Ophthalmoferon eye drops are often prescribed for adult patients with viral and allergic pathologies of the organs of vision. Due to several active ingredients, this topical preparation has a positive multilateral effect on the conjunctiva. At the same time, it has a minimum number of contraindications and side effects. But is it possible to use Ophthalmoferon eye drops for children and which treatment regimen is suitable for the smallest patients? The proposed article will help you deal with these questions.
Issue form
Produced "Ophthalmoferon" by the domestic company "Firn M" only as eye drops. A glass or plastic bottle, equipped with a special dropper cap, contains 10 ml of a slightly yellow or colorless liquid. This solution should be transparent, without any impurities. If you notice that the product has darkened or become cloudy, do not use it.
Composition
The main active ingredient of "Ophthalmoferon" is human interferon, belonging to the alpha-2 category. In view ofmethod of obtaining it, this substance is sometimes called recombinant or genetically engineered, because the science of the same name is used for its production.
It is due to this method of obtaining that this ingredient comes out more pure than interferon from leukocytes. In addition, he is not able to carry viruses. Each milliliter of drops contains at least 10,000 IU.
The second active ingredient of the drug is diphenhydramine. In medicine, it is also called diphenhydramine. Each milliliter of drops contains 1 mg of this substance.
In order for the medicine to remain liquid for a long time and not deteriorate, in addition to distilled water, additional ingredients are added to it: povidone, Trilon B, hypromillose, boric acid.
Mechanism of action
Ophthalmoferon eye drops have a wide spectrum of antiviral activity due to the effect of its active substances on various types of infectious agents. In addition, the drug has the following effect:
- antimicrobial;
- anti-inflammatory;
- local anesthetic;
- immunomodulating;
- regenerating.
The effect of the drug on immunity and various viruses is determined by the qualities of interferon, and by supplementing the composition with diphenhydramine, drops also help to relieve swelling and itching.
Auxiliary ingredients of the drug help to form an artificial tear. Among them are polymers that can saveeyes from irritating external influences. It is due to their presence that the drug has a lubricating and softening effect.
In addition, the additional components of the droplets after processing create a protective film that allows you to truly evenly distribute the active ingredients over the surface of the shell.
Boric acid, present in the composition of the drug, plays the role of an antiseptic, which is important in case of bacterial infections.
Numerous scientific studies have proven that "Ophthalmoferon" helps to accelerate recovery from eye diseases of a viral nature. In addition, it stimulates the resorption of infiltrates in the membrane, reducing pain and redness.
Indications
According to the instructions for use, "Ophthalmoferon" is prescribed for children when the following pathologies are detected:
- adenoviral conjunctivitis;
- mucosal lesions by herpetic viruses;
- hemorrhagic conjunctivitis provoked by enterovirus infection;
- keratitis caused by adenoviruses or herpetic viruses;
- keratouveitis;
- keratoconjunctivitis;
- eye damage from chickenpox;
- dry eye syndrome;
- allergic form of conjunctivitis;
- bacterial infection of the conjunctiva.
Besides everythingamong other things, this medicine may be recommended for a child who has undergone keratoplasty or any other operative therapy of the visual organs.
Restrictions
How old can you use, according to the instructions, drops of "Ophthalmoferon" for children? This drug is considered absolutely harmless to babies of any age. So it can be instilled into the eyes already in the first year of life. True, the use of "Ophthalmoferon" for both breastfed children and adolescents is recommended only after consulting a specialist.
The only contraindication to the use of this medication is individual intolerance to any ingredient contained in the composition. There are no other restrictions regarding the treatment of children with Ophthalmoferon.
Side effects
According to scientific research and instructions, during therapy with the use of "Ophthalmoferon" there are no negative symptoms caused by this particular medicine.
The main reason for the safety of the product is its local superficial action. Even if a certain percentage of the active ingredients seeps through the shell of the eyes into the bloodstream, then it is so small that it is simply impossible to detect it with the help of tests. That is why it does not affect the state of other organs and systems of the body.
