Genferon light
Genferon light (interferon alpha + taurine) is an immunomodulator used for the treatment of influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections in children under 14 years of age and has a whole “bouquet” of pharmacological effects for this purpose, such as: antiviral, antibacterial, antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, local regenerating and membrane stabilizing. Interferon alpha blocks the replication of viruses even at the stage of synthesis of specific proteins and prevents infection of “healthy” cells of the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity, which is the “entry gate” for viral invasion and the primary inflammatory focus in acute respiratory diseases. The immunomodulatory effect of the drug is expressed in the activation of cell-mediated immune reactions, which ensures an enhanced immune response against viruses and bacteria. The drug “inspires” killer T-cells, NK-cells and B-lymphocytes, increases the production of antibodies, stimulates phagocytosis and increases the likelihood of identification of affected cells by cells of the immune system. Activation of leukocytes located in all layers of the mucous membrane guarantees their active participation in the elimination of pathological foci. In addition, due to the pharmacological “passionarity” of interferon alpha, restoration of the synthesis of immunoglobulin A is achieved. The antibacterial effect of geneferon light is based on a pool of immune reactions catalyzed by interferon. The second component of Genferon Light - taurine - normalizes tissue metabolism and promotes faster regeneration of the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity affected by inflammation. With the intranasal (through the nose) route of administration of the drug, due to the high concentration of active substances in the infectious focus, it is possible to achieve a quick and fairly powerful local antiviral and immunomodulatory effect. Systemic absorption of the drug is very low: the low systemic bioavailability of intranasal Genferon Light is due to the presence in the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity of a special class of proteins, which are a kind of biological “doormen” and strictly control the movement of any molecular and cellular objects through the mucosa. Nevertheless, a certain amount of interferon penetrates into the systemic bloodstream, which suggests that geneferon light has a systemic immunostimulating effect.
When the drug is administered through the rectum, its high (over 80%) bioavailability is noted, which provides both local and systemic immunomodulatory effects. With the intravaginal (and there is such a) method of administration of the drug, due to the high concentration of active components in the infectious focus, a local antiviral, antibacterial and antiproliferative effect is achieved. As for the systemic effect, due to the extremely low absorption capacity of the vagina, it is practically absent.
Genferon light is available in three dosage forms: nasal drops, nasal spray and vaginal and rectal suppositories. Drop dosage regimen: children from 29 days to 11 months - 1 drop in both nasal passages 5 times a day, children from 1 to 3 years - 2 drops in both nasal passages 3-4 times a day, children from 3 to 14 years - 2 drops in both nasal passages 4-5 times a day. The duration of treatment is 5 days. After instillation, you should gently massage the wings of the nose with your fingers to evenly distribute the active substances in the nasal cavity. Spray dosing regimen: one dose (equivalent to one short press on the dispenser) into both nasal passages three times a day for 5 days. When in contact with a person with signs of acute respiratory viral infection or immediately after hypothermia, Genferon Light is administered one dose into each nasal passage for 5-7 days. If necessary, the medication course can be repeated. When spraying the spray, the aerosol can must be kept strictly in a vertical position. Suppository dosage regimen: adults and children aged 7 years and older are prescribed 250,000 IU of interferon alpha per suppository; children under 7 years old - 125,000 IU interferon alpha per suppository. The route of administration, dose and duration of the drug course depend on the age of the patient and the clinical picture of the disease. Genferon light fits well into complex treatment regimens for ARVI. In combination with antibacterial, antimycotic and other antiviral drugs, an increase in the effect of each drug is observed.
Pharmacological group
The drug Genferon Light is an immunomodulator containing interferon alpha-2. In the international classifier it has the code ATX L03AB05.
It is an antiviral drug not suitable for the treatment of HIV.
Traditionally, interferon alfa-2b is used as an injection to treat hepatitis C, leukemia, and malignant melanoma. According to WHO, there are no qualitative or quantitative studies on the effect of this antiviral drug for the treatment of influenza; careful monitoring of the body's condition is required when used. The active distribution of interferon of this group (found in Grippferon, Gerpferon and Ophthalmoferon) is connected only with active advertising in Russia and some CIS countries.
Read how to treat a physiological runny nose in a baby here.
Genferon in the classic form of suppositories is used to treat a number of sexually transmitted diseases, for example, genital herpes, chlamydia or mycoplasmosis. It is also prescribed for the prevention of complications during the treatment of bartholinitis and human papillomavirus.
In what form is it produced?
