Other topical nasal preparations (local classification)
ATC code: R01AX-GRIPPFERON (Interferon alpha-2b nasal (local code))
Recombinant human interferon alpha-2b in nasal drops, spray, gel, or ointment formulations. The manufacturer claims antiviral and immunomodulatory action at the nasal mucosal level. Unlike systemic interferon in chronic hepatitis C, clinical trials of nasal formulations for URI and influenza are absent from international sources (Cochrane, PubMed, ).
Not recommended
Nasal interferon formulations for URI are not mentioned in international guidelines (, CDC, , ). URI is a self-limited viral illness that does not require etiotropic therapy. Symptomatic care and adequate hydration are the only approach supported by international guidelines.
Not recommended
Grippferon was widely recommended in Russian outpatient practice for COVID-19 prevention and treatment in 2020-2022. , NIH, CDC, and did not support nasal interferon formulations for these indications. No independent multicentre RCTs with clinical outcomes have been published.
Not recommended
For influenza prevention, international recommendations ( 2024, CDC ACIP) list annual vaccination, hand hygiene, and social distancing during epidemics. Nasal interferon formulations are not among the recommended prevention measures.
Not recommended
— Immune system boosting: Grippferon and similar nasal interferon α-2b formulations are marketed as «immunity drops» and URI prophylaxis. Nasal interferons do not provide proven systemic protection against respiratory viruses; the group is absent from , , , and guidelines for routine prevention in healthy people. Evidence-based influenza prevention is annual vaccination.
Permitted in pregnancy per manufacturer label. Clinically meaningful efficacy in URI has not been proven.
Compatible with breastfeeding.
interferon alpha-2b (nasal formulations) is evaluated for the following indications with varying evidence strength: Acute respiratory viral infection (evidence tier F), Influenza prevention (evidence tier F), COVID-19 (evidence tier F). See the full indication matrix with dosing and citations above on this page.
Common side effects of interferon alpha-2b (nasal formulations) (≥ 1 in 100): Local nasal mucosal irritation, Allergic reactions (rare). See the Safety section for uncommon and serious reactions.
Permitted in pregnancy per manufacturer label. Clinically meaningful efficacy in URI has not been proven.
Compatible with breastfeeding.
interferon alpha-2b (nasal formulations) is contraindicated in: Hypersensitivity to interferon alpha-2b or other components; Severe allergic diseases. Full list in the Safety section.
evidence-based measures are influenza vaccination from 6 months and hand hygiene. Intranasal interferon was studied extensively in the 1980s in experimental rhinovirus inoculation. An effect existed but was accompanied by nasal mucosal irritation and did not lead to clinical adoption.