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Interferon alpha-2b (nasal formulations)

Other topical nasal preparations (local classification)

ATC code: R01AX-GRIPPFERON(Interferon alpha-2b nasal (local code))

Updated · Methodology

Marketing claims without evidence base

The drug is promoted for these uses outside international guidelines. Each entry below is analyzed against AEMPS, FDA, EMA, Cochrane and major RCTs.

F

Common cold

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.

Sources

  1. Antiviral Res: Intranasal interferon (rIFN-alpha A, Ro 22-8181) for contact prophylaxis against common cold: a randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled field study. (1986)
  2. Antimicrob Agents Chemother: Intranasal interferon-alpha 2 for prevention of natural rhinovirus colds. (1984)
  3. J Infect Dis: Tolerance and efficacy of intranasal administration of recombinant beta serine interferon in healthy adults. (1988)
  4. J Infect Dis: Intranasal interferon alpha 2 for prevention of rhinovirus infection and illness. (1983)

ICD-10: J00 · ICD-11: CA00

F

COVID-19

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.

Sources

  1. Curr Top Med Chem: The Effect of Recombinant Human Interferon Alpha Nasal Drops to Prevent COVID-19 Pneumonia for Medical Staff in an Epidemic Area. (2021)
  2. N Engl J Med: Repurposed Antiviral Drugs for Covid-19 - Interim WHO Solidarity Trial Results. (2021)
  3. Eur Respir J: Update June 2022: management of hospitalised adults with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): a European Respiratory Society living guideline. (2022)

ICD-10: U07.1 · ICD-11: RA01.0

F

Immune support and respiratory infection care

Not recommended

Grippferon and similar nasal forms of interferon α-2b are marketed as immunity drops and cold prevention. Systemic interferons have proven efficacy in some diseases (chronic viral hepatitis), but nasal forms do not achieve bioavailability for systemic effect. International clinical guidelines (, , , CDC) do not include the drug; the , , and AEMPS have not approved it. If Grippferon was recommended to a child or adult, consider seeking a second opinion.

Sources

  1. AEMPS: Ficha técnica de Interferón alfa-2b (formas nasales) (2024)
  2. Cochrane (Hemila and Chalker): Vitamin C for preventing and treating the common cold (2013)
F

Influenza prevention

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.

Sources

  1. Vaccine: A randomized controlled trial of low-dose recombinant human interferons alpha-2b nasal spray to prevent acute viral respiratory infections in military recruits. (2010)
  2. N Engl J Med: Prophylactic efficacy of intranasal alpha 2-interferon against rhinovirus infections in the family setting. (1986)
  3. N Engl J Med: Prevention of natural colds by contact prophylaxis with intranasal alpha 2-interferon. (1986)
  4. CDC: Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) – vaccine recommendations (2026)
  5. WHO Influenza (Seasonal) recommendations 2024: WHO Influenza (Seasonal) recommendations 2024 (2024)

ICD-10: Z25.1 · ICD-11: QC01.8

How to read tiers A–F
  • AStrong evidence – first or second line in international guidelines
  • BRecommended in selected cases
  • CStudy data contradict each other
  • DBenefit not proven, no documented harm
  • FDocumented harm, or risk without benefit

Mechanism of action

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, ).

Safety

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to interferon alpha-2b or other components
  • Severe allergic diseases

Serious adverse effects

  • Systemic adverse events are unlikely due to low absorption

Common adverse effects

  • Local nasal mucosal irritation
  • Allergic reactions (rare)

Pregnancy: can you take Interferon alpha-2b (nasal formulations)?

Permitted in pregnancy per manufacturer label. Clinically meaningful efficacy in URI has not been proven.

Breastfeeding: can you take Interferon alpha-2b (nasal formulations)?

Compatible with breastfeeding.

Calculate RID

Reference information, not a clinical decision. Discuss feeding pauses or changes with your physician or an IBCLC.

Practical notes

Russian practice note

Grippferon and its analogues are widely prescribed in Russia to children and pregnant women as a 'safe alternative' to systemic antiviral therapy. The manufacturer emphasises local action and absence of systemic absorption. Absence of systemic absorption simultaneously means absence of a mechanism for clinically meaningful effect, apart from local stimulation that no one has measured in clinical outcomes.

Common myths

Myth: 'Nasal interferon drops prevent infection in daycare'. Fact: 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.

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Frequently asked

What is Interferon alpha-2b (nasal formulations) used for?

Interferon alpha-2b (nasal formulations) is evaluated for the following indications with varying evidence strength: Immune support and respiratory infection care (evidence tier F), Influenza prevention (evidence tier F), Common cold (evidence tier F). See the full indication matrix with dosing and citations above on this page.

What are the side effects of Interferon alpha-2b (nasal formulations)?

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.

Is Interferon alpha-2b (nasal formulations) safe during pregnancy?

Permitted in pregnancy per manufacturer label. Clinically meaningful efficacy in URI has not been proven.

Is Interferon alpha-2b (nasal formulations) compatible with breastfeeding?

Compatible with breastfeeding.

Who should not take Interferon alpha-2b (nasal formulations)?

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.

Nasal interferon drops prevent infection in daycare

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.

Official sources

Direct links to regulator labels. Open in a new tab.

Other drugs in this group

Fluticasone furoate (nasal), Mometasone furoate (nasal)