Antiviral drugs for a child 1 7. Antiviral drugs for children under one year old. Immunostimulants: application features

2018-05-25T15:34:55+03:00

Antiviral drugs for children

When a child gets sick, many parents have a desire to instantly empty all the pharmacy shelves and buy a mountain antiviral drugs, which will immediately help the baby and relieve him of a runny nose and cough. And not all fathers and mothers know that the choice of antiviral drugs for a child requires a special approach. Not all medicines that adults use to fight SARS are also suitable for children.

Antiviral drugs are drugs used for the treatment and prevention of diseases of viral etiology. According to the mechanism of action, they can be divided into two groups:

1. some drugs purposefully fight the virus itself, inhibiting the reproduction and division of microorganisms,
2. others activate the immune system, thanks to which the body itself begins an active struggle with enemy agents.

But how to understand whether antiviral drugs will help a child and whether such outside interference will harm his immunity? Should You Trust Advertising? various drugs, including inexpensive, which promises to instantly rid the child of the disease, and at the same time without harm to his body?

To answer these important questions, you must first understand what a virus is, how it behaves when it enters the body, how the immune system reacts to the invasion and how antiviral drugs can help her.

How the disease develops in a child

When a child becomes infected with a virus, which most often happens when communicating with a carrier of the disease, the DNA or RNA of the virus immediately attacks the cells with the help of special enzymes. Having settled down, the virus produces the synthesis of new viral particles that accumulate in the cells and eventually, having exhausted all resources, destroy them. After cell death and rupture cell membranes the virus comes out and captures new, still healthy cells. Thus, the infection progresses, causing unpleasant and familiar symptoms.

With ARVI, including influenza, the child's body temperature rises, a runny nose, sneezing, coughing, body aches begin, appetite disappears and problems may appear at work gastrointestinal tract. In very young children, newborns and children infancy, the symptoms of SARS can develop at lightning speed. Intoxication is rapidly growing, the baby is shivering, vomiting appears, and hyperthermia is pronounced. Treatment in such cases, the doctor recommends starting immediately to avoid possible complications. When infected, the child's immune system does not stand aside. Immediately after infection, the body begins to produce interferon, a protective protein that tries to prevent the pathogen from entering the cells. In a non-specific immune response, immunocompetent cells attack and devour the viral particles. And with a specific immune response, lymphocytes enter the fight, which create antibodies that can defeat the virus.

Unfortunately, the efforts of the body are not enough, and when the disease does develop, a good antiviral agent is required.

Antivirals with three principles of action

Currently, there are drugs that fight viruses, which can be divided into three groups.

• Vaccines that are administered to a child for preventive purposes allow the body to “get acquainted” with a possible enemy in advance and learn to respond to a possible enemy invasion with a specific immune response.
• Preparations containing interferon and its inducers replenish interferon reserves in the patient's body or stimulate their own cells to produce it, that is, enhance the nonspecific immune response.
• Etiotropic drugs block the activity of viruses both at the very beginning of the disease, preventing them from entering the cells, and after, when the viruses try to multiply in the cells and go outside.

According to the composition of children's antiviral drugs can be divided into the following categories:

• Interferons
• Inducers of endogenous interferons
• Neuraminidase inhibitors
• M2 channel blockers
• Specific hemagglutinin inhibitor
• Homeopathic preparations
• plant extracts

Table of antiviral drugs by age

Antiviral drugs for children from 3 years

Inexpensive but effective antivirals for children 3 years and younger

Antiviral drugs are divided into systemic and intended for local application. Depending on the nature of the disease, the doctor prescribes the most appropriate dosage form. As a rule, rectal suppositories, oral syrups and suspensions are used for the treatment of the smallest. More adults can be given tablets and capsules.

Antiviral tablets for children

The tablet dosage form, like capsules, is the least convenient for the treatment of children. A child aged 1-2 years is not able to swallow the pill whole, so these drugs are prescribed to patients older than 3-4 years. In addition, not all of them can be taken by children: due to potential toxicity, there are age restrictions for some drugs. Therefore, it is necessary to treat a viral infection exclusively in accordance with the pediatrician's prescriptions.

Acyclovir

This drug and its numerous structural analogues are intended for the treatment of infections caused by herpes viruses (types 1 and 2 viruses, the causative agent of infectious mononucleosis, chickenpox). The cost of a pack of 20 tablets can vary widely, depending on the manufacturer. Domestic options are the most budgetary - from 30 rubles.

PS Acyclovir tablets 200 mg 20 pcs.

Indications are herpes, shingles, Infectious mononucleosis, chickenpox in children older than 2 years and adults, however, it can be used in more early age, cutting the standard dosage in half. Aciclovir tablets, in addition to the standard contraindication - hypersensitivity - should not be used by lactating women.

