Oftalmoferon eye drops are active against various viruses that cause infectious and inflammatory eye lesions. The drug helps against conjunctivitis. This remedy is also effective as a prophylactic, preventing complications after surgical interventions and transplantations.
The drug has no side effects and is approved for use in newborns, which characterizes it as a safe drug that cannot harm infants. Before using Oftalmoferon, you should consult a pediatric specialist.
Compound
Ophthalmoferon eye drops contain interferon alpha 2-b (human recombinant) as the main component. There are more than 10 thousand ME per 1 ml of the drug. This component has an antiviral effect and helps strengthen local immunity.
The additional active compound is diphenhydramine (diphenhydramine hydrochloride) – 1 ml.
It has a local anesthetic effect on the cornea and conjunctiva, and also has an anti-inflammatory and antiallergic effect. Other auxiliary components include:
- boric acid - acts as an antiseptic, disinfecting possible bacterial infections;
- sodium chloride;
- disodium edetate;
- macrogol;
- sodium acetate;
- purified water.
Composition and mechanism of operation
Ophthalmoferon eye drops contain 10,000 IU of human recombinant interferon alpha-2b. Interferon is a protein that is produced by the body's immunocompetent cells in response to a viral agent. The medicine contains diphenhydramine (Diphenhydramine), which causes an analgesic effect. Excipients are intended to stabilize the active component and increase shelf life. The drug "Ophthalmoferon" can be dripped into the eyes to achieve the following results:
- cure viral and bacterial diseases;
- increasing local immunity;
- relief of allergy symptoms;
- reduction of discomfort and burning;
- acceleration of tissue regeneration after mechanical injuries and burns;
- anesthesia.
Indications for use
The drug is used in the treatment of eye diseases such as:
- Viral and microbial inflammatory eye diseases (conjunctivitis, keratitis, keratoconjunctivitis, uveitis, iridocyclitis, hay fever, acute atopic conjunctivitis).
- “Dry eye” syndrome - due to its composition, the drops form a viscous film on the surface of the iris.
- Corneal ulcers - the regenerating effect of the drug promotes rapid healing.
As a prophylactic against the possible occurrence of infectious complications before or after surgery, in case of graft disease, as well as as a prevention of recurrent herpetic keratitis that appears after keratoplasty.
Ophthalmoferon eye drops are recommended for use before and after any ophthalmic surgery, as it helps relieve symptoms of inflammation and also accelerates tissue regeneration.
Compatibility
There is no data on the interaction of pharmaceuticals with other medications. When used simultaneously with Atropine, Scopolamine or Homatropine, the pupil dilates and covers the entire iris. “Tobrex” and “Oftalmoferon” combine well in the treatment of purulent diseases. The medication can be combined with anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, corticosteroids, stimulators of corneal regeneration and tear replacement therapy. Eye drops are not used at the same time; after instilling one product, it is recommended to do an interval of 30 minutes.
Contraindications
The main contraindication to the use of eye drops is individual sensitivity to one of the components of the drug. People prone to allergic reactions should use this drug with caution.
When used correctly, there are no side effects. In isolated cases, a burning or itching sensation, as well as redness of the eyes, may occur. These symptoms can occur either due to frequent eye drops or as a manifestation of an allergic reaction.
Pharmacodynamics
The pharmacological action of Oftalmoferon is expressed in the following effects:
- antiviral activity,
- immunomodulatory effect,
- anti-inflammatory effect,
- antiallergic effect,
- local anesthetic effect,
- stimulation of regeneration.
Diphenhydramine (diphenhydramine) contained in ophthalmoferon has a blocking effect on histamine H1 receptors, resulting in the following effects:
- antiallergic,
- decongestant,
- antipruritic,
- hyperemia in the collective area decreases.
Instructions for use
Instructions for use of Oftalmoferon recommend using drops for any conjunctival eye lesions until symptoms disappear completely. Eye drops are suitable for long-term use because they do not cause tolerance to their constituent components.
Treatment of viral diseases
In the acute stage or at the initial stage of treatment, the drug is instilled into each conjunctival sac 6-8 times a day, 1-2 drops. When positive dynamics appear, the number of instillations is reduced to 2-3 times a day. The use of the medicine continues until the symptoms of the disease are completely eliminated.
