According to reviews, "Zyrtec" is one of the most popular antihistamines that are actively used in the practice of treating children. Although it is worth remembering that no drug can be universal. Parents need to understand in detail how to properly use the drug for young patients. In this matter, it is necessary to focus not only on reviews of Zirtek drops. This medicine has a number of analogues. In this article, we will study in detail the instructions and reviews of Zirtek, as well as indications and contraindications to it.
Allergies in children
Allergy in the modern world is a very common disease. A third of the world's population suffers from it. Unfortunately, this problem is quite acute even in the first years of life of young children. This is primarily due to the fact thatthe child's body is in the stage of formation, formation and development. In children, food allergies are the most common form. Various schemes and methods are used to diagnose diseases. Drug therapy, especially in the case of newborn babies, is not recommended, and possible drugs for older children are presented in a small list. Unfortunately, allergies can occur with severe and dangerous complications, such as Quincke's edema. In order to protect their baby from allergies, parents must know what can cause the development of diseases in the first place.
The main drugs in the fight against allergies are antihistamines. Let's write a little more about what medicines for children exist, at what points they are used.
In order to understand why allergy medications are needed, it is important to understand the mechanism of the process:
- When an allergen first enters the body, it gets acquainted with the immune system, antibodies are produced. They settle on the cell membrane.
- When the allergen re-penetrates more antibodies, the cell bursts.
- There are biologically active substances that affect organs and tissues. There are many active substances, but the main one is histamine.
Need to block histamine. Allergy medications do just that, because they do an excellent job of blocking this dangerous substance.
Description of the drug "Zirtek"
Zyrtec is a second-generation anti-allergy drug. According to reviews, Zirtek allergy drops for children have shown themselves to be an effective remedy, as, indeed, tablets for adults. The drug quickly and successfully copes with various symptoms of allergies. Although it is worth noting that a tangible result can be achieved only in complex treatment, in combination with other means. This is especially true in the treatment of asthma. It has been proven that the use of "Zirtek" in the treatment of this disease brings tangible relief of the symptoms of the disease. According to reviews, "Zirtek" is used in the treatment of viral infections, symptomatic itching and various inflammations on the skin.
Pharmacological action
Zyrtec is a drug that blocks histamine H1 receptors.
Both drops and Zyrtec tablets, according to reviews, have increased bioavailability. The drug is almost completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. The maximum concentration in the blood reaches in half an hour, a maximum of an hour. Although, judging by the reviews of Zirtek, it begins to help with allergies after about twenty minutes after use. The dosage is 10 mg, in 95% of patients the effect of the drug persists for a day. The drug is excreted by the kidneys. In young patients, the half-life lasts: from six months to two years - three hours; from two to six years - five hours; from six to twelve years - six hours. The patient's skin is restoredtheir normal state and reaction to histamine three days after the end of the use of the drug. The use of "Zirtek" in therapeutic doses (10 mg per day) improves the quality of life of patients with chronic and seasonal allergic rhinitis.
Destinations
According to the instructions and reviews of "Zirtek", the drug is prescribed for adults and children (from one year and older) if the following pathologies are detected:
- chronic and allergic rhinitis;
- conjunctivitis due to allergies;
- hay fever;
- urticaria and angioedema;
- allergic dermatoses.
Contraindications
In general, the drug has no contraindications for use. Only personal sensitivity to the components of the drug "Zyrteka" can be observed. It is also not recommended to give it to children under 6 months.
Use during childbearing and breastfeeding
It is advisable to stop using "Zirtek" when carrying a child. Since the active ingredient is excreted with mother's milk, if it is necessary to prescribe a medication during lactation, a decision should be made to stop breastfeeding. Although in practice the negative effect of the drug on the fetus has not been established.
Special Instructions
When using "Zirtek" in the prescribed doses, the effect of alcohol does not increase. And yet, according to reviews of "Zirtek", adults are advised to refrain fromdrinking alcohol while taking the medication.
The effect of "Zirtek" on the ability to drive a car has not been established. Also, when using the drug in the prescribed dose, it is permissible to engage in especially dangerous types of work. Since studies of this issue did not reveal a negative effect of the drug on human performance.
Composition and release form
In Russia, two forms of Zyrtec are produced: drops and tablets. The active ingredient is cetirizine. The composition of drops and tablets differs in auxiliary components.
The advantages of cetirizine in the form of a solution include:
- possibility of use at a young age, this is especially important for atopic dermatitis, which affects children aged one to two years;
- lack of starch in the structure of the preparation;
- dosing with precision;
- no unwanted aftertaste.
