Anaferon for children belongs to the group of immunomodulators and antiviral agents. The drug exerts dual action, that is, early antiviral action mediated through the induction of IFN-α and complementary antiviral аnd full-scale immunomodulatory effects that are realized via IFN-γ production. Anaferon treatment results in the increased functional cell pool involved in the immune response, increased functional activity of phagocytes and natural killer cells, and production of protective antibodies. Thus, acting through the interferon system, Anaferon exerts its influence on all aspects of antiinfectious response, i.e. nonspecific defense mechanisms and cellular and humoral immune responses. Anaferon for children blocks viral replication in the host cells and demonstrates antimutagenic action.
Anaferon inhibits viral replication at the stage of translation, imperative and universal for all viruses. Exactly this action provides for its broad-spectrum antiviral activity. As these effects are realized without direct action on virions and their genomes, viral resistance to Anaferon for children would never develop.
Experimental and clinical studies confirmed efficacy of Anaferon against various viruses, including variants of influenza virus (A(H1N1), A(H3N2), B, and avian influenza), parainfluenza virus, adenoviruses, rhynoviruses, respiratory-syncitial virus, type 1 and 2 herpes simplex viruses (labial herpes, genital herpes), other herpes viruses (varicella, infectious mononucleosis), enteroviruses, tick-borne encephalitis virus, rotavirus, coronavirus, and calicivirus.
Primary indications for the use of Anaferon for children include therapy and prevention of influenza, acute viral infections of upper respiratory tract (rhinitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, tracheobronchitis), and acute viral infections with gastrointestinal component. The drug is recommended in the complex therapy of infections caused by herpes viruses (infectious mononucleosis, varicella, labial herpes, genital herpes) and for the prevention of relapses of chronic herpes virus infection. Anaferon for children is also used in the complex therapy of bacterial infections and secondary immunodeficiencies of various origin, including the prevention and treatment of complications of viral and bacterial infections.
Anaferon for children is presented in the form of orodispersible tablets and administered at a dose of 1 tablet per intake (tablets are to be held in the mouth until their complete dissolution; not to administer with food). In children from 1 month to 3 years of age, it is recommended to dissolve a tablet is a small amount (1 tablespoon) of boiled water at room temperature.
In the majority of viral infections (ARVI, influenza, enteric infections, neuroinfections, varicella, infectious mononucleosis), Anaferon therapy should be started as early as possible, preferably immediately after the occurrence of early signs and symptoms of acute viral infection. Therapy is conducted according to the following regimen: the drug is to be taken every 30 minutes during the first 2 hours, then three doses administered with equal time intervals during the first day. At the second day and thereafter, the drug (1 tablet) is administered three times daily until complete recovery.
