Mechanism of Action
The drug's action begins at the cellular level and is executed through a complex cascade of intracellular reactions.
- Receptor binding: Interferon molecules interact with specific receptors located on the cell membrane.
- Intracellular cascade: Signal transduction into the cell is initiated, leading to the induction of the synthesis of various enzymes.
- Antiviral block: The key mechanism involves the activation of a specific enzyme that inhibits (blocks) viral RNA translation. As a result, the virus loses its ability to replicate inside the infected cell.
- Cell cycle control: The drug influences cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis processes.
Pharmacological Effects
Interferons are characterized by a classical triad of effects:
- Antiviral: Direct suppression of viral replication by blocking viral protein synthesis.
- Immunomodulatory: Activation of immune effectors. The drug stimulates macrophages and increases lymphocyte cytotoxicity, helping the body destroy infected cells independently.
- Antiproliferative: Regulation of cell growth and suppression of excessive cell division.
Indications
Since Interferonum leucocyticum humanum siccum is formulated for topical use, its systemic effects are limited. Main indications include:
- Prevention and treatment of influenza.
- Management of other acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI).
Adverse Effects
Despite topical application, the use of interferon preparations as a class can cause a wide range of adverse reactions. Students should remember the key ones:
- Flu-like syndrome: The most frequent complication (fever, chills, myalgia).
- CNS: Dizziness, visual disturbances, confusion, depression, insomnia, tremor, paresthesias.
- GI tract: Nausea, loss of appetite.
- Hematology and kidneys: Transient leukopenia, proteinuria.
- Cardiovascular system: Symptoms of heart failure.
- Other reactions: Skin rash, pruritus, alopecia, epistaxis, temporary impotence.
Formulation and Administration
The drug is available as a dry powder in 10 mL ampoules.
Important: Interferons have a protein structure, meaning they are inactive when taken orally (completely degraded by digestive enzymes in the GI tract). They must be administered parenterally or topically.
Preparation and administration guidelines:
- First, dissolve the contents of the ampoule in 2 mL of boiled water.
- For the treatment and prevention of respiratory infections, instill the solution intranasally (into the nasal passages) — 5 drops.
- If used in ophthalmology, instill the solution into the conjunctival sac — 2 drops.