There are many drugs that affect the child's defense system, but Genferon Light is considered the most popular among them. It is produced in the form of suppositories and effectively strengthens the child's immunity. It is used both for treatment and as a prophylactic.
Drug composition
Suppositories "Genferon Light" are packed in 5 and 10 pieces. They are made in the form of cylinders with a pointed end. Candles are white, but a yellowish tint is acceptable.
Another form of release of the drug "Genferon Light" - nasal spray. One spray dose contains 50,000 IU of the active substance. Regular "Genferon" has an increased concentration of interferon and is prohibited for use in children under the age of seven.
The composition of candles "Genferon Light" includes two active ingredients:
- Alpha-2B interferon. It can be 125,000 IU and 250,000 IU in the preparation.
- Taurine. Its quantity does not depend ondosage and is 5 mg per suppository, regardless of the concentration of interferon.
Auxiliary components of the drug are solid fats, purified water, T2 emulsifier and citric acid. Among other things, the composition of "Genferon Light" includes substances such as polysorbate, macrogol and dextran.
Drug properties
This is a drug that has an immunomodulatory effect. Suppositories act both at the level of local immunity and systemically, since a large amount of interferon from suppositories is often absorbed by the intestines and thus enters the bloodstream. The maximum level of interferon concentration is reached 5 hours after the use of the drug. The elimination half-life occurs after approximately 12 hours.
Interferon as part of the drug has an antibacterial and antiviral effect. The use of suppositories allows you to activate the production of intracellular enzymes, which will lead to the suppression of the reproduction of viruses.
The effect on the immune system is to increase the response of cells to infection with viruses or invasion of intracellular parasites. Thus, the response from the immune system becomes more pronounced and intense. "Genferon Light" promotes the activation of T-killers and killers of natural origin, and also affects B-lymphocytes that produce antibodies.
The use of suppositories also causes an effect on macrophages and phagocytosis. In addition, interferon allowsactivate leukocytes, which makes it possible to quickly and effectively eliminate foci of pathology on the mucous membrane.
The next active ingredient of the drug is taurine. It normalizes metabolic processes, and also restores damaged tissues. Taurine also has antioxidant properties and stabilizes cell membranes. In addition, it helps to maintain the biological properties of interferon, which greatly enhances the therapeutic effect of the use of suppositories.
Indications for use of the medicinal product
Candles "Genferon Light" for children are prescribed under the following conditions:
- Therapy of infectious diseases of the genitourinary system.
- During the treatment of SARS and other infections of bacterial or viral origin, such as pneumonia, meningitis, herpes, pyelonephritis, etc.
Candles "Genferon Light" can be used in children of any age, even under the condition of prematurity. In the latter case, as well as children under seven years of age, the drug is prescribed at a dosage of 125,000 IU, while older patients are prescribed 250,000 IU. The nasal spray is not intended for children under 14 years of age. Also, before reaching this age, vaginal administration of suppositories is not recommended.
Contraindications to the use of medication
According to the instructions for Genferon Light, the main limitation for the use of suppositories is individual intolerance to the components of the drug. There are no other contraindications in the instructions. Butif a child has been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease or an allergy, it is necessary to additionally consult a doctor and use suppositories with increased caution.
Side effects of this drug
Side effects on the drug are quite rare. An allergic reaction may be due to hypersensitivity to interferon and taurine. After discontinuation of the drug, the allergy disappears on its own within a few days. This is also confirmed by the instructions for Genferon Light.
In other cases, treatment may lead to the following unwanted reactions from the body:
- Chills.
- Fatigue.
- Headache.
- Sweating.
- Increased body temperature.
If these symptoms occur, you should stop using suppositories and consult your doctor. The specialist can reduce the dosage of the drug or suggest switching to similar candles. With an increase in temperature against the background of the use of suppositories, it is recommended to give the child a one-time paracetamol-based drug in a dosage corresponding to his age. This points to "Genferon Light" instruction for children.
How to apply the medicine?
The annotation says that suppositories can be administered not only rectally, but also vaginally. The route of administration and single dose, as well as the duration of use of therapy, should be determined by the attending physician. Standard usage patterncandles "Genferon Light":
- For children under the age of seven, a dosage of 125,000 IU of interferon is prescribed. Single dose of the drug - 1 suppository.
- When a child reaches the age of seven, a single dose of interferon doubles to 250,000 IU.
- In ARVI and other viral diseases in the acute stage, one suppository is used in the morning and evening. The break between applications should be at least 12 hours. The duration of treatment is five days. If after this period the symptoms persist, the treatment is repeated after a break of five days.
- In chronic viral disease "Genferon Light" is prescribed as part of complex therapy twice a day for 10 days. After this period of time, the transition to a one-time use of candles every other day is made.
- In case of urogenital infection, the child is prescribed a ten-day course of the drug. Suppositories are administered twice a day with a break of 12 hours.
What other indications are there for the use of "Genferon Light"?
Medication overdose
The manufacturer does not provide data on cases of overdose. If the drug was administered in a larger amount than prescribed by the doctor, then it is necessary to pause a day before the next use. Further treatment should be continued according to the prescribed scheme.
Interaction with other drugs
It is acceptable to combine "Genferon Light" with drugs that have antifungal,antiviral and antibacterial action. The simultaneous use of these drugs enhances their effect.
Drug reviews
In general, parents are satisfied with the effect of treating children with Genferon Light suppositories. They note that the treatment of viral diseases is accelerated by the use of suppositories. Children tolerate the drug well without the development of adverse reactions from the body.
There are also reviews about the use of the Genferon Light spray. It also shows high efficiency and quickly suppresses viral infections. At the same time, its use does not cause discomfort, and in most cases there are no adverse reactions. The use of the drug at the initial stage of the disease makes it possible to prevent the development of pathology and quickly eliminate it.
The disadvantage of nasal spray in the reviews is the impossibility of its use in children under the age of 14, but this problem is solved by the form of the drug in suppositories. This type of therapy is not always well received by young patients.
At the first sign of a cold, it is recommended to use "Genferon Light", which will boost the immune system to fight the virus, and also produce an anti-inflammatory effect. Thus, the symptoms of the disease will be extinguished, and the pathology will not develop.
Forms of the drug allow you to use it regardless of the meal, which is also called the undoubted advantage of "Genferon Light". Active ingredients quickly andare effectively absorbed at the injection site and thus enter the bloodstream.
Medication analogues
There are a number of interferon-alpha drugs, and the most common ones are:
- "Viferon". Indications for its use are chicken pox, acute respiratory viral infections and other diseases. The drug is also available in the form of suppositories that can be used in babies from birth. Another form of "Viferon" is a gel and ointment for lubricating the skin and mucous membranes. However, they can be used in a child from one year old.
- Grippferon. These are nose drops, as well as a spray, which are used for various viral lesions of the nasopharynx. The drug can be used even in newborn babies.
- Sometimes the replacement of "Genferon" or as an addition to it, antiviral drugs such as "Orvirem" and "Kagocel" are prescribed.
In addition, some parents prefer homeopathic medicines such as Anaferon and Aflubin. However, many experts do not consider this a correct replacement and doubt their effectiveness.
Thus, "Genferon Light" is an effective and fast-acting interferon-based remedy that has an antiviral effect and boosts the immune system. Many professionals and parents trust this drug.
