When there is any ailment, I want to get rid of it as soon as possible, therefore, the search for a drug that can help in this situation as soon as possible occupies an important place in the selection of treatment methods. One of the agents that begin to exert their effect immediately after administration in acute respiratory infections and flu is Genferon Light (spray), which is effective both for the treatment and for the prevention of viral colds. This is due to the correct choice of the method of administration, due to which the drug is delivered directly to the place of introduction of the pathogen into the body (the gates of infection), as well as the composition of the drug, which includes interferon and taurine.
Pharmacological group
This drug belongs to the group of immunomodulators. It consists of recombinant human interferon alpha-2b, obtained using a strain of bacteria Escherichia coli, into which, by genetic engineering, the human interferon gene has been integrated, which has the ability to increase the body's defenses, and the taurine substance, which causes antimicrobial action.
The drug exhibits a complex effect:
- immunomodulating and stimulating, which consists in harmonizing and enhancing the work of the body's defenses, manifested due to alpha-2b-interferon;
- antiviral, characterized by suppression of the activity and ability to multiply the causative agent of the disease at the place of its penetration into the body;
- antiproliferative, which consists in inhibiting the reproduction of bacteria and cancer cells;
- indirect antibacterial;
- anti-inflammatory.
Possessing immunostimulating and antiviral activity, the Genferon Light drug (spray), reviews of which indicate its high effectiveness in acute respiratory viral infections, begins to act immediately after administration into the nasal passages, suppressing the development of infection at the earliest stages.
Mechanism of action
Getting on the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity, the drug has a pronounced local effect in the focus of infection and the overall effect on the body as a whole.
The general mechanism is due to the properties of the active components contained in the Genferon Light preparation (spray):
- antiviral effect is associated with the activation of intracellular enzymes that inhibit the reproduction of viruses ;
- immunomodulating activity is due to an increase in the reactivity of the body's immune forces, which is associated with the stimulation of CD8 + T-killers, NK cells, increased differentiation of B-lymphocytes and their production of antibodies and other cellular factors of immunity;
- monocyte-macrophage systems and phagocytosis processes are stimulated, as well as an increase in the expression of the molecules of the main complex, which is responsible for the histocompatibility of the first type (which increases the likelihood of recognition of infected cells by agents of the human immune system;
- activation of white blood cells, which occurs under the influence of interferon, which is part of the drug, allows you to stimulate the protective bodies of all layers of the mucous membrane, ensuring their direct participation in the suppression of pathological foci;
- in addition, under the stimulating effect of human interferon , the production of a protective factor such as secretory immunoglobulin A is restored;
- antibacterial effect indirectly depends on the strengthening of the immune response that occurs due to the introduction of interferon;
- normalization of metabolic processes and increased regenerative capacity of tissues occurs under the influence of taurine, which has membrane-stabilizing and immunomodulating activity;
- taurine, being an antioxidant, prevents the accumulation of free oxygen in tissues, which prevents the spread of pathological processes in them;
- interferon, changing the metabolic processes in the cells of the smallest pathogens of infections, such as viruses or chlamydia, is able to stop the process of their reproduction and further spread.
Release form
The drug "Genferon" is produced in the form of candles and spray. The latter is a clear transparent liquid, enclosed under pressure in a bottle of dark glass, ending with a dispenser equipped with a safety cap. The package is designed for 100 doses containing 50,000 IU of interferon alpha-2b human recombinant and 0.001 g of taurine in each. Among the additional components, disodium edetate dihydrate, glycerol, dextran, polysorbate, sodium and potassium chloride, peppermint oil can be distinguished, which must be taken into account if there is an individual intolerance to one of these substances. Suppositories intended for both rectal and vaginal administration are produced in two dosages (for 120,000 and 250,000 IU), which allows them to be used by both adults and children in accordance with the need.
Indications for use
The drug “Genferon Light” (spray) has been shown to be highly effective in clinical trials for the treatment and prevention of influenza and other acute respiratory infections in adults and children over 14 years of age, which allows them to recommend it for this purpose.
This spray cannot be considered only as a cure for the common cold, since it acts comprehensively on the state of the whole organism as a whole, suppressing the multiplication of viruses at the site of introduction (the respiratory mucosa proper), excluding the development of concomitant bacterial microflora and stimulating the human defenses.
This complex action allows for many diseases to recommend the drug "Genferon Light" (spray). The instruction says its high efficiency:
- as a means of treating various viral diseases, mainly the respiratory tract, and preventing their occurrence, especially during epidemics;
- as an auxiliary medicine for acute and chronic sinusitis, bronchitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, tracheitis, tonsillitis and other diseases;
- to restore local immunity in the period after a cure for influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections;
- in preparation for planned surgical interventions on the ENT organs and after them.
Contraindications
The drug "Genferon Light" (spray), reviews of the treatment of which indicate effective suppression of the common cold in the initial stages, can not be used by everyone. Do not prescribe it:
- people with hypersensitivity to interferon alfa-2b, taurine or other components that make up the drug;
- children under the age of 14 years, since the spray is released only with a dosage for adults;
- patients with epilepsy or severe heart pathologies.
