Modern antihistamines include Fenistil ointment, which can fight various allergic reactions. Due to the antiviral effect, the drug is used to treat herpetic eruptions in adults and children.
General information about the drug
Fenistil (ointment) has a pronounced anti-allergic effect and is one of the most popular drugs from this pharmaceutical group. The main active ingredient is dimethindene - a substance that effectively prevents immediate allergic reactions.
Fenistil Pencivir is another drug from this line that is used to treat colds on the lips. A pathological phenomenon often occurs if the immune system is weakened due to illness or lack of vitamins.
Most doctors and patients trust this particular drug. Numerous studies confirm its effectiveness and safety. The drug has also proven itself in pediatrics and is often prescribed for the treatment of allergic reactions in infants, including infants.
Release Forms
Thanks to various forms of release, you can choose the most suitable option for use.
The drug is presented in pharmacies in the following forms:
- Drops "Fenistil" are taken orally and are prescribed mainly to children older than 1 month to relieve allergic symptoms. The liquid is allowed to mix with breast milk or a mixture. 1 ml of solution contains 1 mg of dimethindene. The dosage of the drug should be calculated solely by the doctor. In case of an overdose, side effects are possible.
- Ointment "Fenistil." The product for external application is often called an ointment, although in fact it has a gel-like structure. It must be applied to the skin in those places where signs of allergy or herpes appear. In this form, the drug can be used for children from birth, but under the constant supervision of a specialist.
- Capsules "Fenistil" have a prolonged effect and contain 4 mg of the active ingredient. You can use the medicine only from 12 years old. The therapeutic effect after administration lasts for 24 hours.
The most appropriate form of release of an antihistamine should be selected by the attending physician depending on the patient's complaints, symptoms and age. In some cases, the simultaneous use of two types of "Fenistil", for example drops and ointments.
How does the remedy work?
The active component - dimethindene - refers to histamine H1 receptor blockers. Its action is aimed at quickly stopping symptoms such as itching with various dermatoses or insect bites, urticaria, skin allergic reaction to food and medicine.
Ointment "Fenistil" from herpes ("Fenistil Pencivir") contains the active substance penciclovir, which has a pronounced antiviral effect. Use the product only for the treatment of herpetic rash on the face. The active component also eliminates the accompanying symptoms in the form of itching, tingling in the focus of the rash and accelerates the recovery process of the affected epithelium. They release the product in tubes and boxes with a mirror and special disposable applicators for applying cream on the affected areas of the skin.
Indications for appointment
Means "Fenistil" for local use is prescribed in the following cases:
- Hives.
- Itchy skin of various etiologies.
- Eczema.
- Atopic dermatitis.
- Insect bites.
- Household and sunburn.
In other forms, the tool will help with allergic rhinitis, skin diseases (dermatoses), accompanied by severe itching. It can be used as a prophylaxis of an allergic reaction during the passage of hyposensitizing therapy.
Fenistil for the treatment of herpes virus
Herpes is a disease that is experienced by both women and men at any age. Exacerbation of the disease can occur at any time of the year against a background of weakened immunity. Outbreaks are mainly observed in the autumn-winter period. A distinctive feature of the disease is a rash, which is localized mainly on the lips, but can also go to the nose, cheeks, and mucous membrane of the mouth.
A medicine that would completely rid a person of the herpes simplex virus has not been created at present. Existing drugs only help cope with a rash and speed up the healing process. The Fenistil Pencivir ointment for herpes on the lips has a depressing effect on the DNA of the virus. The agent begins to act immediately after application to the affected areas, the complete disappearance of symptoms occurs after about 4 days. Before applying the ointment, you should familiarize yourself with the instructions and contraindications.
Can I use Fenistil during pregnancy?
While carrying a baby ointment can be used only from the second trimester and exclusively as directed by a doctor. Most often, experts recommend taking more gentle antihistamines, which do not have a negative effect on the fetus and the development of pregnancy.
Fenistil (ointment) for children
According to the instructions, an anti-allergic ointment can be used for children from birth, if the rashes on the baby’s body do have an allergic etiology. It is allowed to use the remedy for insect bites. It should be borne in mind that it is necessary to apply the gel-like substance only pointwise on small areas of the skin. "Fenistil" has a slight cooling effect, which allows you to quickly relieve the baby of itching and soothe irritated skin.
