The drug Viferon is widely used in pediatric practice to increase local immunity and counteract viral infection.
It is able to enhance defenses not only during use. This effect persists for a long time. The form of release of the drug is different.
It is available in the form of: pills, tablets, solution and others. Now ointment and gel are especially often used. The article discusses the properties of this drug, discusses Viferon gel or ointment, which is better.
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What is the essential difference?
Both forms of the drug contain the same active ingredient human recombinant interferon alfa-2b . The difference in other active ingredients is negligible.
Comparison of drug forms, how do they differ?
Ointment and gel have their own qualitative characteristics and advantages when used.
The ointment form of the drug has the following advantages:
- provides the best adhesion to the surface of mucous membranes;
- well protects them from drying out when the body temperature rises;
- has antiseptic properties, due to which irritation of the epithelial lining of the nasopharynx is eliminated.
Ointment is a thick substance. Due to this, it keeps better on the mucous membranes for a long time. It does not mix with mucous secretions and does not drain into the nasopharynx. Peach oil in the ointment is able to retain moisture well and prevents the spread of bacteria and viruses.
The gel has a more delicate texture. The product is absorbed very quickly. It does not leave a greasy film on the mucous membranes and skin after use, which causes discomfort. The gel contains more tocopherol, which accelerates tissue repair. Methionine in its composition has an anti-inflammatory effect.
Composition of medicines
Both forms of the drug contain interferon alpha-2b, which has an antiviral effect. The ointment contains a larger amount of 40 thousand IU, and the gel contains 36 thousand IU.
The gel form contains the following excipients:
- tocopherol acetate;
- benzoic acid;
- methionine;
- ethanol;
- sodium chloride;
- sodium tetraborate;
- serum albumin;
- glycerol.
The ointment contains the following components:
- tocopherol acetate;
- medical vaseline;
- dehydrated lanolin;
- Peach oil;
- distilled water.
Additional components are different. They provide the appearance, consistency of the drug.
Features of the appointment and use of each of the drugs, can it be used for prevention?
The gel is used more often for prevention, as it is more convenient for everyday use. Ointment is used only for treatment. It contains more interferon. It stays longer on the mucous membranes and is better attached to them.
Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics
The drug as an active substance contains a component that has an antiviral effect. Interferon penetrates into a virus-infected cell and inhibits protein synthesis.
It disrupts the sequence of biochemical reactions. This inhibits the process of viral genome replication. The drug has not only an antiviral effect.
It has the following properties:
- has a stimulating effect on the immune system to produce its own antibodies;
- prevents the addition of a bacterial infection;
- increases overall immunity;
- activates lymphocytes and macrophages;
- suppresses excess cell reproduction.
Auxiliary substances (tocopherol and methionine) have anti-inflammatory and regenerative effects.
Interferon is absorbed into the mucous layer in about an hour. The substance reaches its peak concentration in the blood after three hours. Most of it is excreted by the kidneys. A small portion is broken down by cells in the liver and excreted through the digestive tract.
Ease of use
The gel is more convenient to use, as it is quickly absorbed and does not leave greasy marks. Unlike ointment, it is more comfortable and easily tolerated. He does not have an unpleasant sensation of a film on the mucous membranes and skin.
It does not have an unpleasant, obsessive odor. It is applied up to five times a day. The ointment can be applied less frequently, it is used up to four times a day. The course of treatment is from five days to one month.
Safety in use
The gel is safer, it can be prescribed even to babies. In general, both forms are fairly harmless means they can be used by pregnant and lactating women, as well as children from a year old.
The effectiveness of the medicines
Due to the higher concentration of interferon, the ointment is used for treatment, as part of complex therapy.
It is indicated for the following diseases:
- SARS and influenza;
- stenosing tracheobronchitis;
- herpetic lesions of the skin and mucous membranes;
- urogenital herpes;
- infection of the skin with papillomavirus;
- herpetic cervicitis.
The gel is used more for prevention or at the beginning of the disease, due to the lower concentration and damage to the mucous membranes due to the fact that the active substance is better absorbed from it.
The cost and economy of drug consumption
The drug in gel form has a slightly lower cost, its price in pharmacies varies about 165 rubles. The price of the ointment is approximately 170 rubles.
Due to the fact that the gel is a more liquid and fluid substance, it is distributed more evenly over the surface. It is enough to cover a larger area. It is considered more economical than ointment and less is needed.
What is the best choice for a child?
In babies up to a year, only the gel is used, since it contains less active substance. For older children, a gel is recommended for the prevention of the disease or at its initial stages. During the height of the disease, it is recommended to use the ointment.
