Throughout pregnancy and lactation, women should be especially careful about their he alth. At this time, even the most harmless medicines are prohibited for use. But there are situations when it is still impossible to do without medicines.
Often, new and "experienced" mothers wonder what antiviral drugs are allowed while breastfeeding. In fact, there are indeed certain medicines of this group. But a specialist should still prescribe their use. At the same time, the doctor soberly assesses the condition of the mother, the age of her child and the individual characteristics of the baby.
Use of antivirals
There are some important things to know before using antivirals while breastfeeding.
- Almost all active substances taken orally are absorbed into the bloodstream and pass through breast milk to the baby.
- Baby may developallergic reactions to medicines, especially if they contain dyes and flavors.
- Some drugs change the taste of milk, and therefore the baby may refuse to breastfeed.
- Never exceed the doctor's recommended dose and prolong treatment yourself.
- Do not self-administer while breastfeeding.
Many people know that antiviral drugs are used for treatment and prevention. When breastfeeding, you should not get involved in preventive measures. If you are ill and need treatment, consult your doctor. In the event that a newly-made mother is very afraid of getting sick, wants to prevent infection, then it is recommended to use medicines that are safer than pills and powders. Give preference to nasal ointments, sprays and drops. It is strictly forbidden to take the following antiviral drugs (when breastfeeding): "Amiksin", "Arbidol", "Isoprinosine", "Rimantadine" and so on. The list can be long. Let's take a better look at what medications can still be used during lactation.
"Grippferon" - a medicine for pregnant and lactating women
The first antiviral drugs allowed during breastfeeding are nasal preparations from Firn M. They are produced in Russia. The drug "Grippferon" has two forms: drops and spray. At your discretion, you can choose the most convenient for you. The composition of the drugs includes 2-alpha humanrecombinant interferon. One milliliter contains 10,000 IU. Instructions for use informs that the medication is used for the treatment and prevention of viral diseases (influenza or SARS). The emphasis is on the fact that the drug is intended for pregnant women, lactating women, as well as children from the first days of life. It is contraindicated to use such an antiviral agent only for hypersensitivity.
It is known that the medicine after nasal application destroys many pathogenic microorganisms: adenoviruses, coronaviruses, parainfluenza, rhinoviruses and so on. Spray and drops envelop the mucous surface, drying it. Medications reduce the secretion of nasal mucus, create a negative environment for the reproduction of microbes, and also protect the mucous membrane from additional infection.
"Nazoferon": safety for the baby
What other antivirals are there? When breastfeeding, you can safely use the drug "Nazoferon". It contains the same human recombinant interferon 2-alpha. Five milliliters contains 100,000 IU. This is twice as much as the drug "Grippferon". If you turn to the instructions, you can find out that during pregnancy and lactation, this medication is not contraindicated. The only exceptions are severe allergic reactions of a nursing mother.
The drug after nasal administration perfectly copes with pathogenic microflora, stimulating the immune system. In breast milk, the drug can enter in small quantities. But it doesn't affect the state in any way.child. The fact is that the active substance does not interact with viruses. It only provokes the work of the immune system of a weakened organism. It is important that Nazoferon is not addictive.
"Viferon" is one of the commonly used medicines
When you next visit your doctor, ask about what antiviral drugs are available while breastfeeding. Surely the doctor will mention Viferon candles. They contain different amounts of recombinant interferon. The product is available in several forms: suppositories and ointment (gel).
Medicine is prescribed not only for the treatment and prevention of respiratory diseases. It is used for urogenital pathologies, hepatitis viruses, as well as for the prevention of complications. "Viferon" in the form of an ointment does not at all penetrate the child through milk. Candles are safe, they are often prescribed by pediatricians to babies themselves.
"Immunal" - medicine based on herbal substances
This preparation contains echinacea extract, a powerful plant immunomodulator. The medication is available in the form of tablets and solution. Since the use of ethanol-based antiviral drugs (when breastfeeding) is prohibited, the advantage remains with the pills.
