Drug reference

interferon alpha

glycoprotein cytokine · Antiviral

glycoprotein cytokineAntiviral

CDSCO approved

EXCRETION

—

not curated

INTERACTIONS

—

none in our sources

PREGNANCY

—

not curated

Mechanism

Interferons are low molecular weight glycoprotein cytokines that bind to specific cell surface receptors. They affect viral replication at multiple steps and suppress viral protein synthesis (inhibition of translation). Activation of JAK-STAT receptors induces 'interferon-induced-proteins' which exert antiviral effects. Host-specific.

Indications

chronic hepatitis Bchronic hepatitis C (often in combination with ribavirin)AIDS-related Kaposi’s sarcomacondyloma acuminata (intralesional in refractory cases)H. simplex (second line/adjuvant in immunocompromised)H. zoster (second line/adjuvant in immunocompromised)CMV (second line/adjuvant in immunocompromised)chronic myeloid leukaemiafollicular lymphomacutaneous T-cell lymphomamultiple myelomagenital wartsperianal lesions

Dosing

Adult: Chronic hepatitis B: IFNα2Α 2.5−5 ΜU/m2 or IFNα2Β 5−10 ΜU given 3 times per week for 4–6 months. PegIFNs 180 μg s.c. once weekly for 24−48 weeks. Chronic hepatitis C: IFNα2Β 3ΜU 3 times weekly for 6–12 months. PegIFNs 180 μg/week.

Pharmacokinetics

Half-life

Detectible in plasma for 24 hours (cellular effects longer lasting)

Excretion

Degraded mainly in liver and kidney

Side effects

Common

flu-like symptoms (fatigue, aches and pains, malaise, fever, dizziness, anorexia, nausea, taste and visual disturbances)neurotoxicity (numbness, neuropathy, altered behaviour, mental depression, tremor, sleepiness)headachenauseavomitingfatiguemyalgia

Serious