Recently, more and more new remedies for allergies. This disease affects people of all ages, even children. Therefore, for many it is very important to find a safe and effective remedy. Some try to buy more modern drugs, although they are quite expensive. But drugs containing first-generation antihistamines, such as dimetindene maleate, remain equally popular. This synthetic substance is tasteless and odorless, poorly soluble in water. Preparations based on it have anti-allergic, antipruritic and sedative effects.
Properties of this substance
Dimethindene maleate blocks the functioning of histamine receptors. Due to the fact that histamine ceases to be produced in the body, allergic reactions stop. It is very well absorbed by tissues and dimetindene maleate acts quickly. Preparations based on it have the following properties:
- relieve itching;
- reduce the severity of allergic reactions;
- reduce capillary permeability;
- soothe.
But these drugs only relieve symptoms. Maleate does not eliminate the causes of dimethindene disease.
Characteristic of this substance
Dimethindene maleate has been used in medical practice worldwide for a long time. But not all people with allergies know about it. They are looking for more effective modern drugs. But often only dimethindene maleate can help such patients. Medicines based on this substance are absorbed quickly and completely. The maximum concentration in their blood is observed after 2 hours. But the disappearance of symptoms begins after 30 minutes. The action of these drugs lasts up to 12 hours, so they are often not required to be taken, once a day is enough. Dimethindene maleate is used for oral administration in the form of a solution, tablets or capsules and externally in the form of a gel. Now there are only three well-known drugs based on it:
- "Fenistil" in the form of drops for oral administration, capsules and gel for external use;
- "Vibrocil" is a nasal drop and spray;
- "Dimetinden" is available in capsules, solution and in the form of a gel.
Indications for use
Inside, preparations based on dimethindene maleate are used as prescribed by a doctor for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes. Most often they are used in such cases:
- to prevent allergic reactions to allergic patients with possible exposure to provoking factors;
- with chickenpox, rubella and measles to relieve itching and swelling;
- with hay fever;
- in the treatment of urticaria, vasomotor and chronic rhinitis;
- at the first manifestations of a food or drug allergy;
- to relieve skin itching;
- after insect bites to prevent an allergic reaction;
- in the complex treatment of patients with serum sickness, Quincke's edema and anaphylactic shock.
Dimethindene maleate (gel - one of the forms of release of preparations containing this active substance) is used for urticaria, dermatitis, eczema, burns, skin itching, and also after insect bites. In especially severe cases, the external use of the drug can be combined with the ingestion of drops.
The drug "Fenistil"
Dimethindene maleate is the main active ingredient of this drug. Basically, Fenistil is known to patients in the form of a gel. It is used for itching, insect bites, dermatitis. But no less effective is Fenistil in the form of capsules or drops for oral administration. Moreover, the effect of the drops lasts up to 6 hours, so they are taken three times a day. Capsules contain a higher concentration of dimethindene maleate, so they retain their effect up to 12 hours. In difficult cases, the doctor may decide whether to use the drops and gel together.
The drug "Vibrocil"
This medicine is prescribed for rhinitis, hay fever, otitis media. It effectively relieves swelling of the mucosa and facilitates nasal breathing. Therefore, it can also be used to relieve swelling before or after surgery, as well as during colds. Such properties are explained by the composition of the drug: it contains phenylephrine, dimethindene maleate and auxiliary components. "Vibrocil" is available in the form of drops in the nose, spray and nasal gel. It is often prescribed for children with colds to prevent otitis media.
When you can not use these drugs
All drugs based on dimethindene maleate are relatively safe. It is strictly contraindicated to use them only during pregnancy, during lactation, premature and weakened infants, all children under 2 months of age, and also with individual intolerance. For other patients, such drugs are often prescribed. However, with caution and under the supervision of a doctor, this should be done to children up to a year and patients with such diseases:
- bronchial asthma;
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease;
- angle-closure glaucoma;
- violation of the patency of the urethra;
- prostatic hyperplasia.
These gel formulations are used more widely. Only 10% of dimethindene maleate is absorbed into the blood from this form of the drug. Therefore, in small areas of the skin, the gel can be used according to indications even during pregnancy in the 2nd and 3rd trimester and when breastfeeding. You can not apply it only to the area of the nipples.
In such cases, it is necessary to use preparations that do not contain dimethindene maleate. Its analogs, which have the ability to block histamine receptors, are also effective in allergies, but some patients tolerate better. The most famous of them are: "Tsetrilev", "Alerik", "Xizal", "Lorizan", "Psilo-Balsam" and others.
Side effects of use
In addition to the antihistamine effect, preparations based on dimethindene maleate have a sedative effect. Therefore, the most common side effects after their use are weakness, drowsiness and loss of strength. Some patients may have other unpleasant sensations:
- dizziness, headaches;
- muscle cramps;
- nausea, dry mouth;
- difficulty breathing.
If the recommended dose is exceeded, there may also be convulsions, hallucinations, fever, a strong drop in pressure. In infants, motor agitation and difficulty breathing are possible.
After using the preparations in the form of a gel, rashes and swelling, dryness and itching may occur at the site of application of the drug.
Dimetindena maleate: instructions for use
The dosage of taking such drugs should be strictly observed, especially in young children. From the age of one to 12 years, it is calculated individually, depending on the weight of the child. It is easiest to give children drops: from 2 months to a year three times a day from 3 to 10 drops, up to 3 years - up to 15 drops, from 3 to 12 years - 15-25 drops. They can be given simply with a spoon (they have no taste or smell) or added to a bottle.
Adults and children over 12 years of age are shown to take 3 to 6 mg per day. This dose is divided into 2-3 doses. For example, in the morning - 2 mg, and at bedtime - 4 mg or 3 mg three times a day. If the drug is taken in solution, it is drunk 20-40 drops 3 times a day. Inside, preparations based on dimethindene maleate can be drunk for no more than 25 days.
Gel for external use is applied to affected areas of the skin 2-4 times a day.
Special instructions when using these drugs
The sedative effect of dimethindene maleate contributes to the fact that after taking it, drowsiness may occur. Therefore, when using drops or tablets in the morning, you can slightly reduce the dosage. But still, it is undesirable to drive a vehicle or perform other work requiring increased attention. In addition, there are several more features of the use of such drugs:
- they cannot be combined with alcoholic beverages;
- they enhance the effect of sleeping pills;
- after using the gel, exposure to the skin should be avoided by sunlight;
- if you take dimethindene maleate together with antidepressants, an increase in intraocular pressure is possible;
- for children up to a year, the gel can not be applied to large surfaces, and drops are used with great care.
Reviews
Preparations based on dimethindene maleate in the form of a gel are quickly dried and relieve itching in case of allergic rashes, insect bites. Reviews about the tablets and capsules are positive, especially with seasonal manifestations of allergies. Adverse reactions occur no more often than stated in the instructions. Among the minuses note the high cost of the drug.