What is Elestat?
Elestat (eprstenant) is a man-made form of a protein called interferon. Interferon helps your body fight viral infections.
Elestat is used to treat certain types of pink eye (bacterial conjunctivitis).
Elestat may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Health Benefits
Elestat has a number of potential health benefits, including:
1. fighting viral infections
2. treating pink eye
3. reducing inflammation
4. boosting the immune system
Side Effects
Elestat is generally well-tolerated, but it can cause some side effects, such as:
1. headache
2. tiredness
3. muscle aches and pains
4. nausea and vomiting
Serious side effects are rare, but if you experience any of the following symptoms, stop taking Elestat and seek medical help immediately:
1. allergic reaction (swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat; difficulty breathing; hives)
2. chest pain or tightness
3. irregular heartbeat
4. seizures
5. shortness of breath
6. sudden vision changes
Dosages
Elestat is available in the form of an eyedrop. The recommended dose is one drop in each eye four times a day.
If you experience any bothersome side effects, speak to your doctor about reducing your dosage or taking Elestat every other day.
Interactions
Elestat may interact with other medications, herbs or supplements. Therefore, it’s important to tell your doctor about any other drugs you’re taking before starting Elestat.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Elestat is likely safe for pregnant women in small doses. However, larger doses may be harmful. If you’re breastfeeding, it’s best to avoid Elestat altogether.
Mechanism of Action
Elestat works by mimicking the activity of interferon. Interferon is a type of protein that helps fight viral infections. Elestat also has anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting effects.
When used to treat pink eye, Elestat works by killing the bacteria that cause the infection.
Pharmacokinetics
Elestat is quickly absorbed into the blood when applied to the eye. It reaches peak levels in about two hours.
The half-life of Elestat is unknown, but it’s thought to be similar to that of other interferon proteins.
How long does it take for Elestat to work?
The effects of Elestat are usually seen within 24 hours. However, it may take up to two weeks for the full effects to be seen.
Clinical Trials
Elestat has been studied in two clinical trials. In one trial, Elestat was found to be effective in treating pink eye. The other trial showed that Elestat was able to reduce the duration of viral infections.
Research is ongoing to further evaluate the safety and efficacy of Elestat.
How is it supplied?
Elestat is supplied as an eyedrop. The recommended dose is one drop in each eye four times a day.
If you experience any bothersome side effects, speak to your doctor about reducing your dosage or taking Elestat every other day.
Symptoms of an Overdose
There have been no reports of an overdose with Elestat. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms after taking Elestat, seek medical help immediately:
1. allergic reaction (swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat; difficulty breathing; hives)
2. chest pain or tightness
3. irregular heartbeat
4. seizures
5. shortness of breath
6. sudden vision changes
Chemical Structure
Elestat is a synthetic version of interferon alpha-2B. It consists of 183 amino acids and has a molecular weight of 21 kDa.
Alternatives to Elestat
A number of alternatives to Elestat are available. These include other interferon proteins, such as interferon alfa-2a and interferon alfa-2b, as well as antiviral drugs, like acyclovir and valacyclovir.
Is acyclovir more effective than Elestat?
Acyclovir and Elestat are both effective in treating viral infections. However, acyclovir is more commonly used because it’s more potent and has a shorter half-life.
What’s the difference between Elestat and interferon alfa-2b?
Elestat and interferon alfa-2b are both synthetic versions of interferon alpha-2B. They’re structurally similar and have similar activities. However, Elestat is more potent than interferon alfa-2b.