Despite the safety of the drug, it must be used with caution. If the dosage of the active substance is exceeded, local side effects may occur in the form of dryness and burning of the skin. Therefore, the ointment must be applied in a thin layer and not more than 4 times a day. It is forbidden to use an antiallergic agent for premature babies.
How to apply?
Fenistil ointment should be applied in a thin layer to the skin where rashes are localized. The product is well absorbed and leaves no residue on clothing. The number of ointment applications per day depends on the severity of symptoms. In severe cases, you can use the drug up to 4 times a day. If allergic signs are weak, it is enough to apply the ointment several times a day. Avoid direct sunlight on the treated skin in order to preserve the therapeutic effect of the drug.
In the case when topical application does not bring the expected result, specialists can prescribe an additional dose in the form of drops or capsules. Dosage should be calculated according to the age of the patient. "Fenistil" in drops and capsules can cause side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and increased irritability. Similar symptoms do not occur when using the ointment. You can not combine a topical agent with other similar antihistamines.
special instructions
In some cases, it is necessary to abandon the use of the drug "Fenistil." Ointment (expert reviews confirm this) can not be used on areas of the skin with pronounced signs of inflammation or bleeding. Without prior consultation with a doctor, you should not use the drug during pregnancy.
Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation can cause an increase in the allergic reaction in places where the skin is treated with the drug. If the patient observes an increase in the symptoms of the disease, seek medical attention immediately.
The preparation in the form of a gel is absolutely safe and can be used during lactation, but it is not recommended to apply it to the nipples and mammary glands. In the case of individual hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, it is necessary to choose a more gentle means.
Analogue ointment "Fenistil": how to choose?
For the treatment of herpetic rash, in addition to the external agent Fenistil Pencivir, the following drugs are used:
- "Acyclovir" - the active antiviral substance of the drug is acyclovir. Available in the form of ointment, gel, tablets, powder for injection, suspension. The therapeutic effect is to block the development of the herpes virus.
- "Virolex" is an effective remedy for the herpes zoster and herpes simplex virus. It is also available in various forms and can be used to treat newborns and during pregnancy under the strict supervision of a doctor.
- "Gerpevir" - an antiviral agent is available in the form of tablets and ointments, the active substance of which is acyclovir. The drug is contraindicated during lactation, pregnancy and with hypersensitivity to the components. In pediatrics, it can be used only if the age of the child is more than 3 months.
An analogue of Fenistil ointment in case of an allergic reaction should be prescribed by a specialist. Most often, the product is replaced with Dimestin gel. According to the instructions, the drug can be prescribed to children from birth and women in a position starting from the 13th week of pregnancy. Another analogue of Fenistil is Vibrocil gel.
Fenistil or Psilo-Balm?
The Psilo-Balsam gel used for external use has a powerful anti-allergic effect. The effect is due to the presence in the composition of such a component as diphenhydramine, which is able to relieve swelling and redness of tissues. Allergy ointment “Fenistil” has a similar mechanism of action, and therefore “Psilo-balm” is often used as an analogue of the original drug. The gel can also be used for skin itching caused by allergies, hives, insect bites, contact dermatitis, mild burns.
The main difference between drugs is the manufacturer. Fenistil (drops, ointment, capsules) is produced by a Swiss pharmaceutical company, and Psilo-Balsam is produced in Germany. In pricing, the analogue is somewhat more accessible to a wide range of people. For a tube of 20 g, you need to pay from 250 to 300 rubles. The cost of a Swiss product ranges from 230 (cream) to 450 rubles. (gel and ointment).
Reviews
You can hear a wide variety of reviews about the drug "Fenistil." The ointment is used as an antihistamine and mainly brings significant relief of symptoms, but in rare cases it may not have the proper therapeutic effect. Some patients note that an expensive remedy is absolutely ineffective for insect bites. Redness and itching do not disappear even after several days of use according to the instructions. In such cases, doctors advise replacing the external agent with drops or capsules for oral use.
Ointment "Fenistil" for the treatment of allergic rashes in infants is used by many parents. Within a few days of treatment, redness begins to go away and ceases to bother the baby. If there are a lot of rashes, it is necessary to strengthen the effect of the drug from the inside with Fenistil drops, but only after consulting a pediatrician.