialist or therapist.
Is Ergoferon safe for pregnant women?
The instructions for the drug in the “Contraindications” section do not say anything about pregnant women. But experts advise against taking Ergoferon in the 1st trimester. This is due to the fact that the fetus is not yet strong enough and is very vulnerable to any kind of influence. If the symptoms of the disease practically do not appear and there is no serious threat to the mother, then it is better to refrain from using the drug.
From the 2nd trimester it is possible to start treatment with Ergoferon, but under the constant supervision of a specialist. The doctor determines the appropriate treatment regimen and duration.
In the 3rd trimester, it is also possible to take the drug, but it is best to resort to it in a serious condition, when there is a threat to the life of the mother or the unborn baby.
If any allergic reactions occur, you should immediately stop taking it.
Overdose
If the daily dose specified in the instructions or by the doctor is exceeded, the development of dyspeptic disorders - nausea, vomiting, diarrhea - may occur. This phenomenon is due to the components included in the medication - glycerol, maltitol.
The condition requires symptomatic therapy. It is recommended to consult a doctor for emergency gastric lavage. You are allowed to take sorbents on your own - activated carbon, smecta.
Drug interactions
Ergoferon, used to prevent infection and treat infections affecting the respiratory system, as well as other body systems, can be used as part of complex therapy.
The manufacturer does not make recommendations regarding negative interactions between Ergoferon and other medications. Therefore, this medication is allowed to be used and combined with other antiviral, immunomodulatory agents, as well as compounds used for the symptomatic treatment of viral infections.
special instructions
Ergoferon is not recommended for adult patients suffering from a congenital form of galactosemia, glucose-galactose malabsorption syndrome, or lactase deficiency. There is no data on the effect of the components of the drug on the course of pregnancy and fetal formation.
Before prescribing tablets, it is recommended to evaluate the potential risks and benefits of using the medicine during a given period. The medication does not have a negative effect on the speed of psychomotor reactions and is not an obstacle to driving motor vehicles or performing work that requires increased concentration.
Is it possible to use Ergoferon for children?
To combat viral infections and diseases, children are often prescribed Ergoferon. This is a homeopathic medicine that can be given to a child from 6 months. The drug fights inflammation and strengthens the immune system. Before taking, you should consult your doctor. There is no need to self-medicate.
It is important to strictly follow the instructions and not exceed the permissible dose, otherwise the child may experience adverse reactions or an overdose.
The drug should be given half an hour before meals or 30 minutes after. During the period of illness, the child’s daily routine may be disrupted, and if it is not possible to give the medicine at the specified time, then it can be given at any other period, but not during meals.
The child should not swallow the tablet. You need to put it under your tongue and suck it. If you give a solution or tablet diluted in water, you should also not swallow it immediately, but hold it in your mouth for at least 20 seconds.
Children under 3 years old can be given the drug only in the form of tablets, dissolving them in 1 tbsp. l. water.
Analogs
In case of intolerance to the components, analogues of the pharmacological agent may be prescribed:
- Kagocel. The medication is produced in the form of flat tablets for resorption. The active ingredient is Kagocel. The drug exhibits high antiviral and immunomodulatory activity. It has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect, helps to cope with the action of pathogenic microflora leading to the development of viral diseases. Indicated as a therapeutic effect, as well as in the prevention of influenza, ARVI and other viral pathologies. It is effective against herpes. Contraindications include children under 3 years of age, pregnancy and breastfeeding. The dosage is calculated by the doctor based on the form of the pathological process and the age of the patient. Cost – from 202 to 458 rubles. per package.
- Anaferon. The medicine is produced in the form of tablets for resorption. The main ingredients are antagonists to human interferon. The medicine belongs to the class of antiviral, immunomodulatory pharmacological agents. As prescribed, it is used in the treatment and prevention of acute viral infections, influenza, and herpetic lesions, including the genital form. The daily rate depends on the specific form of the established pathological process. The course of treatment is determined by an infectious disease specialist. Prohibited for use in children under 18 years of age. The cost of the product (packaging, 20 pcs.) is 214-240 rubles.
