Genferon Light is an immunomodulator that is used to treat acute respiratory viral infections and influenza in children. It has a wide range of pharmacological effects - it can exert a membrane-stabilizing, local regenerating, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, antibacterial, antiviral effects.
Can Genferon Light candles be used for children up to a year old? Instructions for the drug are presented below.
Structure
The medication in the form of suppositories intended for rectal administration contains two active substances - taurine in the amount of 5 mg and recombinant human interferon alfa-2b in the amount of 250 thousand IU or 125. The instruction for suppositories “Genferon Light” is very detailed.
As auxiliary substances in the preparation, it is used: purified water, sodium hydrocytrate, dextran 60000, solid fat, emulsifier 72, citric acid, polysorbate 80, macrogol 1500.
Pharmacological forms
According to the instructions, candles for children "Genferon Light" are produced by the manufacturer in two pharmacological forms. In addition to rectal suppositories, the drug also exists in the form of a nasal spray.
Candles have a straw or white color. Their shape is cylindrical, the ending pointed. The longitudinal section of the suppository is homogeneous, sometimes air inclusions occur, which is acceptable and does not affect the quality of the suppository. Suppositories are packaged in cardboard packs, each of which contains one or two contour packs. Each blister pack contains 5 candles.
What else does Genferon Light candlestick instruction tell us?
Pharmacological effects
The pharmacological effect of the drug is due to the taurine and human interferon present in it. They are characterized by the following effects:
- Immunomodulating.
- Anti-inflammatory.
- Mediated Antimicrobial.
- Immunostimulating.
- Antiproliferative.
- Antivirus.
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics
As indicated by the instructions for candles "Genferon Light", the main active ingredient in the drug is interferon alfa-2b. Get it through a gene modification of a bacterium called Escherichia coli.
Interferon indirectly affects viruses, chlamydia and other intracellular pathogens, by changing the metabolism of the cell and stopping their intracellular replication. In this connection, their further distribution is suspended. In addition, under the influence of interferon, inhibition of the synthesis of viral proteins is initiated. As a result of exposure to neighboring cells, the synthesis of substances that reduce protein synthesis is enhanced. This mechanism is detrimental to the virus, as its reproduction is stopped. Among other things, interferon is able to activate a number of genes that increase the antiviral defense of the cell.
On the other hand, interferon activates the immune system, as a result of which the cells of the immune system more effectively resist viruses.
Taurine in the composition of the drug significantly improves metabolism in individual cells and tissues, stimulates their regeneration. Under its influence, the structure of cell membranes improves and stabilizes. Taurine is also an antioxidant that prevents tissue damage by active oxygen compounds.
With rectal administration, the bioavailability of the substance is at the level of 80%. This is what determines the expressed complex and local effect of immunomodulation. With vaginal administration, a pronounced local effect and a slight systemic effect are observed, since through the mucous membranes of the genital organs the substance practically does not penetrate into the systemic circulation. As a result, a pronounced local antibacterial, antiproliferative, antiviral effect is observed.
The maximum concentration of interferon is observed 4 hours after its administration. The main method of excretion is by the kidneys. It displays about 12 hours. This is what necessitates the double use of the drug per day.
This is confirmed by the instruction for candles "Genferon Light."
Indications for use
A drug in the form of rectal suppositories is often used as a component of the complex treatment of diseases of children and adults, such as:
- Flu.
- Balanoposthitis.
- Balanitis.
- Urethritis.
- Cervicitis
- Bacterial vaginosis.
- Cervical erosion.
- Papillomavirus infection.
- Ureaplasmosis.
- Genital herpes.
- ARVI.
- Prostatitis.
- Bartholinitis.
- Adnexitis.
- Vulvovaginitis.
- Vaginal candidiasis.
- Trichomoniasis
- Gardnerellosis.
- Mycoplasmosis
- Chlamydia
Contraindications
In accordance with the instructions, Genferon Light suppositories should not be used if the patient has the following diseases or conditions:
- Hypersensitivity to interferons or any component used to make the drug.
- The first trimester of pregnancy.
- Convulsive conditions, epilepsy.
- Severe cardiological diseases.