Anaferon Children's

The average cost of 20 tablets is just over 200 rubles, this particular option is intended for children and adolescents. Immunomodulator based on affinity purified antibodies to interferon gamma. The manufacturer (the Russian company Materia Medica) assures that the drug is active against most known viruses, so the list of indications is quite extensive:

• and , treatment and prevention;
• various inflammations of herpetic origin;
• infectious and inflammatory processes in the intestines (Anaferon is one of the most commonly prescribed antiviral drugs for).

The drug is recommended to be used as one of the means complex therapy. You can not give children the first month of life. Other contraindications - lactase deficiency, individual intolerance. Of the side effects, allergies are most likely.

Arbidol

Tablets from the domestic pharmaceutical company Pharmstandard-Tomsk cost about 160 rubles. for 10 pieces and contain 50 mg active substance umifenovir each. The drug is an interferon inducer, helps to activate the immune system and reduce the symptoms of intoxication. They are prescribed as a therapeutic and prophylactic agent for influenza, SARS. As part of complex treatment can be used for rotavirus, herpetic infections. Antiviral therapy is contraindicated in children under 2 years of age, as well as in persons with hypersensitivity.

Cytovir-3

Combined encapsulated antiviral agent: bendazol + thymogen + ascorbic acid. It is an interferon inducer, it is prescribed in this dosage form from the age of 6 with ARVI, infection with influenza A and B viruses. 12 capsules (full course) cost about 120 rubles. In the list of contraindications, in addition to hypersensitivity, diabetes mellitus, muscle hypertonicity, thrombophlebitis, arterial hypertension.

Cycloferon

Candles antiviral for children

Due to the ease of use, this dosage form (in the absence of age restrictions) can be prescribed from birth. The active substances are absorbed into the blood without irritating the digestive tract and without being destroyed in the acidic gastric environment.

Viferon

The most famous and popular drug in the form of rectal suppositories, prescribed from the first days of life, including for the treatment of premature babies. Domestic drugs manufactured by FERON LLC are used in children under 7 years of age in the form of suppositories of 150,000 IU. Higher dosages (300, 500 thousand, 1 and 3 million IU) are intended for adolescents and adults. The cost of a package of 10 pieces is about 270 rubles.

In the list of indications of Viferon candles based on interferon alfa-2b are:

• influenza, SARS, pneumonia;
• neonatal infections;
• sepsis;
• cytomegalovirus infection;
• human papilloma virus;
• molluscum contagiosum;
• Infectious mononucleosis;
• enterovirus infection;
• rotavirus infection;
• viral hepatitis in chronic form;
• herpetic infections of mucous membranes and skin.

The only contraindication is individual intolerance, as a side effect it is extremely rare to develop allergic reactions.

Genferon Light

suppositories Russian production(pharmaceutical enterprise "Biocad"), the active components of which are interferon alfa-2b at a dosage of 125 or 250 thousand IU and taurine. Children under seven years old are shown the first version of candles, which cost about 300 rubles. Indications for use - SARS, influenza, urogenital infections. Scheme of administration and duration of treatment: every 12 hours, 1 suppository rectally for 5 days in acute inflammatory process, or 10 days - for chronic. Antiviral suppositories Genferon for children are contraindicated only if its components are intolerant.

Suspensions and syrups

Most comfortable dosage forms for the treatment of children, which do not cause difficulty in swallowing and, as a rule, have a pleasant taste. They can be sold ready-made or as powders for dilution.

Anaferon

An analogue of the tablets described above in the form of drops for oral use. In this dosage form, it can be used from the second month of life. The average cost per package is from 280 rubles.

Orvirem

Antiviral syrup for children older than a year, the active ingredient of which is rimantadine. The auxiliary ingredient sodium alginate provides a gradual release and prolonged action of the active substance. A drug is prescribed as a treatment for influenza and SARS or as a prophylaxis for these infections. A 100 ml bottle with 0.2% syrup produced by Oliven Corporation (RF) costs about 300 rubles.

Cytovir-3

In addition to pills, this combined remedy is produced in the form of ready-made syrup and powders with different tastes, from which the solution is made. The use of children's antiviral drugs in such dosage forms is usually allowed from the age of one. It is prescribed for the same indications as tablets, contraindications and side effects are also similar. The average cost in pharmacies is from 300 rubles.

Remedies for the common cold

This symptom of respiratory infections is treated with both vasoconstrictor and special topical antiviral drugs. There are both ready-made dosage forms of drops and sprays), and those requiring preparation.

Interferon

Leukocyte human interferon alfa is produced by domestic pharmaceutical companies in the form of a lyophilisate, from which a solution is prepared, or a ready-made preparation. It can be used from birth from (three years of age, inhalations are also shown), only individual intolerance serves as a contraindication. Ampoules with lyophilizate cost about 100 rubles per pack, which makes Interferon one of the most inexpensive but effective antiviral drugs for children.

