Both drugs have the same function of combating viral infection and its prevention, as well as activation of the body’s defenses. They act on humoral immunity, namely T cells, which contribute to the production of antibodies.
Both Anaferon and Cycloferon can be used to treat children and adolescents. Most often, these drugs are used in the treatment of influenza and acute respiratory viral infections, with frequent exacerbations of herpes infection.
Anaferon is not only a chemical, but also a biological drug, as it consists of antibodies. An undoubted advantage of this composition is the very low allergenicity of the product, minimal impact on the function of internal organs. All this, coupled with the liquid form of the drug, allows you to use it from the first month of life.
Despite the large number of viruses that Anaferon can affect, it is mainly used to treat various acute respiratory viral infections and for herpes infections. As an adjunct in the treatment of bacterial infections, it is used infrequently. With influenza, the effectiveness is negligible, it is better to use remantadine or arbidol for treatment. In pharmacies, the cost is about 300 rubles for a liquid form and 250 for a tablet.
Cycloferon is a chemical compound that is excreted from the body by the liver, so a violation of its function will be an occasion to choose another antiviral drug. Often causes intolerance. Unlike Anaferon, it can be used in urology, gynecology and dentistry. But in pediatrics they begin to use only from 4 years old, since it does not have a liquid form.
In the form of a gel, it is applied topically to the affected area. This method of treatment can be used starting from the age of 18, since clinical studies on young people have not been conducted. The price in pharmacies is within 200 rubles.
One of the most common diseases in the world is ARVI. Every year, millions of people all over the world become infected with a respiratory infection, so scientists and doctors are looking for different ways to effectively combat it. One of the most effective drugs are Anaferon and Cycloferon.
Characterization of the drug Anaferon
Anaferon refers to drugs that increase immunity and fight the virus. It can be used to treat both adults and children. The children’s option can be in the form of a solution for the smallest and in absorbable tablets, as for adults, but with a lower dosage.
The product contains purified antibodies to human gamma interferon. It stimulates the function of all T cells in the human body, which in turn leads to the activation of local and general immunity, faster and earlier development of their own antibodies to the pathogen. This helps to reduce the level of viral load in the affected tissues. The studies also revealed a decrease in the number of mutations in the body.
Anaferon is used not only for the treatment of acute respiratory viral infections, but also with such pathologies as:
- Labial and genital herpes.
- Chickenpox.
- Infectious mononucleosis.
- Flu.
- Tick-borne encephalitis.
- Rotavirus infection.
- As an auxiliary immunomodulating agent for various bacterial infections and a decrease in immunity.
- As a prophylactic against ARVI and frequent exacerbations of herpes infection.
Contraindications include individual intolerance to the drug and children’s age up to 1 month.
Cycloferon
This drug fights a wide range of viruses and stimulates the body’s defenses. In its composition, the main active ingredient is acridonoacetic acid. It violates the correct replication (reproduction) of viral cells, increases immunity due to the activation of T cells in the body, improves phagocytosis, which in turn leads to earlier synthesis of antibodies.
Cycloferon is available in the form of tablets of 150 mg in 10 and 20 pieces per pack and in the form of a 5% gel in 5 and 30 ml. A portion of Cycloferon in a 30 ml tube contains special vaginal applicators for the treatment of diseases of the genital area.
The scope of the drug is wide enough and includes such pathologies as:
- ARVI.
- Flu.
- Herpes.
- Prevention of the above diseases.
- In the complex therapy of various urethritis and balanopastitis.
- To stimulate immunity in HIV infection
- Periodontal disease.
- A variety of vaginitis and vaginosis.
Contraindications to its administration include individual intolerance to the drug, pregnancy and the period of breastfeeding, children under four years of age, and severe liver cirrhosis. Also, cycloferon should not be prescribed for exacerbation of gastritis and peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum, if there is erosion in the gastrointestinal tract.
Anaferon or cycloferon when and for whom is better?
Anaferon should be taken from the first days of the disease. If you take the medicine for the first time 3-4 days after the onset of SARS or herpes, its effectiveness will be significantly lower. You should not choose this drug for those who do not like or cannot drink tablets by the hour, since on the first day of treatment it is necessary to drink 8 tablets of them 5 in the first two hours. And the remaining 3 after the same amount of time. From the next day to 10 days, 1 tablet three times a day with acute respiratory viral infections and 1 tablet four times a day with herpes infection.
Anaferon is much more convenient to give to children starting from 1 month than the widely distributed viferon in rectal suppositories. To do this, it is enough to give 10 drops every half hour the first 5 times, and then the same three times in the remaining time of the day.
People with gastrointestinal pathology should also prefer Anaferon, because it has practically no contraindications and, due to resorption in the mouth, cannot damage the mucous membrane of the stomach and duodenum. For pregnant and breast-feeding women, the drug is also absolutely safe, which is very convenient and important, because the choice of medicines during this period is significantly limited.
Cycloferon for the treatment and prevention of acute respiratory viral infections and herpes can be prescribed for yourself. But one must keep in mind that they should also start therapy from the first day of the disease. The drug is taken on certain days indicated in the instructions once a day, which is very convenient for the working population or people with poor memory.
The course usually requires 20 tablets, which corresponds to one pack. The number of tablets needed at one time depends on the person’s age, from 1 tablet for a four-year-old child to 4 tablets in an adult. If there is a suspicion of influenza, then you can immediately drink 6 tablets, but this applies to people over 12 years old. Children under 4 years of age do not prescribe Cycloferon in tablets, since they still cannot safely swallow the medicine.
In the form of a gel, the medicine is prescribed much less often and it will be better to use it after the doctor has prescribed. It must be remembered that cycloferon is contraindicated in pregnancy and breastfeeding, liver failure, diseases of the stomach and intestines.