Carefully monitor the patient during the period of therapy with a medication should be if he has allergic attacks or any of the following autoimmune diseases: systemic lupus erythematosus, Hashimoto thyroiditis.
Side effects from the use of the drug
According to the instructions and reviews, candles for children "Genferon Light" are tolerated by patients most often well. However, the occurrence of local burning or itching at the injection site of the suppository is not ruled out. This symptomatology completely disappears after three days after the cessation of therapy. If in this case it is necessary to continue treatment with the drug, it is important to consult a doctor.
In some cases, against the background of taking the drug, systemic reactions occur such as a decrease in blood count of platelets and white blood cells, pain in the head, joints, muscles, decreased appetite, increased fatigue, fever and fever. Similar symptoms develop if the patient exceeds the total administered dose of 1 million IU.
Instructions for use of the medication
In order to avoid overdose or the development of adverse effects, children under 7 years of age should use candles having a dosage of 125 thousand IU. If the child is over 7 years old, a dosage of 250 is recommended.
Instructions for candles "Genferon Light" reports that the simultaneous use of rectal suppositories and nasal spray is unacceptable. Such a combination of funds can lead to their inefficiency. If the medication is indicated for pregnant women, then suppositories with a dosage of 250,000 should be used. The instructions for the candles “Genferon Light” need to be studied in advance.
During therapy using this medication, the following suppository regimens should be followed:
- In case of influenza, acute respiratory viral infections and acute viral diseases in children, one rectal suppository should be administered twice a day. Suppositories should be used in this case in combination with other drugs. The duration of use can reach 5 days. If necessary, if the symptomatology of the disease persists, the course can be extended, however, a five-day break is necessary.
- In childhood viral diseases in chronic form, a double administration of 1 suppository per day is indicated. Candles should be used in combination with other means. The course of therapy is 10 days. After the specified period of time, therapy is continued, by administering once a day in two days, 1 suppository for 15 weeks.
- In diseases of the genitourinary system in acute form, the use of suppositories for 10 days is indicated. They are administered twice a day, 1 each.
- In case of infectious lesions of the genitourinary system in pregnant women, rectal suppositories should be administered twice a day, 1 suppository for 10 days.
- In the treatment of protracted infectious lesions of the genitourinary system in women, it is recommended to administer twice a suppository of 1 in the first 10 days, and then 1 suppository every two days in the next 5-15 weeks.
Drug overdose
As indicated by the instruction for children's candles “Genferon Light”, if there has been a simultaneous administration of a large number of suppositories, therapy should be stopped for one day, and then continued according to the prescribed scheme.
To date, cases of overdose with this medication have not been recorded in clinical practice.
With the parallel use of "Genferon Light" and vitamins E and C, the effect of interferon is enhanced, and its denaturation during rectal administration slows down.
Analogues of a drug
Rectal suppositories "Genferon Light" have several analogues in therapeutic effect. Among them: “Ruferon”, “Laferon Farmibiotek”, “Laferobion”, “Viferon Feron”.
Analogs that have a different route of administration are: "Grippferon", "Virogel", "Alfarekin."
Any replacement for the prescribed drug should be discussed with your doctor.
The average cost of “Genferon Light” with a dosage of 250 thousand IU in Russian pharmacies is at the level of 245 rubles, with a dosage of 125 thousand IU - an average of 180 rubles.
Reviews on this drug
Numerous positive reviews about the drug used to treat genitourinary infections in pregnant women and viral infections in children allow us to judge the high effectiveness of the drug. Separately, patients note an almost complete absence of undesirable effects. Moreover, the drug is available in all pharmacies, and its cost is more than democratic.
Genferon Light is a good prophylactic drug for children, which helps prevent acute respiratory infections and flu.
However, negative reviews about the drug also occur. Most often this is due to the ineffectiveness of this drug in a particular person. Also, the therapeutic effect may be absent if the disease is too severe, the patient requires a more substantial activation of the immune system, or the patient neglects the use of drugs that are recommended as part of complex therapy.
In any case, when choosing an immunomodulator and an antiviral agent, you should not rely on reviews. It is important to consult, first of all, with a specialist. Especially if the drug is supposed to be used to treat children or women during pregnancy.
We looked at the candles "Genferon Light" instructions and reviews.