General information about the drug
Fenistil is the commercial name of an antihistamine drug manufactured by the Swiss company Novartis Consumer Health SA. The active ingredient is dimethindene maleate. This compound is an improved formula of an alkylamine derivative that is a 1st generation antihistamine.
The product is available in 2 forms:
- Gel or pencil. Used for topical use by applying to the skin after mosquito bites.
- Drops. Intended for oral internal administration and have a systemic effect.
If local allergic reactions occur, it is rational to use the gel. 1 gram of substance contains 1 milligram of active ingredient. For severe forms of allergies, doctors recommend combining topical application of Fenistil with oral administration. 1 milliliter of drops contains 1 milligram of dimethindene maleate.
Application of Fenistil
Indications for the use of the drug are allergic reactions of various etiologies (causes of occurrence), skin itching, mosquito bites or other insects. As an adjuvant, Fenistil can be used for itchy dermatoses. To avoid unwanted reactions, before using the gel or drops against mosquito bites, you should carefully read the instructions.
Gel
For mosquito bites, Fenistil can be used immediately after an insect attack or applied to the affected area of the body after the appearance of unpleasant symptoms. The drug should be applied pointwise, squeezing a small amount onto a cotton swab. Gel against mosquito bites is not rubbed in or used under a bandage. The frequency of treatment of the affected areas is 2-4 times a day.
Unpleasant symptoms (itching, burning) disappear within a few minutes after using Fenistil. Redness and swelling from the bite subsides the next day. It takes 2 to 3 days for the skin to completely recover from blisters using mosquito repellent gel. In case of severe allergic reactions, gel forms of the drug are recommended to be used together with oral drops or other antihistamines.
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Drops
Patients whose work involves increased concentration or high risk of injury should choose Fenistil against mosquito bites in the form of a gel or emulsion. Drops have a sedative effect, so they can inhibit reactions and cause drowsiness. The standard usage is as follows:
- Adults and older children (from 12 years old) are recommended to start treatment with 20-40 drops 3 times a day.
- Patients who are prone to drowsiness are recommended to take 40 drops before going to bed and 20 drops after waking up with food.
pharmachologic effect
The drug has a complex antihistamine and antiallergic effect, relieves itching. Blocks histamine receptors, reduces capillary permeability. After use, it is quickly absorbed and processed by the liver. 80 percent of the active substance binds to blood plasma proteins and penetrates the blood-brain barrier.
A feature of the drug, like all first-generation antihistamines when used systemically, is the provision of a mild sedative effect on humans. In addition, when applied topically, Fenistil has pronounced anesthetic properties.
Is it difficult to use Fenistil Emulsion?
Using Fenistil Emulsion is simple - it is easily applied using a roll-on applicator, moisturizing the skin. Apply 2-4 times daily to affected area. If symptoms do not go away within one week, consult your doctor.
The active substance is dimethindene maleate. One gram of Fenistil Emulsion contains 1 mg of dimethindene maleate.
Other ingredients (excipients): benzalkonium chloride, benzyl alcohol, butylated hydroxytoluene, disodium edetate, cocoyl caprylocaprate, liquid paraffin, cetostearomacrogol, carbomer, sodium hydroxide solution 30%, propylene glycol, water.
Contraindications
Keep the medication out of the reach of children.
Do not use Fenistil Emulsion:
- After the expiration date indicated on the packaging and bottle.
- If you have hypersensitivity to dimethindene and other components included in the drug.
- For angle-closure glaucoma, prostatic hyperplasia.
- In children younger than 1 month, especially premature ones.
Contraindications and precautions:
- In case of severe itching or if large areas of skin are affected, the drug can be used only after consultation with a doctor.
- If during the period of use of Fenistil Emulsion the severity of the symptoms of the disease does not decrease or, on the contrary, intensifies, you should consult a doctor.
- The drug is ineffective for itching associated with cholestasis.
- Avoid prolonged sun exposure to heavily treated areas of skin.
- Consult a doctor if itching is very severe or the lesion is widespread.
Before using Fenistil Emulsion, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Children
In children from 1 month to 2 years, the drug is used after consultation with a doctor. In infants and young children, the drug should not be used on large areas of the skin, especially if there is inflammation or bleeding.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medications, including medications purchased without a prescription.
There are no known drug interactions for Fenistil Emulsion.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
The use of the drug in the first three months of pregnancy is possible only after consultation with a doctor. In the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, as well as during lactation, Fenistil Emulsion should not be used on large areas of the skin, especially in the presence of inflammation or bleeding. Nursing mothers should not apply the drug to the nipples of the mammary glands.