Patients with a tendency to nosebleeds should use the drug with caution.
The drug "Genferon Light" (spray): instructions for use, dosage
When the very first signs of the disease appear, it is necessary to begin treatment with this drug. For proper use, several rules must be observed:
- after removing the protective cap, press the dispenser several times until a trickle of medication appears (when a bottle that has not been used before is taken);
- holding the spray strictly vertically with a short press (1 dose of the active substance), the medicine is injected into each nostril in turn;
- in order to avoid the spread of infection, each vial must be used individually.
Two applications are recommended:
- according to the first, one dose of medicine is administered into each nostril three times a day for five days;
- the second option is to prescribe a dose spray to each nostril for the first 3-4 hours, introducing the medicine every 20 minutes, followed by 3-4 days up to 5 times a day.
The maximum allowable daily volume of a drug substance is 10 doses.
The drug "Genferon Light" (spray): instructions for use for children
This immunomodulator is produced in two dosage forms - as rectal suppositories, having different contents of the active substance, and in the form of a spray. It is the content of the drug base that determines the possibility of prescribing this drug to children. Suppositories are produced in two dosages: with a content of 250,000 IU of interferon alfa-2b, which is prescribed for adults and children over 7 years old, and with a dose of 125,000 ME, which can be used even in the treatment of newborns. The instruction prohibits the use of the drug "Genferon Light" (spray) for children. Reviews note the good effectiveness of suppositories in the complex treatment of acute respiratory viral infections, so many express wishes for the appearance of a spray for children as more convenient to use. At the moment, it is allowed to appoint him only after the child reaches the age of 14.
Pregnancy Use
The special state of the female body associated with bearing a baby requires a careful approach to the choice of drugs, as many of them are completely contraindicated for the expectant mother or are prescribed with caution if the intended benefit outweighs the potential risk to the fetus. The use of the drug “Genferon Light” (spray) during pregnancy is allowed at any time, since studies have not revealed a negative effect of this drug on the fetus. On the contrary, at a high risk of infection (for example, in the season of increased incidence or in contact with already sick), the expectant mother is recommended to use this spray for prophylactic purposes. This is due to the fact that the pregnant woman is more susceptible to colds of any etiology due to a decrease in its resistance to harmful factors.
Using the spray while breastfeeding
The ban on the use of various kinds of drugs during breastfeeding is due to the fact that the active substance, penetrating into breast milk, can also enter the baby’s body, which is especially dangerous when taking drugs that are not prescribed for infants. The drug "Genferon Light" (spray) can be used during lactation, since it does not penetrate the cellular barrier of the mammary glands. On the contrary, stimulating the protective forces of the mother’s body indirectly enhances the immunity of the child. In addition, although the drug “Genferon” in the form of a spray is not indicated for children under 14 years of age (solely due to the “adult” dosage), suppositories containing this substance are allowed to be used from the neonatal period for various viral infections.
Side effect
Many doctors recommend Genferon Light (spray) as a preventive measure. Instructions for use do not note specific side effects from its use. Occasionally, phenomena characteristic of any type of interferon alfa-2b may occur, manifested by chills, fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, muscle and headache, sweating. Such effects occur mainly with the introduction of the drug over 10,000,000 IU per day. The occurrence of such a reaction requires consultation with a doctor about the selection of a different dose or other medicine.
Compatibility with other medicines
With regard to interaction with other substances of the drug "Genferon Light" (nasal spray), the instructions for use do not give specific instructions. Almost all medications are compatible with this dosage form. The only condition is the inadmissibility of the simultaneous administration of drops in the nose, designed to combat catarrhal processes in the nasal cavity, and this drug, which can reduce their effectiveness. Therefore, the use of these drug groups is necessary, observing the principle of separate administration.
Reviews
Most patients who have used Genferon Light (spray) indicate its high effectiveness in suppressing viral infections and the absence of side effects and discomfort from its use. The early start of use (at the very first signs of the disease) allows you to prevent the development of infection and suppress it as soon as possible. As the only drawback, they indicate the absence of a nasal agent for children under 14 years of age, since the Genferon Light preparation for this age category, as mentioned above, exists only in the form of suppositories. This can cause rejection of this kind of therapy in small patients.
Thus, when the slightest signs of the development of influenza or other acute respiratory diseases appear, it is recommended to immediately use the Genferon Light drug (nasal spray), which has an antiviral, immunostimulating and modulating effect, as well as an anti-inflammatory effect, which will suppress the emerging disease at the very beginning and remove all manifest symptoms in a short time. The introduction of a drug bypassing the digestive tract allows you to use it regardless of food intake at any convenient time, while the active substance is absorbed as fully and quickly as possible at the injection site. Intranasal use contributes to the ingress of the drug directly into the source of infection (since viral infections are transmitted mainly by airborne droplets), which manifests its effect both locally and in general throughout the body, due to the partial absorption of the drug into the blood through the nasal mucosa moves.