Grippferon

Popular remedy for pharmaceutical company CJSC "FIRN M" in the form of drops costs 270 rubles. Can be used in the first year of a child's life, for older children there is also a spray. The active substance of the drug is recombinant interferon that stimulates the immune system. A contraindication is intolerance to the components.

Ingaron

Another drug in the form of a lyophilisate, which must be diluted before use. However, its active ingredient is interferon gamma, which has direct antiviral activity. A bottle of funds costs 170 rubles, it can be prescribed only from the age of seven.

Eye drops

Viral infections affect not only Airways and intestines. Very often, conjunctivitis and keratitis are the result of infection with adeno- or herpes viruses. In these cases, local antiviral therapy is indicated in combination with systemic therapy.

Oftalmoferon

Combined eye drops, which can be prescribed to children of any age with infections of herpetic, adeno- and enterovirus origin. The active components of the drug are diphenhydramine and recombinant interferon alpha. The drug has no side effects, it costs about 320 rubles in pharmacies.

Actipol

These drops based on para-aminobenzoic acid have, in addition to antiviral, also a regenerating effect. The minimum cost of a bottle from a domestic manufacturer is 300 rubles. It is possible to use Aktipol for the treatment of children without age restrictions, but only according to strict indications, since its action has not yet been sufficiently studied.

Ointments, gels, creams

These dosage forms are used both for the treatment and for the prevention viral diseases during periods of epidemic outbreaks.

Viferon

One of the best children's antivirals is also available in the dosage form of an ointment (40 thousand IU per gram) and a gel (36,000 IU). The ointment is prescribed for acute respiratory viral infections and influenza, as well as herpetic lesions of the mucous membrane and skin. In the first case, it is used to lubricate the nasal passages, in the second case, it is applied to the rash with a thin layer.

The gel is indicated for the treatment and prevention of laryngotracheitis, acute respiratory infections, influenza. The drug several times a day, depending on the indications, lubricates the palatine tonsils or nasal mucosa. A contraindication for both dosage forms is intolerance to the components.

Oxolinic ointment

This drug, over decades of use, has established itself as an effective and cheap antiviral agent for colds. The ointment is especially widely used for the prevention of influenza, since it has a pronounced virucidal effect against the causative agents of this disease. In addition to rhinitis, indications for the appointment of oxolinic ointment are lichen, molluscum contagiosum, ophthalmic infections. The cost of 1 tube of the drug is about 30 rubles.

Acyclovir

Ointment 5% is an external remedy for the treatment of herpetic lesions of the skin and mucous membranes. The drug with an active substance content of 3% is used in ophthalmology, indications for use in this case are keratitis and keratoconjunctivitis. The average cost is 30-40 rubles.

Preparations for children up to a year

The complexity of the treatment lies in the fact that not all dosage forms can be given to infants (for example, tablets). The best options are rectal children's antiviral suppositories, drops or syrups for oral administration, as well as topical ointments:

• candles Viferon, Genferon Light;
• Interferon;
• Anaferon for children in drops or tablets, previously dissolved in water (from the age of one month);
• Grippferon, Ophthalmoferon.

You can also use Viferon gel or oxolinic ointment for prevention.

Antiviral from 1 to 3 years

As the child grows older, the list of approved drugs for the treatment and prevention of various viral infections expands. The most effective antiviral drugs for children 2 years old:

• with chickenpox and herpes;
• Arbidol, Anaferon, Orvirem, Tsitovir.

In addition, the same drugs are used that are used to treat infants (suppositories, nasal and ophthalmic drops).

The best antiviral drugs for children from 3 years

The list of effective drugs that can be prescribed to a child upon reaching the age of three, including tablets or capsules:

• Anaferon
• Arbidol
• Viferon
• Genferon Light
• Orvirem
• Cytovir-3 (syrup)
• Interferon
• Grippferon (including spray)
• Oftalmoferon
• Oxolinic ointment

Some children's antiviral drugs, such as Cycloferon, have an age limit of 4 years. However, in the instructions, the manufacturer explains that this is due precisely to the swallowing reflex, and not to a potential danger.

Medicines for older children

From the age of seven, the ban on taking Remantadin tablets and (the latter - only at a dosage of 60 mg) is removed. With a viral rhinitis, Ingaron nasal drops can be prescribed. In addition, even after adulthood, antiviral drugs are used that are approved for children under 1 year old: Genferon Light, Interferon, Grippferon and others.

Parents of babies of the first three years of life, as professional rescuers, are always ready to raise the alarm, since it is in the first 36 months from the moment of birth that the crumbs are most susceptible to various infections. Especially “dangerous” age is the first year of life. As a rule, influenza and SARS rarely attack babies under one year old, but after the little one celebrates his first birthday, the situation changes. Both for the child and for his parents.

