Fenistil®
Synonyms in the broader sense
English: FenistDimetinden, Feniallerg
Active ingredient: Dimetinden
Active ingredient group: antihistamines
also read:
- Antihistamines
and - Effects of anthistamines
definition
Fenistil® is a non-prescription drug from the pharmaceutical company Novartis, which is available in many different forms and sometimes with different active ingredients. What all preparations have in common is that they are mainly used to treat diseases or inflammations of the skin. Most of the products with which this text is mainly concerned are used for the (purely symptomatic) treatment of allergic diseases such as hay fever or allergies to animal hair or food. The active ingredient of this product group, to which the Fenistil® gel, which is probably best known under the name Fenistil®, belongs, is called Dimetinden and is a drug from the group of H1 antihistamines.
chemistry
The active substance Dimetinden (Fenistil®) is usually used therapeutically as the salt of maleic acid and is then called Dimetindenmaleat designated.
The chemical name is N, N-dimethyl-3- [1- (2-pyridyl) -ethyl] -1H-indene-ethanamine and the molecular formula is C20H24N2.
application areas
Fenistil®-Gel is used when the Skin itches and is irritated or painful, which can have various causes. These include, among others allergic reaction, by hay fever, Food allergy and Pet hair allergies Certain skin diseases such as the Hives or the Neurodermatitis, Insect bite or sunburn.
effect
Allergic reaction come about because the body is actually a harmless foreign body, such as Animal hair or Bee pollen, classified as dangerous and that Defense system consequently shows a hypersensitivity reaction. In order to combat the apparently harmful substance, the organism reacts by producing a large number of messenger substances that are supposed to protect it. This is also included Tissue hormone histamineleading to an inflammatory reaction. This makes histamine one of the main triggers of the symptoms that arise from an allergy. These include the widening of small blood vessels that underlies the reddening of the skin local swelling, itching and Pain. In addition, histamine ensures that the bronchi are narrowed to prevent further penetration of the supposed enemy, which is a Shortness of breath can cause.
Fenistil® (or the active ingredient Dimetinden) develops its effect at the binding sites for histamine. It is known as an antihistamine of the H1 receptor antagonist type. This means that this substance blocks the H1 receptors that histamine normally docks with in order to be effective. The body continues to release histamine as always, but since the binding sites for it are now occupied, the body can no longer react as usual. The inflammatory reaction is consequently attenuated or does not occur (Fenistil®). Because this mechanism not only takes place in the body tissue, but also in the brain, and there the action of messenger substances that are similar to histamine is inhibited, some of the side effects such as fatigue or Dry mouth to explain.
The failure of the H1 receptors to respond to histamine relieves most of the symptoms caused by allergies (Redness, swelling, sneezing, nasal flow, shortness of breath, swollen nasal mucous membranes, watery eyes) and also from itching due to chickenpox, Hives (urticaria), neurodermatitis or insect bites (Fenistil®).
Dosage forms
Fenistil® gel
The colorless gel (Fenistil®) is suitable for the therapy of itchy or irritated skin as a result of burns, inflammations, allergies or other skin diseases. On the one hand, it cools the skin and moisturizes it and is also well tolerated because it contains neither alcohol, perfume nor dyes. On the other hand, it directly combats the cause of the inflammatory reaction with the help of Dimetinden, which contains 1mg per 1g of gel. The gel (Fenistil®) can be used at any age and should be applied to the affected area in a thin layer up to three times a day and rubbed in with your fingers. A slight burn or sunburn should be cooled under cold running water for about five to ten minutes before treatment.
Large areas of inflammation are not indicated for the use of the gel (Fenistil®); caution is required here, especially with smaller children. It should also not be applied to damaged skin, as it is only intended for external use. Another remedy should also be used to treat known insect venom allergies. In addition, like all other drugs, it must of course not be used if you are known to be hypersensitive to one of the ingredients (Fenistil®).
Read more on the topic: Fenistil Gel®
Fenistil® drops
The drops (Fenistil®) are also suitable for the treatment of various types of allergies, insect bites and inflamed skin. They can be used on children from one year of age and have a slightly sedating effect, i.e. they make the user a little tired. The drops can also be used up to three times a day as long as the symptoms persist, whereby children up to 8 years of age should take 10 to 15, children from 9 years of age 20 and adults should take 20 to 40 drops. The good possibility of dosing is a decisive advantage of the drops (Fenistil®).