Dry eye treatment
In the treatment of dry eye syndrome, Oftalmoferon is prescribed for a long period (from 6 weeks). 2 drops are instilled into each conjunctival sac in the morning and evening.
After surgery
After excimer laser surgery to restore eye refraction, Ophthalmoferon eye drops are prescribed, from the day of the operation, for 6 weeks, 2 drops 3 times a day. The duration of use of the drug after keratoplasty is 2 weeks.
Prevention
As a prophylactic agent, Oftalmoferon is prescribed for 2 weeks. It is necessary to instill 2 drops 2 times a day.
Prescribing eye drops for children
Instructions for the use of Oftalmoferon by children do not differ significantly from the indications for adults. The drug is approved from infancy, since when used topically (instilled into the conjunctival sacs), the minimum concentration of active components is not capable of causing negative reactions. However, before use, you need to contact an ophthalmologist, who will select a treatment regimen and dosage in accordance with the child’s age.
special instructions
Since blurred visual perception may appear immediately after the procedure, it is necessary to refrain from working with dangerous mechanisms and driving a car. Immediately after instilling the drug, the eyes should be rested for at least 20 minutes.
In case of contact correction, contact lenses must be removed before using the medicine. They are allowed to be worn 20 minutes after the procedure.
If 5 days after starting treatment with the drug there is no positive trend, you should consult your doctor. The dosage may need to be adjusted or replaced with a similar drug.
Side effects and contraindications Oftalmoferon
Oftalmoferon is well tolerated by eye tissues. According to reviews from specialists and patients who have undergone treatment with the drug, the drug does not cause side effects. There were no patient complaints about the irritating effect of the drug.
Overdose
When applied topically, it is not observed.
Contraindications
Contraindications to the use of the drug Oftalmoferon are only individual intolerance to some of its components. No side effects were identified with adequate use of the drug.
The question of the possibility of treatment with drops for pregnant women and patients breastfeeding should be decided individually with a doctor.
Analogs
Due to the rather high cost of the drug, it becomes inaccessible to many potential consumers.
Therefore, you can purchase cheaper analogues of Oftalmoferon. Among the best similar eye drops that have a composition identical to Oftalmoferon and have antiviral and immunostimulating effects are:
- Acripol - the main active ingredient is interferon. The drug is used in the treatment of burns or injuries of the cornea, various viral ophthalmological diseases. Relieves redness and dryness of the eyes that occur when wearing contact lenses or working at the computer for long periods of time. Unlike Oftalmoferon, this analogue is not approved for use during pregnancy and lactation.
- Poludan - due to its immunomodulatory effect, the drug is prescribed for the treatment of viral diseases. Prohibited for use by children under 12 years of age, during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Albucid is a strong ophthalmic antibiotic, used for purulent or infectious eye diseases, and also prevents the development of bacteria. Prescribed for the treatment of conjunctivitis, keratitis, blepharitis.
- Altevit is an analogue of the active substance and has antiviral, antitumor and immunomodulatory effects. Treatment is prescribed only by a doctor, as the drug can cause severe side effects.
- Florenal is a broad-spectrum antiviral drug. There are several dosage forms: drops, ointment and special film. Once on the mucous membranes, the active component neutralizes the proliferation of viruses. Florenal can be used for a long time (up to 3 months).
Eye drops Oftalmoferon
Oftalmoferon
– a drug intended for the treatment of viral and allergic eye diseases. This medicine has a versatile effect due to its composition:
- the main active ingredient of Ophthalmoferon is interferon (its concentration is not less than 10,000 IU per 1 ml), which has an antiviral effect and increases local immunity;
- Diphenhydramine has antiallergic and anti-inflammatory effects; in addition, Diphenhydramine has a local anesthetic effect on the conjunctiva and cornea of the eye;
- Boric acid has an antiseptic (disinfecting) effect on secondary bacterial infections, often associated with viral eye infections.
Interferon, which is part of Ophthalmoferon, is a drug obtained by genetic engineering, which gives it a number of advantages over interferon obtained from human blood leukocytes: it is more purified (up to 99%), safe against the transmission of other viruses (HIV, cytomegalovirus, hepatitis viruses), makes it possible to use higher concentrations of interferon.