Driving a car and machinery
Application of Fenistil Emulsion to the skin does not affect the ability to drive a car or operate machinery.
The use of Fenistil Emulsion may cause side effects.
Disorders of the skin and subcutaneous tissues:
- Uncommon: dry, burning skin.
- Very rare (post-registration data): allergic dermatitis, including skin rash, itching.
If any of the side effects indicated in the instructions get worse, or you notice any other side effects not listed in the instructions, tell your doctor.
Advantages and disadvantages of the drug
The advantages of the drug are associated with its rapid action and complete selective blocking of histamine, which makes it possible to effectively combat moderate/severe delayed/immediate allergic reactions. In addition, the therapeutic effect lasts up to 12 hours.
The disadvantages of Fenistil include the following features:
- formation of drowsiness with systemic use of drops;
- severe tachyphylaxis (decreased therapeutic effect), which does not allow the use of the drug for more than 7 days in a row;
- a number of side effects that are more pronounced compared to second and third generation antihistamines.
Mechanism of action
Fenistil is a drug that prevents the interaction of mediators with H1-histamine receptors. All forms of the medication have antiallergic, antihistamine, antipruritic properties. Fenistil reduces capillary permeability associated with the occurrence of an allergic reaction. When applied to the skin, the gel relieves redness and swelling, while being practically not absorbed into the blood.
The drug produces a rapid therapeutic effect - the drug begins to manifest its properties within 1-3 minutes after application. In case of a severe allergic reaction, doctors recommend taking drops. They act somewhat more slowly, but have a systemic effect on the body. In addition to the listed effects, the drops also have a sedative effect - they calm the nervous system.
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When is Fenistil used?
It is rational to use the drug in cases where local allergic reactions of a moderate or severe nature clearly appear on the skin after an insect bite. Symptoms include unbearable itching, extensive swelling, severe hyperemia of the epithelium, and the presence of pain.
In addition, the drug is prescribed in the following cases:
- The appearance of urticaria, dermatosis;
- Mild to moderate burns (solar and thermal);
- Angioedema with hypersensitivity;
- Endogenous skin itching due to eczema, hay fever;
- Serum sickness;
- Anaphylactic shock;
- Secondary manifestations of systemic infectious diseases - chickenpox, rubella, measles.
special instructions
In case of severe itching or damage to large areas of the skin, the drug can be used only after consulting a doctor. When using the drug Fenistil on large areas of the skin, exposure to sunlight should be avoided. If during the period of use of the drug Fenistil the severity of the symptoms of the disease does not decrease or intensifies, a doctor’s consultation is necessary. The drug is ineffective for itching associated with cholestasis. The drug contains propylene glycol and benzalkonium chloride. The emulsion also contains butylated hydroxytoluene. The listed excipients may cause local allergic reactions (contact dermatitis). Butylated hydroxytoluene may also cause irritation to the eyes and mucous membranes. Use in pediatrics In children aged 1 month to 2 years, the drug should be used only after consulting a doctor. In infants and young children, the drug should not be used on large areas of the skin, especially if there is inflammation or bleeding. Influence on the ability to drive vehicles and operate machinery. No effect.
How to use Fenistil after mosquito bites?
The regimen for using an antihistamine depends on the form of release of the drug:
- Drops. The medicine container has a built-in dispenser. For children over 10 years of age, the recommended daily dose is 2-4 drops per 1 kilogram of body weight. It is divided into 3 equal doses - before breakfast, lunch and dinner. For adults, the daily dosage is 4-8 milligrams of active substance per day, divided into 2-3 servings. The duration of therapy in both cases is 7 days;
- Gel or pencil. For children over 2 years of age and adults, apply a thin layer of local product to inflamed skin 2 to 4 times a day, then rub in gently. Duration of therapy is up to 2 weeks.
Compound
The active ingredient in Fenistil is dimethindene maleate, an organic compound with an antihistamine effect. The gel contains 1 gram of active substance, the emulsion contains 0.1 g. The auxiliary components are:
- drops contain preservative E218 (methyl parahydroxybenzoate), purified water, sodium dihydrogen phosphate dihydrate, 96% ethanol, non-crystallizing liquid sorbitol;
- The gel and emulsion contain carbomer, 30% sodium hydroxide solution, propylene glycol, benzalkonium chloride, disodium edetate, purified water.
