There are many drugs that affect the protective system of a child, but the most popular among them is Genferon Light. It is produced in the form of suppositories and effectively strengthens the baby's immunity. It is used both for treatment and as a prophylactic.
The composition of the drug
Suppositories "Genferon Light" are packed in 5 and 10 pieces. They are made in the form of cylinders with a pointed end. Candles are white, but a yellowish shade is also acceptable.
Another form of release of the drug "Genferon Light" is a spray for the nose. A single dose of spray contains 50,000 IU of the active substance. The usual "Genferon" has a high concentration of interferon and is prohibited for use in children under the age of seven.
The composition of the candles "Genferon Light" includes two active substances:
- Alpha-2B interferon. Its composition of the drug can be 125,000 IU and 250,000 IU.
- Taurine. Its amount is independent of dosage and amounts to 5 mg per suppository, regardless of the concentration of interferon.
Auxiliary components of the drug are solid fats, purified water, T2 emulsifier and citric acid. Among other things, Genferon Light contains substances such as polysorbate, macrogol and dextran.
Properties of the drug
This is an immunomodulatory drug. Suppositories act both at the level of local immunity, and systemically, since the large often interferon from suppositories is absorbed by the intestines and thus enters the bloodstream. The maximum level of interferon concentration is reached 5 hours after the use of the drug. Half-life occurs after approximately 12 hours.
Interferon as part of the drug has an antibacterial and antiviral effect. The use of suppositories allows you to activate the production of intracellular enzymes, which will lead to the suppression of virus reproduction.
The effect on the immune system is to increase the response of cells to infection by viruses or invasion of intracellular parasites. Thus, the response from the immune system becomes more pronounced and intense. “Genferon Light” promotes the activation of T-killers and killers of natural origin, and also affects the B-lymphocytes that produce antibodies.
The use of suppositories also determines the effect on macrophages and phagocytosis. In addition, interferon allows you to activate white blood cells, which makes it possible to quickly and effectively eliminate the foci of pathology on the mucous membrane.
The next active component of the drug is taurine. It normalizes metabolic processes, and also restores damaged tissues. Taurine also has an antioxidant property and stabilizes cell membranes. In addition, it helps maintain the biological properties of interferon, which greatly enhances the therapeutic effect of the use of suppositories.
Indications for use of the drug
Candles "Genferon Light" for children are prescribed in the following conditions:
- Therapy of infectious diseases of the genitourinary system.
- During the treatment of acute respiratory viral infections and other infections of bacterial or viral origin, such as pneumonia, meningitis, herpes, pyelonephritis, etc.
Candles "Genferon Light" can be used in children of any age, even if prematurity. In the latter case, as well as children under seven years of age, the drug is prescribed in a dosage of 125,000 IU, while 250,000 IU is prescribed to older patients. Nasal spray is not prescribed for children under the age of 14 years. Also, until this age is reached, vaginal administration of suppositories is not recommended.
Contraindications to the use of the medication
According to the instructions to "Genferon Light", the main limitation for the use of suppositories is the individual intolerance to the components of the drug. There are no other contraindications in the instructions. But if a child has been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease or allergy, it is necessary to consult with a doctor and apply suppositories with extra care.
Side effects of this medicine
Side effects on the drug are quite rare. An allergic reaction may be due to hypersensitivity to interferon and taurine. After discontinuation of the drug, the allergy disappears on its own within a few days. This is also confirmed by the instruction to Genferon Light.
In other cases, treatment can lead to the following adverse reactions from the body:
- Chills.
- Fast fatiguability.
- Headache.
- Sweating.
- Fever.
If such symptoms occur, it is necessary to abandon the use of suppositories and consult your doctor. A specialist can reduce the dosage of the drug or suggest a switch to similar candles. If the temperature rises with the use of suppositories, it is recommended to give the child a one-time preparation based on paracetamol in a dosage corresponding to his age. This points to the “Genferon Light” instruction for children.
How to apply the medicine?
The annotation says that suppositories can be administered not only rectally, but also vaginally. The method of application and one dose, as well as the duration of use of therapy should be determined by the attending physician. The standard scheme for using candles "Genferon Light":
- For children under the age of seven, a dosage of 125,000 IU of interferon is prescribed. A single dose of the drug is 1 suppository.
- When the child reaches the age of seven, the single dosage of interferon doubles and amounts to 250,000 IU.
- In acute respiratory viral infections and other viral diseases in the acute stage, one suppository is used in the morning and evening. The interval between use should be at least 12 hours. The duration of treatment is five days. If after this period the symptoms persist, the treatment is repeated after a break of five days.
- In chronic viral disease, Genferon Light is prescribed as part of complex therapy twice a day for 10 days. After this period of time, a transition to one-time use of candles in a day is made.
- With urogenital infection, the child is prescribed a ten-day course of the drug. Suppositories are administered twice a day with a break of 12 hours.
What other instructions are there for using Genferon Light?
Drug overdose
The manufacturer does not provide data on cases of overdose. If the drug was administered in a larger amount than prescribed by the doctor, it is necessary to maintain a pause per day before the next use. Further treatment should be continued according to the prescribed scheme.
Interaction with other drugs
The combination of “Genferon Light” with drugs that have antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial effects is acceptable. The simultaneous use of these drugs enhances their effect.
Drug Reviews
In general, parents are satisfied with the effect of treating children with Genferon Light suppositories. They note that therapy for viral diseases is accelerated by the use of suppositories. Children tolerate the drug well without the development of adverse reactions from the body.
There are also reviews about the use of spray "Genferon Light". It also shows high efficacy and quickly suppresses viral infections. However, its use does not cause discomfort, and adverse reactions in most cases are absent. Using the drug at the initial stage of the disease makes it possible to prevent the development of pathology and quickly eliminate it.
The disadvantage of a nasal spray in reviews is the impossibility of its use in children under 14 years of age, however, this form of the drug in suppositories solves this problem. This type of therapy is not always well accepted by young patients.
At the first signs of a cold, it is recommended to use "Genferon Light", which will boost the immunity to fight the virus, and also produce an anti-inflammatory effect. Thus, the symptoms of the disease will be eliminated, and the pathology will not receive development.
Forms of the drug allow you to use it regardless of food intake, which is also called the undoubted advantage of Genferon Light. Active components are rapidly and effectively absorbed at the injection site and thus enter the bloodstream.
Analogues of the drug
There are a number of drugs based on alpha interferon, and the most common of them are as follows:
- Viferon. Indications for its use are chicken pox, acute respiratory viral infections and other diseases. The drug is also available in the form of suppositories, which can be used in babies from birth. Another form of Viferon is a gel and ointment to lubricate the skin and mucous membranes. However, they can be used in a child from one year old.
- "Grippferon." These are drops in the nose, as well as a spray that are used for various viral lesions of the nasopharynx. The drug can be used even in newborn babies.
- Sometimes, antiviral drugs such as Orvirem and Kagocel are prescribed as a replacement for Genferon or as a supplement to it.
In addition, some parents prefer homeopathic medicines such as Anaferon and Aflubin. However, many experts do not consider this a correct replacement and doubt their effectiveness.
Thus, "Genferon Light" is an effective and fast-acting agent based on interferon, which has an antiviral effect and boosts immunity. Many professionals and parents trust this drug.