The active ingredients of Oftalmoferon are packaged in a complex of biopolymers “artificial tears”
, which protects the corneal epithelium from the irritating effects of Diphenhydramine, lubricates the cornea, has a softening effect and helps reproduce the optical characteristics of the tear film. The high viscosity of the protective film increases the duration of contact of the drug with the cornea and leads to uniform distribution of the drug over the entire surface of the eye. Increasing the time of contact of the drug with the conjunctiva of the eye increases the antiviral effectiveness of Interferon.
Improving regeneration (restoration of eye tissue) is also one of the therapeutic effects of Oftalmoferon.
Analogue of this product
In fact, there are no absolute analogues, both in composition and structure, of these drops.
But there are drugs similar in the presence of active ingredients and mode of action to Oftalmoferon:
- "Altevir" is an eye drop that contains recombinant human interferon alpha-2b. The drug is similar in action to Oftalmoferon: it has pronounced antiviral properties, as well as antitumor and immunomodulatory effects. That is why these drops are actively used in the occurrence of various types of neoplasms: papillomas, lymphomas, condylomas, etc. The dosage and duration of the course of taking Altevir is regulated by an ophthalmologist.
- "Poludan." This drug contains polyriboadenylic acid, which in turn has a detrimental effect on the herpes virus, as well as adenovirus. Accordingly, Poludan has an antiviral effect. It quickly penetrates the tissue of the eyeball and literally begins to act with lightning speed. It is important to note that the medicine does not linger in the body, is not “precipitated” anywhere, and is completely eliminated from the body within a few days.
- “Albucid” is a well-known “Soviet” drug. This medicine is aimed at fighting bacteria. “Albucid” suppresses the immune system, so it can only be used for conjunctivitis of a bacterial nature.
Use of the product during pregnancy and lactation
Carrying a child is not a contraindication to the use of the medicine. If the doctor considers it necessary to use drops, he will prescribe them to his pregnant patient, but will first analyze all possible risks for the expectant mother and the developing fetus. As a rule, such medications do not pose a threat to their health.
Use of Oftalmoferon during pregnancy
During lactation, treatment of pathologies of the organs of vision with the help of Oftalmoferon drops is also allowed. This remedy works locally. It does not affect the systemic circulation and does not pass into breast milk. Therefore, there is no need to stop lactation and switch the baby to formula.
Contraindications and side effects
The proteins that are present in Oftalmoferon are safer than those produced from plasma obtained from donors.
Oftalmoferon is used to treat viral eye pathologies at any age. Instillations are done for both children and elderly people.
What high myopia is is described in detail in the article.
Can be used during pregnancy
The drops are also suitable for women who are pregnant. The active component of Oftalmoferon serves as an immunomodulator, so at the beginning of pregnancy the drug is used very carefully, as this can lead to miscarriage. The effect of drops on fetal development has not been studied. During lactation, you must strictly adhere to your doctor's recommendations.
The drug should not be used by people who have abnormal sensitivity to the components present in the drops.
After instillation, a person feels a burning sensation for some time, sometimes the conjunctiva turns red, the eyelids swell and itch, but all this quickly passes. No other unpleasant phenomena are observed when using Oftalmoferon.
Find out how to choose and what multifocal lenses are here.
Signs of dry eye syndrome
Non-steroidal anesthetic for topical use - instructions for use of Nevanac eye drops.
Drug interactions
When using Alfaferon, its interaction with other drugs should be taken into account:
- Alfaferon reduces the half-life and clearance of theophylline.
- When taken together, the metabolism of propranolol is disrupted. cimetidine, warfarin, diazepam, phenytoin.
- Co-administration with drugs that depress the function of the central nervous system should be avoided. Also, during treatment you should not drink alcohol or use immunosuppressants.
- A 5% dextrose solution should not be used to dilute the drug. You should also not add other medicinal substances to the dropper with Alfaferon.
Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics
Interferon, which is part of the drops, provides an immunostimulating effect. This means that the body's own defense system is activated and begins to eliminate microorganisms that provoke inflammation. As a result, the viruses lose their ability to reproduce and die, and the patient gets rid of the unpleasant symptoms of the disease.
How do Oftalmoferon drops work?
Diphenhydramine works on a different principle. Its main purpose is to block histamine receptors. As a result, allergic reactions, which are often accompanied by itching, swelling and redness, are suppressed.
Doctors note that the drug works at the local level, that is, specifically on the cornea or mucous membranes of the eye. Mass absorption into the bloodstream is not observed, so there are no pharmacokinetic data.
Composition and properties of the product
When is it prescribed?