You might also be interested in this topic: Fenistil drops
Fenistil® 24 retard capsules
The good thing about the capsules (Fenistil®) is that they continuously release their active ingredient over a period of about 24 hours, which on the one hand ensures a long anti-inflammatory effect and on the other hand almost even no sedating effect occurs. They are just now from 18 years suitable for ingestion and must always be swallowed whole (preferably after dinner, together with some liquid) so that they can develop their full effect.
Fenistil® syrup
The syrup (Fenistil®) is mainly used when the itching making it difficult to fall asleep. For this reason and also because the syrup has a slightly sedating effect, it is best taken shortly before bedtime. Because of its liquid consistency, it reaches its destinations quickly and effectively. The syrup (Fenistil®) can be used after the first year of life, whereby children up to 8 years of age should take one teaspoon three times a day, children from 9 years one and a half teaspoon and adults one teaspoon, but up to 9 times a day.
Fenistil® coated tablets
The Fenistil® coated tablets are intended for oral use by children from 3 years of age and have the advantage that they work quickly and can alleviate allergic reactions. They can be swallowed with enough liquid up to three times a day, but if you have one Fructose intolerance is not allowed to use these coated tablets (Fenistil®).
Fenistil® wound gel
Wounds heal fastest when they are neither too wet nor too dry. The wound healing gel (Fenistil®) promotes the healing process by constantly checking the fluid content of the wound and trying to keep it optimal. It does this by adding moisture to dry wounds ("hydrogel effect") and removing excess water from weeping wounds ("hydrocolloid effect"). This will speed healing and reduce the risk of scarring. In addition, the gel (Fenistil®) cools and covers any exposed nerve endings, which leads to a decrease in pain. In addition, it offers protection against other pollutants that could penetrate from the outside.
When using Fenistil®, it is important to ensure that the wound is cleaned thoroughly under water and patted dry beforehand. The application should always be done with clean fingers and not too thinly and can be repeated once or twice a day if necessary. If necessary, the wound can then be covered with a plaster or bandage. If the wound healing gel comes into contact with the eyes, they must be rinsed out with water immediately.
Fenistil® Hydrocort cream and spray
These products contain as an active ingredient Cortisone, which also has an anti-inflammatory effect, but attacks in a completely different point of the defense than the antihistamine Dimetinden. They are also used to treat inflammatory, allergic and itchy skin conditions such as Allergies or Eczema. The Hydrocort spray has the advantage that the painful areas on the skin do not have to be touched directly for application.
Fenistil® herpes cream
Around 90% of the global population carry the herpes virus, but the familiar symptoms with the formation of blisters only occur in around 20 to 40% of people and are dependent on numerous other factors.
For the treatment of cold sores, Fenistil® offers a cream that contains the active ingredient penciclovir (trade name: Fenistil Penicvir®). This prevents the growth and reproduction of the herpes viruses, which are known for the development of the well-known cold sores.
The typical side effects such as burning, itching and severe pain can be prevented at an early stage. For a more discreet look, the cream was combined with a dye that matches the color of the lips or skin.
Treatment with Fenistil Pencivir® should be started at the first tingling and burning sensation.
It can be applied thinly to the infected area of skin at about 2-hour intervals. An application at least 6 times a day is necessary for an effective therapy. It is recommended to take it after meals to avoid rubbing off the cream.
Read more about pencivir in our dedicated article: Pencivir - anti-viral for cold sores
Warning notices
Some of the preparations (Fenistil®), especially those for internal use, the ability to react can easily be impaired. For this reason, you should rely on a active participation in road traffic and the Operate machines be waived after ingestion.
Contraindication
In general, Fenistil® should not be used during pregnancy or the Lactation to be used. There is still no concrete indication of a harmful effect on the (unborn) child, but due to a lack of experience one should rather be careful. Patients under Voiding disorders or one Angle-closure glaucoma should also refrain from using Fenistil®.
In addition, there are special contraindications for some preparations, which often affect age and have already been mentioned at the given point.
Side effects
As with all drugs, the occurrence of side effects is difficult to predict because everyone reacts differently to the ingestion. Occasionally occur after using Fenistil® Dry mouth, fatigue or nausea on, rarely too a headache, restlessness or Gastrointestinal complaints. If an allergic reaction occurs, seek medical attention immediately.
Interactions
The side effects of Fenistil®, such as tiredness, can be aggravated by taking medication with a similar effect at the same time. These include, among others Sedatives, sleeping pills, or antidepressants. It also stepped up too alcohol the side effects.
When taking tricyclic antidepressants Patients with a tendency to develop glaucoma have an increased risk of an attack.