Many of us, moms and dads "with experience" have noticed that it is at the age of one that our children often begin to encounter viruses. There is a reasonable explanation for this: with one-year-olds, we often begin to appear in public places, walks with children become longer, some crumbs start visiting their first children's groups at the age of 1 - studios early development. Toddlers are actively drawn to communication, expanding their world, which until a year old was limited by the walls of the apartment and short walks in the stroller in the yard.

The immunity of yearlings is still being formed, most often he does not know what the flu, herpes or chicken pox virus is and how to deal with it. Is it necessary to give children from 1 year of age antiviral drugs? What means to choose?

Mechanism of action

Medicines, united by one common name "Antiviral drugs", are very different, both in form and mode of action.

A separate group are anti-influenza drugs, such as "Arbidol". Their task is to target influenza A and B viruses, as well as possible strains.

They are followed by antiherpetic drugs such as "Acyclovir". Their area of ​​​​responsibility extends to herpes viruses, and there are quite a few of them.

Immunomodulators and immunostimulants give a “push” to the child’s immunity, activating it to respond to the virus that has entered the body as soon as possible.

Interferons - drugs containing proteins human interferon obtained from donor blood cells during laboratory exposure to one or another virus. Such proteins are necessary to block the virus, to prevent it from multiplying. Preparations with this composition help the body to deal with the "invaders" faster.

Endogenous interferon synthesis inductors are drugs with a simple mechanism behind the complex name. Such drugs start the process of producing their own interferons in the body of a sick person, which, as we have already found out, are necessary for the final victory over viruses.

There are also chemicals that have a rather simple, straightforward and rude effect on the virus, as well as homeopathic remedies, the effectiveness of which, in terms of official medicine until clinically proven.

Antiviral drugs are of plant, synthetic and semi-synthetic origin.

The main feature of this group of medicines is that they can be taken not only for the treatment of the disease, but also for preventive purposes.

Application features: pros and cons

Parents one year old baby, sick with the flu, there is only one desire - to alleviate the condition of the baby as soon as possible. Therefore, in 90% of cases, mothers and fathers, out of good intentions, immediately run to the pharmacy, where the pharmacist recommends them a children's antiviral drug that is suitable for the age of the baby and relying on positive reviews. Moreover, we strive for medicine as soon as the baby's body temperature has exceeded the psychological mark of 37.5.

All these actions are unreasonable and wrong initially. Firstly, with signs of a viral cold, a child does not need restless and nervous parents, but balanced adults who know what to do. The first step is to call a doctor at home. It is he who will tell you if there is a need for antiviral therapy and prescribe a specific drug. A doctor, not a pharmacist in a pharmacy!

In general, the use of antiviral drugs is a rather controversial issue. Many doctors, including the recognized authority among millions of mothers, the famous pediatrician Yevgeny Komarovsky, believe that a child is quite capable of coping with the flu or SARS on his own, without medication.

Komarovsky, in particular, declares that taking antiviral syrups and tablets is needed not so much for a sick baby, but for his parents to calm down - it seems like they did what they could, now the miracle pill will work, and the baby will feel easy and good.

You can watch his broadcast here:

Almost all antiviral drugs in one way or another put pressure on the child's immune system, and this is clearly not beneficial, especially at the age of one during the period of immunity formation. Own protection, provided by nature, will be unbalanced. As a result, the baby begins to get sick more often, and the ailments themselves are more severe, and the risk of complications increases.

If you do not want to raise a weak, constantly ill child, who by the age of 10 will acquire a solid bouquet of diseases, including chronic ones, you do not need to fanatically buy antiviral agents. It is better to help the immunity of the crumbs to form on their own and get stronger.

Indications

I do not set out to convince you that antivirals are harm and evil. Not always. Only with a systematic and uncontrolled intake. Of course, there are situations in which such drugs are necessary for the baby.

• If your one-year-old baby has a fever that does not subside for more than three days. Heat in the understanding of doctors and parents are two different things. Reception of antiviral agents does not begin at 37.5, but only if the thermometer stubbornly shows a temperature above 38.5. Anything below is a normal reaction of the child's immunity to the virus. Above is also a normal reaction, but a baby who is not yet strong at the age of 1 year, with a strong long heat, may experience intoxication of the body, which leads to dehydration, convulsions. To prevent this, anti-virus agents are prescribed. Sometimes in tandem with antipyretics.
• If a child has a viral infection is severe. When various complications develop rapidly with influenza or SARS - on the throat, lungs, bronchi, etc. Such diseases will be considered a secondary infection, and the doctor will treat them symptomatically. If the complications are viral - antiviral drugs if bacterial - antibiotics. In some cases, the doctor will prescribe both. Help distinguish viral from microbial diseases laboratory tests and the experience of a competent pediatrician. It is not worth diagnosing mothers and fathers on their own. A mistake can be costly.