Instruction and recommended dosage
According to the instructions, eye drops "Ophthalmoferon for children should be instilled 5-6 times a day, one drop each, if diagnosedthe disease is acute. Although, depending on the type of pathology, the doctor may prescribe a medicine for 2 drops to the child. As soon as the symptoms begin to recede and the inflammation decreases slightly, the regularity of the use of "Ophthalmoferon" should decrease to 2-3 times.
The duration of the therapeutic course is determined on an individual basis, since the drug is indicated until the unpleasant symptoms disappear completely.
If a child has a dry eye syndrome, the remedy is prescribed for a month, subject to daily use.
Ophthalmoferon drops for children who have undergone eye surgery are prescribed from the first day after the procedure. The tool should be instilled daily. In this case, the course of treatment can last within 10-14 days.
The correct procedure for instilling babies and special instructions are described in detail in the instructions for "Ophthalmoferon" for children: eye drops should be used very carefully, during the procedure the baby should be laid on his back, fixing his hands.
Drug Interactions
Children "Ophthalmoferon" is often prescribed in parallel with corticosteroids, antibiotics, local anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as medicines that improve reparative processes. Eye drops are compatible with all the drugs described and do not reduce their medicinal properties.
In addition, the drug can be used together with artificial tears and agents that activate the restoration of the eye membrane.
Price and storage conditions
"Ophthalmoferon" is sold without a special prescription and is a fairly affordable drug. The cost of one bottle ranges from 250-320 rubles.
The shelf life of the medicine when closed is 2 years. However, an open bottle can be stored for no more than a month. The product should be stored at a temperature not exceeding 8 degrees, in a dark place.
Reviews
Today you can find a large number of positive reviews about the experience of using "Ophthalmoferon" for children. Eye drops have proven themselves in the treatment of many different diseases of the visual system. Both parents and doctors generally speak well of this drug. They emphasize that a positive result from the use of drops is observed after only a couple of days from the start of use.
The advantages of treating children with "Ophthalmoferon" many parents include the possibility of treating very young patients, excellent tolerance to a weakened body and the minimum number of contraindications. According to them, the drops do not provoke the appearance of any side effects. And children who are already able to share their feelings with adults do not complain about the occurrence of discomfort after instillation of the eyes. In addition, according to the instructions, "Ophthalmoferon" can be instilled in children from a very early age. Even the use of the drug is allowedfor the treatment of infants.
As for the shortcomings, parents include the necessary regularity of use and too short shelf life of the open remedy.
In addition, some mothers find the cost of drops too high. And some parents say the drug doesn't work at all.
Analogues
Replace "Ophthalmoferon" in case of pathologies of the visual system in a child with similar drugs that have identical medicinal properties, active ingredients and indications. There are several analogues of these drops.
- "Okomistin". It is prescribed for babies of different ages when bacterial eye damage is detected. It can also be used as a nasal instillation.
- "Okuloheel". Homeopathic preparation containing echinacea, euphrasia and extracts of other plants. The remedy can be prescribed at any age.
- "Zovirax". Acyclovir-based drug used for eye infections with herpetic viruses. It can be used from birth.
- "Dexa-Gentamicin". The drug is based on an antibiotic supplemented with a glucocorticoid. Children are shown only on the recommendation of a doctor.
- "Levomycetin". Antibacterial drops that successfully fight blepharitis, barley and other microbial eye lesions. Can be used from birth under medical supervision.
- "Tears". These drops replace tears and can be used at any age.
- "Kromoheksal". The drug, the main active ingredient of which is sodium clomoglycate. It is prescribed for children when allergic pathologies are detected. Can be administered from two years of age.
- "Sulfacyl sodium". A remedy from the sulfonamide category can be recommended for children from birth for the treatment and prevention of conjunctivitis.
- "Vitabakt". A drug with antiseptic and antimicrobial effect. Allowed from birth.
All the medicines described may differ not only in active ingredients and age restrictions, but also in the mechanism of action, as well as contraindications. That is why it is allowed to use this or that remedy only after consulting with a specialist.