Antiviral eye drops should be prescribed only for inflammation of viral etiology. The drugs are able to defeat adenovirus, an infection that enters the body mainly through the mucous membranes. In ophthalmology, adenovirus is the main cause of conjunctivitis.
Enterovirus infection can also cause the development of eye inflammation. The most severe form is enteroviral keratoconjunctivitis, which affects the cornea. Acute inflammation of the conjunctiva is caused by enterovirus type 70. This disease in ophthalmology is called hemorrhagic conjunctivitis. A characteristic feature is hemorrhage.
The herpes virus can also cause a pathological condition. Herpetic keratitis is considered the most common form of the disease. They appear most often during primary infection with the herpes virus at an early age in children.
Poludan is an effective immunomodulator
Poludan can replace Ophthalmoferon and its analogues, as it has a pronounced immunomodulatory effect, i.e. it stimulates the production of interferon by the body itself. Scope of its application:
- viral eye infections;
- optic neuritis;
- inflammation of the posterior wall of the eyeball and retina (chorioretinitis).
The composition of the drug Poludan is quite complex:
- potassium salts of prolyriboadenylic and polyribouridylic acids affect the synthesis of interferon in the body;
- potassium and sodium salts are used as auxiliary components.
The drug is available in the form of a specially prepared powder (lyophysilate), the instructions for use describe the method of preparing eye drops from it for instillation. In severe forms of eye diseases, the drug is administered as an injection under the conjunctiva, which is best left to a highly qualified healthcare professional.
Poludan is contraindicated in case of complications in the form of bacterial infections: sinusitis, frontal sinusitis, dental suppuration. The components of Poludan affect the already formed immune system, so use for children will not give the desired effect.
Poludan is not a very cheap drug: a package of 10 bottles of powder to obtain 5 ml of solution costs 1050-1200 rubles in pharmacies. But before replacing one drug with its analogue, you need to pay attention to the individual tolerance of the components included in all three antiviral drugs.
Drops for pregnant women
If you are ill while expecting a baby, it is especially important to choose medications that have no side effects and cannot harm the fetus. The range of approved drugs is sharply limited, but Oftalmoferon is easily included in it. None of the pregnant women experienced any adverse reactions during product testing.
And remember that any eye disease should be monitored by a doctor. After all, this organ is very vulnerable: the slightest pathological process can lead to loss of vision, and it will be impossible to restore it.
Viral conjunctivitis is one of the most common eye diseases and occurs in both adults and children. The pathology is highly contagious and can provoke an epidemic. Complex therapy, which necessarily includes antiviral drops for the eyes, will help cope with the disease. Such drugs activate the immune system and promote a speedy recovery. An effective course of treatment can only be prescribed by an ophthalmologist. Therefore, if you notice symptoms of inflammation, you should immediately contact a specialist.
Indications
The drug can be administered by injection (subcutaneous, intramuscular, venous) for diseases such as:
- Malignant neoplasms;
- Chronic hepatitis B;
- Chronic viral hepatitis C;
- Condylomas;
- Hairy cell leukemia, mycosis fungoides, malignant melanoma, chronic myeloid leukemia;
- Kaposi's sarcoma in people with AIDS.
Alfaferon is prescribed rectally for chronic and acute hepatitis. Nasal drops are suitable for both the prevention and treatment of influenza and acute respiratory viral infections. In addition, Alfaferon is used as eye drops.
"Oftan Idu"
Another Finnish-made medicine is Oftan Idu. These are powerful antiviral eye drops. The drug has a pronounced virucidal effect and has a detrimental effect on the virus. The main active ingredient, idoxuridine, can change the DNA structure of the pathogen, which will inevitably lead to its death.
In the acute phase, antiviral eye drops should be used every 2 hours. In the future, the time interval may be increased. Unlike interferon-based products, this drug can cause a number of side effects such as increased tearing, itching, redness, and clouding of the cornea. To avoid negative consequences, you should first contact a specialist who will select the necessary antiviral eye drops.
The price of such drugs ranges from 200 rubles. (Actipol drops) up to 370 rub. (“Ophthalmoferon”). Drops based on human interferon can be prescribed as part of the complex treatment of acute respiratory viral infections, as well as for the prevention of colds.