Echinacea helps to increase the body's resistance, resistance to viruses. This component is isolated from natural plants. The medicine has a tonic effect, it increases the number of blood cells, prevents the penetrationpathogenic flora in the body. If the infection has occurred, then "Immunal" reduces the time of illness by almost half. It is not prescribed for nursing mothers who are sick with tuberculosis, multiple sclerosis, and also have the status of HIV-infected.
"Derinat" - a universal drug
It is acceptable to use antiviral drugs for lactation based on sodium deoxyribonucleate. The trade name of such a medicine is Derinat. The drug has an immunomodulatory, antiviral, regenerating effect. The drug stimulates the lymphatic system in the focus of inflammation.
It is important that "Derinat" is used for rhinitis, lesions of the larynx and throat, viral diseases of the oral mucosa. The drug is widely used in gynecology, and new mothers often have complications after childbirth that require antiviral therapy. There are a lot of indications for the use of the drug. Among the contraindications, only hypersensitivity is mentioned. If you are breastfeeding and need to use Derinat, be sure to consult your doctor first.
Engystol and Oscillococcinum: homeopathic remedies
The composition of the drug "Engistol" includes sulfur and hirudinaria. It also contains lactose. Therefore, if the baby is intolerant to this substance, its use should be abandoned. The safety of the drug is based on its homeopathic composition. Contraindications toThis remedy has no use, except for hypersensitivity. Engystol is prescribed for symptoms of the virus and flu: runny nose, fever, cough, general deterioration of well-being.
Another homeopathic remedy is Oscillococcinum. This drug is better known than its predecessor. A medication is prescribed for treatment and prevention. It can be used during breastfeeding and pregnancy. The composition includes an extract of the heart and liver of the Barbary duck. It is known that "Oscillococcinum" has no proven effectiveness. However, homeopathic antiviral drugs during lactation help women cope with the first signs of a cold and prevent complications.
"Anaferon" and "Ergoferon"
These two medicines are produced by the same Russian pharmaceutical company Materia Medica. "Anaferon" incorporates purified antibodies to human interferon. Ergoferon also includes them, but there are also antibodies to histamine. From this we can conclude that Anaferon tablets are an antiviral agent with an immunomodulatory effect. "Ergoferon" is an immunostimulant that can cope with viruses and prevent allergies.
Can these antivirals be used? During breastfeeding and throughout pregnancy, these drugs are prescribed by doctors without fear. But the instructions say that there is no reliable data on their safety for the child. Recall that Ergoferon tablets are recognizedstronger in action.
Genferon: rectal and vaginal suppositories
Antiviral drugs during breastfeeding are prescribed not only to treat colds. Such drugs are widely used in gynecology. Indications for this are: chlamydia, genital herpes, mycoplasmas and ureaplasmas, bacterial vaginosis, erosion, and so on. Suppositories have a pronounced antiviral effect, they stimulate the immune system. All due to the fact that the drug contains recombinant interferon in an amount of 250,000 to 1,000,000 IU. Candles have a slight anesthetic effect.
Antiviral drugs for breastfeeding: reviews
All the described means form different opinions about themselves. Especially actively disputes are conducted around homeopathic remedies. These medicines are quite expensive. But many consumers doubt their effectiveness. Most often, expectant mothers (according to statistics) are assigned "Grippferon" and "Viferon". These medicines are considered the safest for the parent and her child. Less commonly, Ergoferon or Anaferon tablets are prescribed.
Women say the earlier an antiviral compound is taken, the more effective it will be. Doctors support this opinion. Doctors also report that to ensure the safety of the child, the medicine should be taken immediately after the next feeding. In this case, part of the active substances will be excreted from the mother's body alreadyuntil next application.
Summarize
From the article you could find out what drugs can be used to fight a viral infection during lactation. The list of medicines and their characteristics are presented to your attention. Remember that before using any medication, it is recommended to consult a doctor. Don't get sick!