Features of the drug in children
Drops for oral use are recommended for children over 12 years of age. In special situations and under the mandatory supervision of a doctor, it is possible to use it at an earlier age (from 1 year). In this case, the starting dose is reduced by 4 times compared to the standard dose, after which the baby’s condition is monitored. If he tolerates the drug well, then the dosage is gradually increased up to 1-2 drops per kilogram of body weight of the small patient.
Gel or pencil are recommended for use for children over two years of age. In certain situations and upon special prescription from a doctor, it is possible to use the drug for patients over one month of age. In this case, the first application of the drug is made on a small area of damaged skin, not exceeding one square centimeter.
Side effects, overdose
If you follow the instructions, there are no side effects. Children are allowed to use the drug for a maximum of 2 weeks. Otherwise, urticaria, skin atrophy, and excessive dryness may appear.
Drowsiness may occur during treatment with drops. It is recommended to either reduce the dosage or take it before bedtime. In case of severe overdose, nausea, diarrhea, weakness, and decreased activity may occur. The drug should not be used after the expiration date; it should be stored away from sunlight.
Important!
If an allergic reaction to mosquito bites is accompanied by a secondary infection due to scratching the bitten areas, treatment should be stopped immediately. Further therapy is carried out with local antibiotics. Antihistamine drops Fenistil continue to be used.
Overdose and side effects
Fenistil may have the following side effects on humans:
- Frequent. Increased fatigue, drowsiness and nervousness;
- Rare. Psychomotor agitation, disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, dry mouth and mucous membranes;
- Single. Headache, dizziness, muscle spasms, shortness of breath, laryngeal edema, anaphylactic reactions.
In case of overdose, the following manifestations are possible:
- fever and drowsiness;
- ataxia;
- hallucinations and tremors of the limbs;
- retention of urine and feces;
- arterial hypotension;
- cardiotoxic damage to the cardiovascular system with the development of arrhythmia;
- cardiorespiratory collapse.
There is no specific treatment or antidote to relieve side effects/overdoses of the drug. Immediate discontinuation of the drug and intensive therapy are prescribed, including the use of activated charcoal, laxatives, artificial gastric lavage, and support of basic vital functions by any available methods.
Tools Overview
In modern pharmacies it is easy to find a remedy for insect bites. To determine the drug, we advise you to familiarize yourself with the main characteristics of the most well-known drugs. In addition to the listed drugs, you can use:
- Dimexide;
- Triderm;
- heparin ointment;
- zinc ointment;
- Miramistin spray;
- Sinaflan.
Vishnevsky's ointment is also suitable for treatment; for bites of various insects, it has an antiseptic, antisymptomatic and anti-inflammatory effect.
Please note! Consultation with a dermatologist should be mandatory if allergies to insect bites occur constantly
Nezulin
Gel after insect bites Nezulin is made on the basis of herbal extracts and D-panthenol, with the addition of essential oils. Has antiallergic and reparative effects. Stops the development of infectious and inflammatory processes.
Effect: eliminates irritation, itching and hyperemia, cools, soothes, increases protective properties, accelerates regeneration.
Contraindication: intolerance to the substances in the composition. Available in a tube (30 ml). The average price for Nezulin is from 120 rubles.
Psilo balm
An effective balm - Psilo gel contains diphenhydramine (diphenhydramine). Eliminates swelling, compaction, itching, inflammation and redness.
Contraindicated: for children of the first year of life, pregnant and lactating women, if you are allergic to substances from the composition. Not compatible with alcohol. During the treatment period, it is necessary to exclude the treated area from direct sunlight. Psilo balm has an average cost of 200 rubles.
Fenistil gel
A fast-acting gel that contains dimetindene maleate. The active substance blocks the course of inflammation at the site of the bite, effectively prevents itching and has a pronounced analgesic effect.
Contraindications: pregnancy, breastfeeding, child's age less than 1 year. Fenistil gel costs about 400 rubles. There are other forms of release of the drug.
Star
The product not only eliminates the symptoms of poison penetration under the skin, but also eliminates toxic substances and helps accelerate cell recovery.
The composition of the Zvezdochka balm includes essential oils that help against insect bites: mint, menthol, eucalyptus, cinnamon, cloves. The balm contains liquid paraffin, camphor, menthol and petroleum jelly.
It is contraindicated to use Zvezdochka balm against insect bites if the victim has an intolerance to the substances in the composition. The price is about 100 rubles.
Elidel
A potent drug that effectively copes with symptoms. Experts advise using it only when a severe allergic reaction occurs. Use it according to the instructions for the treatment of atopic dermatitis or eczema. The main substance is pimecrolimus.