Antiviral drugs are more likely to be prescribed one year old baby with a severe course of rotavirus, intestinal, herpetic infections, with adenovirus and enterovirus, with complex chickenpox, measles, herpes zoster, viral eye disease and many other ailments.

Treatment and prevention

When choosing an antiviral agent for a child over the age of 1 year, you need to remember that different drugs in this group have important features.

Chemical preparations (for example, "Rimantadine") quickly destroy the virus, but also quite noticeably "hit" throughout the child's body. For yearlings, such drugs are not always contraindicated, but the decision on their appointment should be made by the doctor, assessing the possible benefits and potential harm.

Immunomodulators and immunostimulants, such as Cytovir-3, Timogen, affect the child's immunity, their frequent use can end quite badly. Such drugs are contraindicated in children who have blood relatives with cancer or diabetes and other diseases of the immune system.

Interferons containing a “non-native” protein for a child have a lot of side effects. These drugs include "Interferon" and a number of others.

The use of antiviral drugs for the prevention of viral infections, doctors recognize as a fairly effective measure. It is not always necessary to give a child antiviral drugs to prevent illness, but only during epidemic seasons, when there is someone infected in the environment of the child. Preventive doses are two times less than therapeutic! It is advisable to give a drug with an antiviral effect for the prevention of influenza and SARS to a child from 1 year old, preferably no more than two courses (2-3 weeks each) per year. Moreover, with weekly schemes - medicines are given for two days, and then they take a break for five days.

"Children's" drugs

Children's antiviral agents differ from adults in the dosage of the active substance and in the dosage form of the drug that is convenient for taking. For babies from 1 year old, medicines in the form of drops for oral administration, nasal drops, syrups, suspensions, solutions, solutions for inhalation with a nebulizer, ointments, gels, rectal suppositories are ideal. Less commonly, soluble sublingual tablets are suitable for yearlings. And at this age, solid tablet forms, capsules are not needed at all. Antiviral drugs in injections also exist, but are used mainly only in hospitals, and not at home.

List of the most popular antiviral drugs for children from 1 year old:

One of the most difficult periods for every young parent is the first years of his life. This is the time when the baby's fragile body is trying to deal with all the challenges of the environment. These, in particular, include dangerous viruses that can cause severe consequences for the child's body in just a couple of days.

Therefore, the use of highly effective for children is a prerequisite for ensuring the resistance of the baby's body to pathogens. dangerous infections. However, many parents are wary of potent chemicals, especially when they are prescribed in combination. And today we have to determine which ones can still be used for the prevention and treatment of influenza and other infectious diseases for children under 3 years old, without fear of possible side effects.

Anti-influenza drugs

During the first 3 years of life, a child is able to get colds up to 10 times a year. This also applies to the flu. But, unlike a simple cold, a flu infection in most cases does not pass without a trace for the child's body.

Complex virus strain can cause severe consequences, which in a few years can become the cause of a complex chronic disease. Therefore, during the period of illness, the medicine for influenza makes it possible not only to speed up the process of children's recovery, but also to create all the conditions for the disease to pass without a trace for the body.

Did you know?Influenza is one of the oldest infectious diseases known to man. The first mention of this disease dates back to 412 BC. e. and is contained in the writings of the most famous ancient Greek scientist, physician and philosopher - Hippocrates.

Antiviral drug active action, which produces a depressing effect on the A-type influenza virus. The medicine is indicated for use as an antiviral agent for children from 1 year old for the treatment and prevention of colds. Produced in the form of a syrup with a pleasant characteristic odor and taste. For prophylactic purposes, "Orvirem" is indicated in case of prolonged and close contact with an infected person, or to strengthen immunity during major epidemics.

• promotion overall efficiency complex of components;
• reducing the percentage of possible side effects to almost zero;
• a more accessible form in the form of a pleasant-tasting syrup.

A highly active antiviral drug, the main active ingredient of which is metabolized oseltamevir. The substance in the human body helps to inhibit the growth and development of influenza pathogens, mainly groups A and B.

The medicine is available in the form of gelatin capsules, which are indicated for use with the first symptoms of an influenza disease, as well as for prophylactic purposes during seasonal epidemics. Unlike analogues, the use of "Tamiflu" makes it possible to reduce the overall duration of the disease by an average of 36 hours.

The high efficiency of the agent is explained by the fact that after its use, the active inclusion of the components of the agent in the metabolism of the body is instantly achieved, as a result of which the components are naturally metabolized to oseltamevir. As a result of the process, it is possible to obtain such an amount of oseltamevir in the body that is more than 20 times higher than the concentration of the components of the prodrug.
The antiviral drug is widely used to treat both children from 1 year old and adults, it is safe and has no contraindications when used with other medicines.

Did you know?The most devastating disease of the twentieth century is considered to be the Spanish influenza epidemic of 1918-1919. During this period, 550 million people (about 30% of the total population of the planet) suffered from the disease.