Genferon belongs to the group of cytokines - small peptide information molecules. Cytokines are released on the surface of cell A and find contact with receptors on the nearby cell B.
Thanks to this, cell B receives information from cell A, as a result of which another cycle of reactions is launched. The main derivatives of this process are lymphocytes. That is, the production of substances begins to suppress the activity of viral particles.
Genferon Light suppositories for children eliminate the need to take medications orally, which is especially important in younger children. The fatty base allows you to quickly and painlessly administer the drug rectally without any discomfort for the child.
The action of the suppositories begins as soon as possible, due to which the first improvements in well-being are noted already on the first day after the start of therapy.
Candles are packaged in durable metal foil blisters of 5 pieces. 2 blisters along with instructions for medical use are placed in a cardboard package. The average cost of Genferon Light is 125,000 – 300 rubles, Genferon Light is 250,000 – 370 rubles. Prices may vary depending on the supplier, the pricing policy of individual pharmacy chains and the location of the outlet.
Side effects
After using the spray for a runny nose, you may experience a burning sensation and itching in the nasal passage. Normally, symptoms should disappear on their own within 72 hours, otherwise you should consult a doctor to change the treatment regimen. Traditional allergic manifestations (sneezing, lacrimation and dry cough) may occur in case of individual intolerance to the components of the composition. No severe or life-threatening complications were recorded.
The drug is intended for local nasal use only. It is highly recommended not to swallow the product, nor to use it for application to other parts of the body to avoid adverse reactions.
Contraindications for use
The drug in the form of drops is not recommended for use in children aged 0 to 28 years, as well as for adults over 14 years old. The product is not used during pregnancy and lactation, as it is intended only for children. It is prohibited to use drugs based on synthetic interferon if you are individually intolerant to the drug.
Read about the causes of inflammation of the nasal mucosa in this material.
Genferon Light nasal spray is not suitable for the treatment of ARVI for persons under 14 years of age. The drug can be used at any stage of pregnancy if the potential benefit of treatment outweighs the possible risk. It is highly not recommended to use the product if you are hypersensitive to any of the components of the composition.
Pharmacological action and effect
Genferon Light in the form of drops or nasal spray has local antiviral, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects. Due to the taurine content, when it comes into contact with the mucous membrane, the product enhances the processes of regeneration, metabolism and trophism, which helps speed up recovery and helps relieve nasal congestion.
Interferon alpha blocks the active reproduction of viral virions, reduces secondary infection and the spread of healthy tissue. In addition, it activates B-lymphocytes and T-killers, which increases the ability to recognize the pathogen and the speed of the response. After strengthening the immune system, the risk of bacterial infection is significantly reduced.
Storage conditions for drops and spray
The drug, regardless of the release form, should be stored in a dry place protected from light.
The optimal storage temperature for the drug is 2-8 degrees C.
Without opening the package, the shelf life is up to 2 years, after use it is reduced to 7 days. It is advisable to keep the bottle out of the reach of children and pets.
If storage conditions change, as well as after freezing or exposure to direct sunlight, the therapeutic properties of the drug may decrease until it disappears completely.
How to use it correctly
Suppositories are convenient: they can be given to children in a lying position during sleep. If the patient is awake, it is advisable to wash him before administering the drug.
For a sleeping baby, it is enough to wipe the anus area with a damp cloth.
Then they wash their hands with antibacterial soap, cut the candle out of the cell with scissors, and take it with two fingers, the sharp end first.
Before manipulation, children should take the following poses:
- up to six months - on the back with the legs tucked to the chest;
- For older people, lie on your left side with your legs bent or squat with your legs spread wide apart.
The candle must be inserted quickly and completely, if necessary, spreading the buttocks with the fingers of your free hand. Then the patient is placed on his stomach for 10-15 minutes.
It is advisable to leave the sleeping baby alone, on his left side.
Before inserting a suppository, it is advisable to empty the intestines, but it is not always possible for a child to do this at the request of an adult. Therefore, if after the candle the baby pooped immediately or within an hour, then the candle must be placed again.
Interaction with other drugs
The drug can be prescribed as part of drug monotherapy and is also suitable for complex treatment. Enhances the effect of other antiviral drugs, as well as geneferon and antibacterial agents. The effect lasts up to 72 hours, during which you can achieve a noticeable acceleration of recovery.
It is not recommended to use Genferon Light together with vasoconstrictors in the form of a spray or drops; the interaction increases the dryness of the nasal mucosa.
Read this article to learn how to wean yourself off vasoconstrictor nasal drops.