Contraindications: pregnancy, lactation, children less than 3 months of age, the presence of a fungal or bacterial infection on the skin. Elidel costs from 800 rubles.
Arnica
Ointment with a natural composition based on the plant extract of Arnica. The additional component is Vaseline. Main actions: soothing, antimicrobial, protective and anti-inflammatory. Prevents allergic reactions and the development of infectious processes.
Contraindications: lactation, pregnancy, children under 18 years of age. The price for one tube of Arnica ointment is from 160 rubles.
Menovazin
Medicine in the form of a solution that eliminates burning and itching. It has a complex effect due to the menthol content. Helps improve blood circulation and rapid regeneration. Additional components of Menovazin (benzocaine and procaine) have an analgesic and antiallergic effect.
Contraindicated: with intolerance to the composition and in childhood. The cost is about 50 rubles.
Tsindol
The drug differs from other products because it is a suspension from which the ointment is independently prepared. To prepare it, the suspension is diluted with water, then the liquid is drained, and the sediment is used in the form of an ointment.
The composition is dominated by zinc, which has an aseptic, anti-inflammatory and adsorbent effect. Its advantage is that the constituent substances are able to draw toxins (poison) from the wound.
Contraindications: sensitivity to the composition and its components. Price - from 100 rubles.
Panthenol
An analogue of Bepanten, eliminating signs of allergies and preventing the development of inflammation. Relieves dermatological irritation, itching, redness and swelling. The composition contains dexpanthenol. One tube of Panthenol cream costs about 100 rubles.
Additional Tips
- As an alternative to Fenistil, second or third generation antihistamines are used - fexofenadine, cetirizine, ebastine, desloratadine. They are less effective, but safer for the body.
- If severe systemic allergic reactions occur with obvious signs of angioedema, anaphylactic shock, antihistamines alone will not be enough to relieve symptoms and stabilize the patient’s condition. In this case, it is necessary to immediately call an ambulance to the scene and supplement treatment with any available oral or injectable corticosteroid - prednisolone, dexamethasone.
- If the treatment is not effective for more than 7 days, you should seek additional advice from your doctor.
Instructions for use and dosage
The product is applied to the affected areas of the skin 2-3 times during the day. The gel must be lightly rubbed. For children under two years of age, the drug is recommended to be used as prescribed by a doctor.
For severe itching and a large area of skin damage, the gel is recommended to be used together with Fenistil drops, the oral form of the drug. Drops are also effective to use before bed to prevent itching at night.
Medicines
Medicines for mosquito bites are used in two ways: local treatment of the left trace and oral administration to normalize the functioning of organs. The choice is greatly simplified by the fact that the remedy for insect bites often has a universal effect on the consequences of the attack. The body's protective reaction to foreign anticoagulants in bloodsucking animals is equivalent to the immune system's response to the allergic component. Antihistamines are recommended for any. Ointment for insect bites can be used hypoallergenic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic. Pain and itching - most often these are the consequences of inflammation. Therefore, many drugs can be used for insect bites.
Intense scratching contributes to damage to the protective layer of the skin, the formation of a wound surface, often small but multiple localized, so you should not treat harmful marks with disdain. Treatment of bitten areas, especially in children who are unable to restrain themselves from scratching, is mandatory. Doctors recommend the following drugs:
Fenistil Gel. Anti-bite gel, which can be used from 1 year of age, has a pronounced antihistamine effect and relieves itching. Nezudin – anti-mosquito bite cream for children. It not only has a bactericidal effect and relieves itching, but also contains natural ingredients that repel insects. Bepanten. Can be used as an ointment for mosquitoes, as it has a healing, anti-inflammatory effect. Advantan
A hormone-containing product that should be used with caution, but it is fast and effective thanks to hormones. Menovazin
Cooling and anti-inflammatory agent based on menthol
As an ointment against mosquitoes and stinging insects, it is not used for its intended purpose, but it helps perfectly.
Medicines for mosquito bites are used in two ways: local treatment of the left trace and internal administration to normalize the functioning of organs
To relieve inflammation and itching, you can use any cream or ointment with a high menthol content, including Rescue Gel and the famous Asterisk balm. Any antihistamine tablets are suitable for relieving swelling during an allergic reaction, taken orally. But it is better for healthy people not to abuse them. Due to its strong aromatic components, “Star” balm can cause individual allergic intolerance.
How does Fenistil work?