Antiherpetic drugs

Antiherpetic medicines represent chemicals, which are indicated for use in the event of viral diseases caused by different kind. In modern medical practice for the treatment of herpes, a whole complex of similar drugs is used, which belong to the group nucleosides. But among them, only safe for the health of children.

"Acyclovir" is available in tablet form, as well as in the form of a pasty gel. But the most effective type of remedy is tablets, since in this case the active components of Acyclovir are distributed throughout all body systems, up to saliva, which enhances its overall effect on the body.
The main active ingredient of each tablet is acyclovir triphosphate. After the drug enters the body, the active substance blocks the synthesis of DNA in the virus, as a result of which the causative agent of herpes loses its ability to reproduce and gradually dies.

"Acyclovir" is indicated for:

• genital herpes;
• skin herpes and herpes of mucous membranes;
• encephalitis and neonatal herpes;
• pneumonia;
• lichen.

Antiretroviral drugs

Antiretrovirals are used for the prevention and treatment of diseases associated with infection of the body with the human immunodeficiency virus. Despite the fact that, until recently, the effectiveness of this type of drugs in children has been little studied, today in international medical practice a lot of information has been received on the positive response of the child's body to general antiretroviral therapy. But the medical process of this kind in children, as in adults, is characterized by a rather high percentage of possible complications and side effects.

Of the abundance of drugs on the market, only a small amount is used to treat children. But not all of them are suitable in each individual case, so their choice is made individually, and at the same time - based on existing health indicators. In addition, the complexity of antiretroviral therapy in children is doubled by the additional vulnerability of the child's immune system, which makes the indication for prompt treatment minimal deviations in immune function from the generally accepted norm.
The following groups of drugs are used in general pediatric antiretroviral therapy:

• "Abacavir", "Zidovudine", "Phosphazid", "Lamivudine", "Stavudid", "Didanosine": prevent the development of genetic material (DNA) in the virus due to competitive obstruction;
• "Nevirapine", "Efavirenz": prevent the development of the genetic material of the virus by blocking the enzyme;
• "Nelfinavir", "Lopinavir", "Fosamprenavir": eliminate all possibilities for the assembly of a young viral particle.

Extended Spectrum Antivirals

Broad-spectrum antiviral agents are primarily aimed at inhibiting development in the child's body. different groups pathogens, both directly and indirectly. This makes it possible to cure even the most serious damage to the body by viruses and develop immunity to them.
There are many products of this type on the medical market, but only a few will be safe for young children, which we will discuss later.

Refers to antiviral drugs that are widely used in general medical practice for the treatment of children from 2 years manifestations of acute respiratory diseases and influenza A and type B, including. The mechanism of its action is that the components of the agent prevent the encrustation of the fatty membrane of the virus with the host cells, as a result of which the viris dies before it has time to multiply.

In addition to the active inhibitory effect on pathogens, the drug produces a general immunomodulatory effect. As a result, there is an increase in the overall resistance of the body to seasonal colds.

The tool is indicated for use by children as the main attending medicinal product, as well as for the prevention of seasonal colds. The medicine is safe and has practically no side effects, with the exception of those caused by individual intolerance to the active components of Arbidol.

Important!You should not resort to the use of "Arbidol" when cardiovascular diseases, as this can cause complications in the child and negative consequences for the course of the main disease.

An immunomodulating antimicrobial drug that is used as a therapeutic and prophylactic agent for children with acute respiratory viral infections and influenza. The mechanism of action of this drug is that the components of Kagocel promote the synthesis of interferon cells in the body, which have a depressing effect on the development of the virus.

In addition, the tool helps to speed up the processes of intoxication, which ultimately reduces the duration of the unfavorable period for the body by several times. In most cases, "Kagocel" is tolerated by the body favorably, but in rare cases it can cause allergic reactions, which are the result of individual intolerance to the components of the drug.

It is an antiviral, immunomodulating agent, which, after application, instantly starts the processes of restoring cellular immunity in the body due to the stimulation of the synthesis of the corresponding structures in the body. The drug is indicated for the treatment of foci of acute herpes, measles, viral bronchitis, SARS and other diseases. In addition, the drug is safe and indicated for use in people with obvious signs of immunodeficiency, since Isoprinosine is not able to cause a relapse in this group of patients.

"Isoprinosine" is practically safe for the body, but during the use of many patients there is an increase in uric acid in the blood plasma and urinary secretions, the indicators of which after the end of the use of the drug return to their original state. In addition, the drug can cause unwanted allergic reactions, which are the result of individual intolerance to the components.

Children's analogue of "Anaferon"- this is a complex, the main action of which is aimed at the prevention and treatment of influenza and other viral colds. The drug helps to reduce the concentration of viruses in cells, and also stimulates immunomodulatory processes and accelerates the synthesis of antibodies to pathogens.

