Viferon ointment: instructions for use for children

Many parents have heard about Viferon, but since in the prevention or treatment of children such candles are used more often with this antiviral agent, few people know that Viferon is also produced in the form of an ointment. In which cases use this ointment, can it be used in infants and how to do it correctly?

The basis of the Viferon ointment contains a recombinant (so-called artificially created) interferon type alpha 2B, which in one gram of the drug is represented by the dosage of 40,000 IU. Additional substances are purified water, tocopherol acetate, medical petrolatum, peach oil and anhydrous lanolin.

The main effect that interferon has from such an ointment is antiviral. In addition, the drug has an immunomodulatory effect, and thanks to tocopherol acetate, which has antioxidant properties, this effect on the immune system is further enhanced.

Viferon ointment is available in several packaging options:

• Aluminum tubes of 6 grams.
• Aluminum tubes of 12 grams.
• Polystyrene jars of 12 grams.

Inside the package contains a yellow or white-yellowish homogeneous, rather viscous substance, which has a peculiar smell inherent in all ointments with lanolin.

You can buy this medicine in pharmacies without a prescription from a doctor. Store Viferon ointment at a low temperature (from + 2 ° С to + 8 ° С) in a dark place where children do not have access. The shelf life of the packaged medicine is 1 year. An open tube is allowed to be stored in the cold for up to 1 month, and a polystyrene jar is kept in the refrigerator after opening for no longer than 2 weeks.

Viferon in the form of an ointment is recommended to be used for:

• The defeat of herpes mucous membrane.
• Herpes virus infection of the skin.
• SARS and influenza, as a component of complex therapy in children older than a year.

Viferon ointment is not prescribed:

• At the age of less than a year.
• In the presence of intolerance to any component of the drug.

Viferon ointment should be used only externally, since the drug acts topically. In case of herpes, a thin layer of the drug is spread over the infected area of ​​the mucous membrane or skin at the first signs of infection or activation of the virus - as soon as redness, burning or itching occurs. The frequency of use of ointment - 3 or 4 times a day. Lubrication of foci of infection continue for 5-7 days.

With SARS or flu, the duration of treatment or prophylactic use is 5 days, and the dosage and frequency of application depends on age:

• Children 1-2 years old smear nasal passages three times a day. For each manipulation, a pea ointment with a diameter of 5 mm (corresponding to a dosage of 2500 ME) is used, spreading it in a thin layer over the mucous membrane.
• For children older than two years old, but younger than 12 years of age, use the same amount of ointment (2500 ME), but apply it to the nasal mucosa four times a day.
• At the age of more than 12 years, mucous membrane treatment is performed four times a day, but a single dose of ointment increases to 5000 IU, which corresponds to a diameter of a pea squeezed from a tube of 10 mm.

Following the link, you can download the instructions for use Viferon ointment.

Viferon, produced in the form of ointment, is not used in the treatment of newborns and nursing babies under the age of 12 months. If you want to use the data antiviral medicine for infants should prefer rectal suppositories. They can be used in an appropriate dosage even with prematurity.

Most mothers who decide to use Viferon ointment do this in order to protect the child from viruses and strengthen children's immunity. Usually, the drug is bought for frequently ill children attending the children's team. Viferon is most in demand in the autumn, as well as in winter and early spring, when the risk of infection with viruses is increased.

Read more about the drug in the next video.