Fenistil is a topical medication that helps soothe itching on irritated skin. It has a local anesthetic effect that causes a certain feeling of calm and freshness in areas prone to allergies, bites or burns.
The drug is used in both adults and children over one year of age. Therefore, it is recommended as a protective product for outdoor activities or recreation.
However, the use of this medicine is completely contraindicated in those people who are allergic to dimethindene maleate or any of its other components.
Fenistil may cause anaphylactic shock, endangering the patient's life or exacerbating the disease for which it was indicated. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun on areas of the skin that are treated with this medication, and only use it on areas of the skin that do not have open wounds.
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult their doctor or pharmacist before using Fenistil. Additionally, in these situations, the gel should not be applied to large areas of skin, and the product should not be applied to the nipples.
By
Popular analogues of gel against mosquito bites and other insects
The pharmacological market offers popular similar products Fenistil gel, which are effective in the treatment of insect bites. These medications can also be used for preventive purposes.
Iricar
Iricar is a local homeopathic medicine that reduces the symptoms of inflammation on the skin. Iricara contains the homeopathic herbal component Cardiospermum halicacabum, which determines its effect on the source of inflammation and relieves redness, heat and itching.
Iricar is prescribed as part of the complex treatment of the following diseases:
- allergic reaction to mosquito bites and other insects;
- neurodermatitis;
- eczema;
- dermatitis.
Mechanism of allergy development
Do not use ointment or cream if you are allergic to plant components, as well as in pediatric patients under 1 year of age. For patients over 1 year of age, the medication should be applied three times a day to the affected areas of the skin.
If therapeutic dosages are observed, negative reactions occur very rarely and are expressed in burning and redness of the areas where the cream was applied.
Kremgen
Kremgen is a combination medication based on a corticosteroid (fluocinonide) and an antibacterial substance (gentamicin).
The main indicators for prescribing medications are the following diseases:
- dermatitis of different etiologies - solar and atopic, allergic and seborrheic, radiation and contact;
- complicated form of bacterial infection;
- eczema of various origins and locations;
- psoriasis;
Psoriasis - lichen planus and lupus erythematosus;
- trophic ulcers of a non-venous nature;
- burns or frostbite;
- arthropod bites.
You should not use the drug if the patient has a history of allergies to the medicinal composition of Kremgen. Also, the Fenistil analogue is not prescribed for:
- diseases of viral etiology - chickenpox, herpes and herpes zoster;
- syphilis or skin tuberculosis;
- anogenital itching and neoplasms on the skin;
- erosive destruction of parts of the digestive tract;
- atheroma and xanthoma.
Use during pregnancy and lactation is prohibited due to the passage of components through the placental barrier and their entry into breast milk. Also not prescribed to children under 2 years of age.
With mild development of allergies, the cream must be applied once a day; with severe progression of the pathology, use three or four times a day is allowed. The medication course is 20-30 days.
Adverse reactions of the patient’s body to the use of Kremgen:
- dry skin and severe itching;
- epidermal irritation and erythema;
- acne, folliculitis and hypertrichosis;
- hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation;
- maceration or atrophy of the skin.
Dermadrin
The drug is a substitute for Fenistil and has an antiallergic effect on the body with an antipruritic effect. The active substance is diphenhydramine hydrochloride. The medication has the following effect on the skin after insect bites and thermal burns:
- analgesic and decongestant;
- cooling and anti-irritant.
The therapeutic effect of application lasts 2-6 hours. Fenistil substitute is prescribed for the following dermatological diseases:
- dermatitis of allergic etiology;
- skin reactions to arthropod and mosquito bites;
- eczema;
- hives;
- photodermatosis;
- psoriasis.
Stages of eczema
Do not use the drug in treatment for:
- allergies to ingredients in the composition;
- varicose veins;
- vesicular lesions of the epidermis.
In addition, the medication is not prescribed in children under 2 years of age and in the first trimester of pregnancy. Dermadrin is prescribed with restrictions during lactation and in late pregnancy.
The ointment is used externally and applied to the skin in a thin layer. After application, you need to rub it in thoroughly, but not too much. Do not expose affected areas to direct sunlight.
The doctor sets the duration of the therapeutic course and dosage individually for each patient based on the pathology and the stage of its progression.
Standard therapy regimen:
- 2-12 years – 4-5 times a day;
- 12 and older – 5-6 times.
If you follow all the rules for using the ointment, the medication does not cause negative effects, or the body’s reactions are minimal and go away on their own.