- Arbidol. The medication is produced in the form of enteric capsules. The main component is arbidol hydrochloride. It has antiviral, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activity. Prescribed for influenza of various forms and types. It is also used as part of a complex therapeutic effect for bronchitis, the development of herpetic infections and pneumonia. Can be prescribed as a prophylactic agent. Not prescribed for children under 3 years of age. The daily rate is calculated taking into account the form of the pathological process and the age of the patient. The duration of the course is determined by the attending physician and averages up to 10 days. The cost of a package (20 capsules) is 370-560 rubles.
- Ingavirin. The medicine is produced in the form of capsules. The active ingredient is pentanedioic acid imidazolylethanamide. Belongs to the category of antiviral and anti-inflammatory pharmacological drugs. Helps fight the effects of viruses and exhibits a pronounced immunomodulatory effect. The medicine is indicated for acute respiratory diseases, various types of influenza, as well as for the development of herpetic infections. Prohibited for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as in childhood and adolescence under 13 years of age, for prevention - up to 18 years of age. The daily norm is 90 mg 1 time. The duration of treatment is from 5 to 7 days. Cost – 375-472 rubles.
- Cycloferon. Produced in the form of enteric tablets. The main substance is meglumine acridone acetate. Belongs to the class of immunostimulants, interferon-inducing drugs. Shows activity against influenza and herpetic infections. The drug is contraindicated when carrying a child, in children under 3 years of age. In severe cases, take 6 capsules on the 1st day of the disease. The course is 20 capsules. The duration of the therapeutic effect may vary depending on the complications and nature of the disease. The cost ranges from 151 to 857 rubles. per package.
- Groprinosin. The medication is produced in tablet form. The active ingredient is inosine pranobex. It is taken as an antiviral and immunostimulating agent. It is effective against the influenza virus and herpes infection. It is indicated for patients with a weakened immune system. Contraindicated in children under 3 years of age. Before use, it is necessary to consult a doctor due to multiple contraindications. Use with caution in patients with renal failure. The method and daily dosage are established by the treating infectious disease specialist based on the nature of the disease and the age of the patient. Cost – 546-1171 rubles.
- Amiksin. Produced in tablet form. The main component is tilorone. The medicine belongs to the class of antiviral and immunostimulating drugs. Used for viral infections of the body - influenza, ARVI, herpes infection, various types and types of hepatitis, urogenital infections. The dosage is determined by an infectious disease doctor, taking into account the form and nature of the disease. Contraindicated for use in children under 18 years of age. Before use, it is necessary to consult a doctor. The duration of therapy depends on the established form of the disease. Cost – from 499 to 1000 rubles.
Adults should not take Ergoferon without first consulting their doctor. It is also prohibited to independently prescribe and use analogues of the main drug. The selection of a substitute and determination of the dosage should be carried out by the attending physician.
Contraindications
The drug has restrictions on its use, but there are very few of them. Among them are the following:
- Infant age - until the baby reaches six months;
- Intolerance to any of the components of Ergoferon;
- Allergic reactions to the ingredients of the drug;
- If the baby suffers from diabetes, then the drug should be given with caution, since it contains a little fructose. Don’t forget to warn your pediatrician about your child’s chronic illnesses and what other medications you are giving your baby.
- Ergoferon, produced in the form of a solution, is prohibited for use by children under three years of age.
Price in pharmacies in Moscow, St. Petersburg, regions
You can purchase capsules at any specialized medical institution or pharmacy. The cost of the medicine depends on the region (area) of sale, as well as the pharmacy distribution network that dispenses medications.
Sales area and region | Volume, quantity | Price |
Moscow, Moscow region | tablets, 20 pcs. | 248-735 rub. |
Saint Petersburg | tablets, 20 pcs. | 318-465 rub. |
St. Petersburg (suburbs) | tablets, 20 pcs. | 331-502 rub. |
Leningrad region | tablets, 20 pcs. | 338-528 rub. |
Novgorod region | tablets, 20 pcs. | 333-355 rub. |
Before taking Ergoferon, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist, and carefully study the instructions for use, taking into account the daily dosage for adults and children.
Article design: Oleg Lozinsky