Interferon Pharmacology

Interferon

About Interferon

Cell-signaling Cytokine,Biological response modifier, Antiviral.

Mechanism of Action of Interferon

Interferons are glycoprotein cytokines and these are produced by human cell in response to inducers. The binding of interferon to the receptor will induce antiviral proteins production. The antiviral protein inhibits penetration, transcription, translation, assembly and release of viral particles. Interferones are of following types:Interferon alpha, Interferon beta, Interferon gamma and Interferon omega.

Pharmacokinets of Interferon

Absorption: Interferons are absorbed after parenteral administration. Distribution: It is distributed in the body. Excretion: Negligible amount excreted in urine.

Onset of Action for Interferon

N/A

Duration of Action for Interferon

12 hour

Half Life of Interferon

4 - 9 hour

Side Effects of Interferon

1.Flu like symptoms like fever, myalgia,chills etc
2.Psychosis
3.Fatigue
4.Bone marrow suppression
5.Leucopenia
6.Elevated liver enzyme level

Contra-indications of Interferon

1.Hypersensitivity to Interferons

Special Precautions while taking Interferon

1.Hepatic dysfunction
2.Myocardial infarction
3.Heart failure
4.Thrombocytopenia
5.Diabetes
6.Thyroid dysfunction
7.Severe Myelosuppression
8.COPD
9.Pulmonary embolism
10.Depression

Pregnancy Related Information

Use with caution

Old Age Related Information

Use with caution

Breast Feeding Related Information

Contraindicated

Children Related Information

Contraindicated
NEONATES: contraindicated

Indications for Interferon

1.Hepatitis B & C
2.Hairy cell leukaemia
3.AIDS related Kaposi`s sarcoma
4.Condyloma acuminata

Interactions for Interferon

Theophylline : Inhibits metabolism of theophylline thereby enhacing efficacy.

Typical Dosage for Interferon

Adult (IM/SC):3 - 9 million IU daily
Hairy cell leukaemia: 3 million IU daily for 4 - 6 month
Maintenance dose: 3 million IU 3 times a week for 6 months
AIDS related Kaposi`s sarcoma: 36 million IU daily for 2 - 3 week

Schedule of Interferon

N/A

Storage Requirements for Interferon

The drug should be stored at room temperature.Keep away from heat, light and moisture.The vial should be kept at 2 - 8 degree Celsius.

Effects of Missed Dosage of Interferon

N/A

Effects of Overdose of Interferon

Give supportive measures and symptomatic treatment. Control seizure by giving Diazepam. Then Pyridoxine is administered followed by gastric lavage .Acidosis can be treated with sodium bicarbonate by parenteral administration. Forced diuresis and dialysis can be done if necessary

Home Delivery for Interferon in Your City

Medicine India is just a publishing medium for medicine related information and does not provide services or sales of medicines including interferon.

However, we do publish a comprehensive directory of Pharmacies, Chemists and Druggists in cities all over India. You can use this directory to find the medicine stores in your city (or area) that provide home delivery services for interferon and other medicines and health products. Home delivery services for interferon may be free or they may cost you depending on the pharmacy and the minimum order requirements. It would be best to get this clarified while placing the order.

Please be aware that you should take interferon only if a doctor has recommended or prescribed it. Some or all pharmacies who provide a home delivery service for medicines might insist on a prescription for interferon before they complete the sale. You can get this information while placing the order for interferon with the pharmacy.

Interferon is a generic medicine name and there are several brands available for it. Some of the brands for interferon might be better known than interferon itself. If the pharmacy that's willing to deliver medicines to your home doesn't have interferon in stock, you can ask for one of the branded alternatives for interferon.