Viferon and Cycloferon, the choice of drug

Both drugs have an antiviral, immunomodulatory effect. They help reduce antibiotic therapy and the use of hormones. Viferon contains vitamins C and E, which have an antioxidant effect. It can be used to treat infections in young children and pregnant women from the 2nd trimester of pregnancy. The most effective suppositories for rectal administration. The effect of the drug lasts more than 10 hours.

Cycloferon should not be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Do not give it to a child under 4 years old, because the tablets have a very bitter taste, they must be swallowed without breaking the shell. The child usually chews the medicine. At the beginning of therapy, it is possible to increase the symptoms of the disease, heaviness in the stomach, general malaise. The drug has high toxicity, but is prescribed quite often. Cycloferon contains only an interferon inducer, therefore it is not able to cause disturbances in the immune system.

These drugs are antiviral drugs, and not antimicrobial. An attempt to cure a bacterial infection with antiviral drugs at best will not lead to anything, at worst it will increase the viability of microbial agents.

You need to have deep knowledge about the specifics of the immune system in order to understand which link in the immune system needs correction. Incorrect use of antiviral agents can worsen the general condition of the body. Despite the fact that the drugs are mainly dispensed without a prescription, self-medication is not recommended by them. Treatment with these serious drugs should be prescribed by an immunologist, taking into account the patient’s immunogram.

People prone to colds or frequent rashes of herpes are constantly looking for effective and harmless antiviral drugs that can help their body cope with the cause of the disease.

The pharmaceutical market offers two antiviral drugs that are widely popular among doctors and patients – Viferon and Cycloferon. Compare these funds with each other.

Viferon

The drug has an antiviral and immunomodulating pharmacological effect.

The active ingredient is artificially synthesized human interferon alfa-2b. It inhibits the reproduction of viruses. Antibacterial activity is due to its ability to enhance the absorbing activity of macrophages and increase the selective cytotoxicity of lymphocytes to target cells.

It is produced by the domestic pharmaceutical manufacturer FERON LLC in the form of three dosage forms:

1. Ointment for external use, 40,000 IU / g.
2. Gel for external use, 36000 IU / g.
3. Rectal suppositories, 150,000 IU, 500,000 IU, 1,000,000 IU, 3,000,000 IU.

Cycloferon

A drug with an interferon-inducing effect.

The active component is meglumine acridone acetate, an interferon inducer with extensive biological activity. It quickly suppresses the reproduction of viruses (on the first to fifth day), reduces the infectivity of the resulting viruses, leads to the appearance of defective viruses. Increases the body’s resistance to viruses and bacteria.

It is made by the Russian company POLISAN in the form of:

1. Tablets of 10, 20 or 50 pcs.
2. Solution for injection.
3. Linimenta.

General characteristics

• The drugs are manufactured by Russian pharmaceutical companies.
• They have antiviral and immunomodulatory effects.
• They are prescribed for the same indications: respiratory infections, decreased immunity, herpes (except for HIV or AIDS), sepsis, fungal infections, mycoplasmosis, various types of hepatitis, cytomegalovirus, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus.
• A general contraindication to use is intolerance to the active components.
• Side effects are manifested in the form of allergic reactions that disappear 72 hours after discontinuation of the drug.
• Over-the-counter tempering is characteristic of the drugs, except for cycloferon in the form of a solution for injection.
• Cost. The course of treatment with each drug will cost a lot.

Differences

1. Active component. Viferon contains ready-made synthetic interferon, therefore it can cause an immune failure in the body, is addictive with regular use. Cycloferon has nothing to do with genetic engineering. It induces the production of its own interferon.
2. Mechanism of action. In cycloferon, the active substance is an inducer of interferon. In Viferon, ready-made interferon protects the body from viruses.
3. Contraindications. Viferon in the form of ointment is contraindicated in children under 1 year old, although in some cases its use is possible in newborns. Suppositories for rectal use are not allowed for women in the 1st trimester of pregnancy, because the fetus during this period is particularly susceptible to teratogenic effects.
4. Cycloferon in tablets and in the form of a solution for injection is prohibited in patients with decompensated cirrhosis of the liver, during pregnancy and lactation (has a teratogenic effect). You can not use it in children under 4 years of age (it is necessary to swallow tablets, preserving the integrity of the shell). Liniment is additionally contraindicated in patients under 18 years of age. With pathology of the thyroid gland, the use of the drug is allowed only after consultation with an endocrinologist.
5. Storage conditions. Viferon is stored in the refrigerator. Cycloferon can be stored at room temperature.
6. Vacation terms. Cycloferonum in the form of a solution for injection is a prescription drug.