Anaferon

Anaferon is a drug that is commonly used as an immunomodulator and antiviral agent. It contains affinity purified antibodies to human gamma interferon.

Gamma interferon is a substance produced by the body in response to viral infections and other external influences. It plays an important role in the immune system, stimulating the body's defense mechanisms against infections.

Anaferon contains antibodies to gamma interferon, which, according to manufacturers, can stimulate the immune system and enhance its protective functions against viruses.

The use of Anaferon is generally recommended for the prevention and treatment of respiratory viral infections such as influenza and acute respiratory viral infections. However, the effectiveness and mechanisms of action of this drug may be the subject of debate in the medical community, and further research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.

Indications Anaferon

1. Prevention and treatment of influenza and acute respiratory viral infections: Anaferon can be used to reduce the likelihood of contracting influenza and other respiratory viral infections. It can also be used to reduce the severity of symptoms and shorten the duration of the disease if they occur.
2. Complex treatment of viral infections: Anaferon can be included in the complex treatment of other viral diseases, such as herpes, viral hepatitis and others.
3. Strengthening the immune system: The drug can be used to strengthen the immune system and increase its protective functions, especially during periods of increased risk of disease.
4. Maintenance therapy: Anaferon can be used as maintenance therapy during the rehabilitation period after infections or to prevent relapses.

Release form

Anaferon is usually available in the form of lozenges. These lozenges are designed to dissolve under the tongue, which facilitates rapid absorption of the active ingredients through the oral mucosa. This form of release is usually convenient for use, especially for children and people who have difficulty taking tablets or capsules.

Pharmacodynamics

1. Antibodies to gamma interferon: Gamma interferon is an important mediator of the immune response, playing a role in protecting the body from viral infections. Anaferon contains affinity purified antibodies to gamma interferon, which can enhance the body's immune response, stimulating its protective functions against viruses.
2. Immunomodulatory action: The drug is able to activate cellular and humoral immunity, which helps to strengthen the body's immune response. This can lead to a decrease in the likelihood of disease and a decrease in the severity of infections.
3. Antiviral action: It is assumed that activation of the immune system by antibodies to gamma interferon can enhance the body's antiviral mechanisms, which helps suppress the proliferation of viruses and reduce the duration and severity of infection.
4. Antioxidant action: Some studies also suggest that gamma interferon antibodies may have antioxidant properties, protecting the body's cells from damage caused by free radicals.

Pharmacokinetics

The pharmacokinetics of Anaferon are generally not described in detail, since the drug contains affinity purified antibodies to gamma interferon, which usually do not have typical pharmacokinetic parameters such as metabolism, distribution and excretion.

The main action of the drug is carried out at the site of application in the oral mucosa, where the active components are absorbed through the mucous membrane and can have an effect on the immune system.

Thus, systemic absorption of affinity purified antibodies to human interferon-gamma is likely minimal, and the pharmacokinetics of the drug have not been the subject of detailed study or characterization.

Dosing and administration

1. Prevention of influenza and acute respiratory viral infections:

   • For adults and children over 14 years of age: It is usually recommended to take 1 tablet 3 times a day for 2-3 weeks.
   • For children aged 6 months to 3 years: The usual dose is 1 tablet 2 times a day.
   • For children aged 3 to 6 years: The usual dose is 1 tablet 3 times daily.

2. Treatment of acute respiratory viral infections and flu:

   • When the first symptoms of the disease appear, the dosage can be increased: for adults and children over 14 years old - 1 tablet every 30 minutes on the first day (up to 8 tablets), then - 1 tablet 3 times a day for 2-3 weeks.
   • For children aged 6 months to 3 years: usually 1 tablet every 30 minutes on the first day (up to 4 tablets), then 1 tablet 2 times a day.
   • For children aged 3 to 6 years: usually 1 tablet every 30 minutes on the first day (up to 6 tablets), then 1 tablet 3 times a day.

The tablets should be kept in the mouth until completely dissolved. It is better to take them half an hour before or half an hour after food or water.

Use Anaferon during pregnancy

1. Gamma interferon and pregnancy:

   • Gamma interferon plays an important role in the immune system and is involved in immunomodulation and antiviral defense. It is produced by natural killer cells and activated T lymphocytes. Studies have shown that gamma interferon can have various effects on pregnancy, including induction of MHC class I and II antigen expression in the placenta, which can influence immune responses (Mattsson et al., 1991).
   • Another study in mice showed that administration of gamma interferon during pregnancy can lead to fetal resorption and other negative effects on fetal development (Mattsson et al., 1992).

2. Antibodies to gamma interferon:

   • Anaferon contains antibodies to gamma interferon in ultra-low doses, which allows it to act as an immunomodulator. Clinical trials have shown its effectiveness and safety in the treatment and prevention of viral infections, including use in children under 1 year of age (Vasil'ev et al., 2008).

3. Safety for use in pregnant women:

   • Animal studies have shown that administration of gamma interferon may adversely affect pregnancy by causing immune-mediated reactions and altered immune balance in the mother and fetus (Athanassakis et al., 1996).
   • However, limited data on the use of gamma interferon antibodies in pregnant women do not indicate significant risks, but further studies are needed to draw definitive conclusions.

Contraindications

1. Individual intolerance or allergic reaction to the components of the drug: Any of the components of the drug, including affinity purified antibodies to gamma interferon or excipients, may cause an allergic reaction in some patients.
2. Autoimmune diseases: The use of immunomodulatory drugs such as Anaferon may be contraindicated in patients with certain autoimmune diseases or immune system conditions.
3. Severe liver or kidney disease: Use may be restricted in patients with severe liver or kidney disease, as there may be insufficient data on the safety and efficacy of the drug in this patient group.
4. Childhood: The use of Anaferon in children under a certain age may be limited or require special medical advice.
5. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Data on the safety of using Anaferon during pregnancy and breastfeeding may be limited, so the use of the drug in these cases requires special attention and a doctor's prescription.

Side effects Anaferon

1. Allergic reactions: Include skin rash, itching, redness of the skin, angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, tongue), allergic dermatitis. In some cases, anaphylactic shock may develop, which requires immediate medical attention.
2. Dyspeptic disorders: Dyspeptic symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or abdominal pain may occur.
3. General hypersensitivity reactions: In rare cases, general hypersensitivity symptoms such as lethargy, dizziness, fatigue may occur.
4. Reactions from the nervous system: Neurological symptoms such as headache, irritability, and sleep disturbances may occur.
5. Other rare side effects include fever, arthralgia, alopecia, changes in blood counts.

Overdose

Data on Anaferon overdose are limited, and cases of severe overdose are rare. However, if the recommended dose is exceeded, there may be increased side effects, such as allergic reactions, dyspeptic disorders (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), dizziness, fatigue, and others.

Interactions with other drugs

Information on the interactions of Anaferon with other drugs is limited. Since Anaferon is a drug containing affinity-purified antibodies to gamma interferon, its systemic interaction with other drugs is probably minimal, since its action is primarily directed at the immune system.