Interferon is a protein produced by cells of the immune system to fight various viruses that enter the body from the outside. The pharmaceutical industry produces synthetic interferon (an analogue of a natural compound) intended for the prevention and treatment of viral infections. Interferon preparations are taken orally or used locally in ophthalmic practice. In what cases is interferon prescribed for the eyes? The features of the action and use of the drug are described in the article.
Pharmacological properties
Alfaferon has pronounced immunomodulatory, antiviral, and antiproliferative effects. The drug also stops the growth of pathogenic cells.
The anti-inflammatory effect of the drug is based on:
- Interferon binding to special receptors located on the surface of healthy cells. Due to this, the resistance of cells to viral effects increases.
- The formation of interferon-stimulated genes that prevent the proliferation of viruses due to protein activation. In turn, the p53 protein destroys cells affected by the virus through the mechanism of apoptosis.
Alfaferon does not act on the virus itself, but on uninfected cells, increasing their protective potential. Subsequently, the cell acquires the ability to resist the virus.
The immunomodulatory ability of Alfaferon is explained by the enhancement of killer cells and macrophages, which recognize and destroy foreign agents, such as tumors.
Alfaferon eye drops are distinguished by their regenerating effect, antiviral activity, anti-inflammatory, and antiallergic properties.
Children's antiviral eye drops
For children, antiviral agents based on human interferon are considered the safest. Interferon inducers will stimulate the body's natural defenses, increasing the production of antibodies to the viral pathogen without having a negative effect. But only the attending physician can prescribe them.
Viruses affect children more often than adults. The vulnerability of children is associated with the imperfection of the immune system, which has not yet had time to “get acquainted” with many infections. Viral conjunctivitis mainly occurs in children 2-6 years old. At the same time, cold symptoms may be observed: runny nose, sore throat, weakness, headache. To relieve discomfort, you can use the following drops:
“Ophthalmoferon.” “Oftan Idu.” “Poludan.” “Gludantan.” “Aktipol.”
If a bacterial infection occurs, the specialist will prescribe additional medications that will act directly on foreign agents. Drops are also used for bacterial conjunctivitis. Antiviral and antibacterial drugs should be instilled into the eyes only after reading the instructions.
Drops for children
In childhood, the concentration of interferon is not as important as its type. Antiviral agents based on human interferon are used. They stimulate the immune system, force the production of antibodies to the virus and quickly remove all symptoms and causes of the disease.
For children, the same “Ophthalmoferon” is considered an ideal remedy due to the absence of side effects. Slightly less frequently recommended are Poludan, Oftan Idu, Gludantan, and Aktipol. It is important to carefully study the instructions, as the dosage for children may vary significantly.
Release form
Ophthalmoferon is a colorless transparent liquid in the form of a solution that must be instilled into the conjunctival sac (the space between the eyeball and the lower eyelid).
The drug does not have a distinct odor, but a yellowish tint may appear. If the medicine was stored at the required temperature, a yellow tint is not a contraindication to the use of drops.
1 bottle contains 5 or 10 ml of solution. Each bottle is equipped with a dropper nozzle for precise dosing.
The product must be stored at a temperature from +2° to +8° (in the refrigerator). After the integrity of the packaging is damaged, the drops are suitable for use within 1 month.
Types of antiviral eye drops
In medical practice, all antiviral eye drops are divided into several types depending on the mechanism of action. Virucidal antiviral agents act directly on the foreign agent and kill (inactivate) it. Such drops are classified as antimetabolites and significantly inhibit the healing process of the cornea affected by the virus.
Drops based on human interferon are more gentle. Penetrating into cells damaged by the virus, this protein does not kill the pathogen. It forces cells to resist viral attacks from the first day of illness. Immunomodulatory drops also improve the protective function. Stimulation of immunity occurs at the local and general level. Depending on the severity of the condition, the specialist will select the optimal drug to treat the virus. You may need other medications if a bacterial infection occurs.
Conjunctivitis and interferon drops
Most often, people experience conjunctivitis due to various allergic reactions and reduced immunity. The sooner treatment is started, the faster and better the symptoms of the pathology will pass. Drops will help quickly remove:
redness and tearing of the eyes; pain and stinging; swelling of the eyelids; sensitivity to light.
Conjunctivitis can be accompanied by various respiratory diseases of the upper respiratory tract. In this case, you can additionally use drugs based on interferon in the nose - “Genferon”, “Derinat”, “Nazoferon”, “Grippferon”.