In addition, "Anaferon for children" is indicated for general therapy to fight herpes viruses different nature (chickenpox, mononucleosis, herpes). The drug is practically safe for all population groups, so it has found active use in the treatment of children from 1 month. At hypersensitivity to the individual components of the drug "Anaferon for children" can cause allergic reactions, but their percentage is not large.

"Viferon"

The main active ingredient is synthesized interferon. Interferon is a natural substance that is produced in the human body, so the drug compensates for the deficiency in its production. "Viferon" has an immunomodulatory and antiviral effect. After application, the work of macrophages is activated and the activity of lymphocytes increases.

Part of the drug, it increases the functionality of interferon, which starts the immune system, and in combination with it increases the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect, accelerates regeneration processes.

Available in a form with different concentrations of the active substance. It is possible to use from the first days of life for both full-term and prematurely born children.

In today's environment it is difficult infection is not a particularly dangerous condition for the child, threatening the life of the baby. Even with the most severe course of the disease in service, doctors always have powerful and safe drugs for babies that can instantly overcome a serious condition and minimize all side effects illness. Therefore, it should be remembered that in any situation the main thing is to seek help from a doctor and reliable antiviral drugs in time.

Babies are especially vulnerable to viral infections of the respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, and skin. Modern antiviral drugs for children help prevent and treat SARS, influenza, chickenpox, herpes. Interferons help to increase resistance to pathogenic microorganisms, as a result, the child tolerates an infectious disease more easily.

Vaccines are a separate group of antiviral agents. Vaccinations that are given to a child immediately after birth protect against many infections. The next group is drugs for the etiotropic treatment of viral diseases. Such agents block the reproduction of viruses before penetration through the cell membrane and after new virions come out of the dead cells of the human body.

Among the drugs for etiotropic therapy, anti-influenza and anti-herpetic drugs are distinguished. In addition, there are protease inhibitors, antiretrovirals that act against HIV. Another group - drugs with a wide range antiviral activity. These are mainly interferons and inducers of interferon synthesis.

The effectiveness of homeopathic antiviral drugs ("Anaferon", "Ergoferon"), plant extracts ("Immunal") is considered insufficiently proven. However, pediatricians continue to prescribe these funds. There are many reviews about the effectiveness of their use for the treatment of infectious diseases.

M2 channel blockers

Drugs in this group inhibit the proliferation of viral particles before they enter the cell or after it is destroyed. The most well-known M-2 blocker is rimantadine (rimantadine). The tool is used to treat and prevent influenza, for the prevention of certain forms tick-borne encephalitis. The drug is usually not prescribed for ARVI.

The price of "Remantadine", "Rimantadine Avexima" and "Aktitab" for the treatment of influenza is from 30 to 110 rubles for 20 tablets.

"Orvirem" is a syrup for children, the active ingredient of which is rimantadine. The cost in a pharmacy is from 260 to 340 rubles.

These are inexpensive antiviral drugs, compared to Tamiflu.

Thanks to the use of antiviral agents, there are fewer complications, mortality from influenza and the risk of bacterial superinfection are reduced.

Neuraminidase inhibitors

This group includes drugs oseltamivir (Tamiflu and Nomides), zanamivir (Relenza). They prevent reproduction, but do not kill viruses. Used to treat and prevent influenza. Neuraminidase inhibitors are recommended to be taken during a seasonal epidemic. "Tamiflu" refers to expensive antiviral agents. The cost of packing 10 capsules - from 1250 rubles.

Medicines with a wide spectrum of antiviral activity

This group includes interferons and interferon inducers, lamivudine (Zeffix), ribavirin (Vero-Ribavirin). The action of the drugs of the group is to increase the protective capabilities of the body. There is a direct introduction of a protective protein or its formation is stimulated by the cells of the body. Interferon helps cells become immune to virus attacks and prevents the introduction of pathogen genetic material.

Properties of interferons: antiviral, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory.

Antiviral, immunomodulating agents prescribed for children with influenza and SARS:

• "Cycloferon";
• "Tsitovir-3";
• "Viferon";
• "Arbidol";
• "Imudon";
• "Kagocel".

Among the drugs of the group, you can choose various dosage forms, cheap and effective means for the treatment of children of different ages.

• Price rectal suppositories"Viferon" is 295 rubles.
• The price of nose drops "Grippferon" is 300 rubles.
• Cream "Infagel" for the prevention of herpes, SARS and influenza (lubricates the nasal passages) costs 125 rubles.
• Solution for instillation and inhalation Leukocyte interferon - 133 rubles.

Kagocel contains an interferon inducer. As a therapeutic and prophylactic agent, it is used for herpes and influenza.

Arbidol is an antiviral, immunomodulatory drug. It is prescribed for influenza, bronchitis, pneumonia, herpes.

"Tsitovir-3" is combination drug, in addition to the interferon inducer, contains ascorbic acid.

Antiherpetic agents

These are drugs "Acyclovir", "Zovirax", "Valacyclovir", "Vivorax", "Cyclovir". The price of tablets is from 27 to 460 rubles (depending on the manufacturer). The cost of antiherpetic drugs "Famvir" and "Familar" (10 tablets) - from 1500 rubles. The drug "Allokin-alpha" is used for herpes, hepatitis B, human papillomavirus infection. The price of a package (6 ampoules) is 7450 rubles.

Protease inhibitors

A relatively new group of drugs with a direct antiviral effect. Daclatasvir (Daklinza), sofosbuvir (Sovaldi), simeprevir, ombitasvir belong to this category. Today they are the most effective drugs for the treatment of hepatitis C. Together with them, it is not necessary to use interferons.

Antiviral drugs for newborns

Babies immediately after the birth of medicines are prescribed and canceled only by a pediatrician. Counts valid application for the treatment of newborn interferons and some homeopathic preparations to strengthen the still weak immune system of the body.

Candles "Viferon" contain human recombinant interferon alpha, which has immunomodulatory activity. The effect of the drug lasts up to 12 hours. For a newborn child in case of a cold, SARS, flu, it is recommended to administer 1 suppository every 12 hours for 5 days. For the treatment of junior group patients should choose a drug with a dosage of 150 thousand IU.

Funds for children under 1 year

The list of antiviral drugs for children under 1 year old should also begin with Viferon. Candles are used for ARVI, herpetic and urogenital infections. Children under 12 are administered one suppository with a dosage of 150 thousand IU for 12 hours, only 2 per day. Treatment lasts 5 days.

Human recombinant interferon alfa in the composition of nasal drops "Grippferon" also helps to avoid complications of viral infections of the respiratory system. Buried drop by drop into each nasal passage of the baby 5 times a day.

Any antiviral agents should be prescribed by a specialist. Such drugs may have undesirable effects on the growing body.

The use of "Tamiflu" in the form of a suspension is approved only from the age of 12 months. Pediatricians can prescribe the drug to children up to a year. The medicine should be taken twice a day for 5 days. Children under 3 months are given 12 mg, from 3 to 5 months - 20 mg, from 6 to 11 months - 25 mg.

For children from 1 to 3 years old

In addition to the medicine that is used before the age of 12 months ("Viferon"), other means can be used. With ARVI, viral sore throat, influenza, Tamiflu, Tsitovir-3, Orvirem, Grippferon nasal drops are prescribed.

The period of incubation for respiratory syncytial viruses, adenoviruses, influenza, parainfluenza is relatively short. The use of antiviral agents such as Viferon, Grippferon, Arbidol is most effective in the first 48 hours after the onset of the disease. After 5 days, it makes little sense to use this group of drugs. Medicines do not penetrate into cells where viruses multiply.

For children from 3 to 6 years old

To combat infections, mainly with acute respiratory viral infections, influenza, children over 3 years old are prescribed one of the antiviral syrups - Arbidol, Tamiflu, Orvirem or Tsitovir-3 inside. Solution "Grippferon" is used for instillation into the nose. Also, children over 3 years old can take Kagocel, after 4 years - Cycloferon tablets.

Children over 3 years old can be allowed to dissolve Immudon tablets with pharyngitis and tonsillitis. This is a drug based on bacterial lysates that increase the production of endogenous interferon.

Over 5 years of age, influenza A and B can be treated with zanamivir. The trade name of the drug is Relenza. The medicine is given by inhalation, it helps better in the first days of the disease. Zanamivir inhibits the activity of viral particles "ejected" from target cells after reproduction into the intercellular space.

Remantadine in the form of a syrup can be given to children from 1 to 14 years of age for the prevention and early treatment of influenza. Patients over 7 years old can take Remantadin tablets and analogues in composition.

Modern medicine does not lack antiviral agents. However, most patients with typical symptoms respiratory infection doctors prescribe symptomatic treatment - antipyretic, antihistamine, anti-inflammatory drugs, local antiseptics and painkillers. There are several reasons for this situation.

Many antiviral agents are effective in the very first days of illness. Then the objects they are supposed to act on penetrate the cells and become inaccessible. In addition, the properties of a number of antiviral agents have not been sufficiently studied, and the use of others is associated with undesirable consequences for the body.

A strong immune system fights infection. Antibodies are produced in the body, lymphocytes destroy cells already infected with viruses.

Parents looking for the most effective immunomodulatory and antiviral drugs for their child should reflect on the experts' findings. Experts say that you can’t increase immune protection with syrups, tablets or suppositories alone.

Immunity is gradually formed from birth for at least 5-7 years under the influence of many factors, including rational nutrition, hardening, taking vitamin and mineral complexes. "Arbidol", "Imudon" and other immunomodulatory drugs will help, but you should remember about side effects antiviral treatment.