You should not be afraid to use "Zirtek" for children. According to reviews and instructions, the drug contains acetic acid. But this substance does not pose a danger to the child, since in this medicine its share is 0.08% in one ml, that is, less than 1% in the entire volume of the Zirtek medicine. So, in 1 ml (twenty drops) of the drug there is:
- cetirizine hydrochloride 10mg;
- glycerin;
- propylene glycol;
- saccharinate and sodium acetate;
- methyl parahydroxybenzoate;
- acetic acid;
- water.
Dosage and method of administration
According to reviews, Zyrtec drops do not cause addiction. Although, all the same, it is worth remembering that the correct dosage for children is a very important and delicate issue. In order for the therapy to go smoothly, without negative effects, overdose and other undesirable consequences, you need to follow the instructions exactly and know how to give the medicine to the child and at what dosage.
The most important thing to remember is that drops are given to a child from 6-12 months, and tablets - from six years.
The drug is prescribed orally in the following dosage (per day):
- up to a year, 2.5 mg (five drops) are prescribed once;
- from one to six years, 2.5 mg (five drops) twice;
- from six to twelve years, 5 mg (ten drops) twice;
- over twelve years old, 10 mg (twenty drops) once.
Children over the age of six are allowed to take pills, in which case the dosage is as follows:
- 6 to 12 years old, 5mg twice a day;
- over twelve years of age, 10 mg (one tablet) once daily.
Side effects and overdose
According to reviews and instructions, Zyrtec is considered safe for children. But this does not exclude the possibility of developing negative actions:
- mild and quickly passing drowsiness, fatigue, convulsions;
- changing stool, increased appetite;
- dry mouth;
- increased heart rate;
- vision deterioration;
- skin rashes, angioedema.
Nausea and vomiting, judging by the reviews of Zirtek, do not occur after using the drug, and if they occur, this is an indication for examination of the digestive system or a sign of personal intolerance to the drug. An overdose develops with a single dose of 50 mg of the drug (five tablets or one hundred drops) and is manifested by the following symptoms:
- confusion;
- anxiety;
- diarrhea.
Remember that negative effects are extremely rare, usually mild and transient.
Storage conditions
The shelf life of the drug in any dosage form is five years. The medicine should be stored at temperatures up to 25 ° C, out of the reach of children and animals.
Analogues
According to reviews, analogues of "Zirtek" are a way out of the situation with personal intolerance to the components of the drug. Here are the main generics:
- "Cetirizine Vertex". This is a second generation drug with a rapid onset of action and a long duration. The use of the drug is justified in cases where long-term treatment of allergic diseases is required: urticaria, rhinitis.
- "Zodak" is a second-generation antiallergic drug with a prolonged action. The drug is produced in the Czech Republic in the form of drops, tablets and syrup. In the form of drops or syrup, the drug is often prescribed to relieve allergy symptoms in young children. During testing, the focus was on safety. Moreover, as experts found out, a child under two years of age is much less likely to experience negative reactions than adults.
- "Parlazin". The advantages of the drug are: high bioavailability compared to analogues, rapid absorption and therapeutic effect, the existence of several forms of release (syrup, tablets), as well as the presence of a form of release in drops for young children.
- "Letizen". The main disadvantage is the low bioavailability of the drug in comparison with analogues. The main advantages are: prompt absorption and therapeutic effect, the presence of a release form in drops and a low price compared to analogues.
Comparison of "Zirtek" and "Zodak"
Allergies or dermatitis in young children is a fairly common problem faced by many parents. Among antihistamines, doctors often recommend two main remedies - Zirtek and Zodak, considering them to be interchangeable. But the difference in cost makes parents think about which of the drugs is better, because every loving mother or caring father wants the drug to be not only effective, but also not have a negative effect on the baby's body. People often think what is better for a child - Zyrtec or Zodak? Let's try to give a detailed answer to this question.
These two drugs prevent the increase in the amount of histamine inthe body of a small child. Under normal conditions, this hormone helps to maintain the important functions of the patient's body. But in some diseases, as well as when exposed to certain substances, the amount of histamine increases. The composition of the medicines "Zirtek" and "Zodak" includes the main active component that blocks the increase in histamine H1 receptors. Both medications help stop and relieve allergic reactions and are effective against itching.
If we compare the negative effects, then when using these drugs, they develop extremely rarely. The sedative effect of the drug "Zodak" is less pronounced or not at all pronounced. Among the negative reactions of the body to this drug, they notice the following: decreased urination, discomfort in the mouth, dizziness, weakness, headache, dilated pupils, agitation, allergic reactions, diarrhea (diarrhea), abdominal pain.
When taking "Zirtek" the same side effects on the body are possible. They also add visual impairment, rhinitis, pharyngitis, liver dysfunction, weight gain. But they rarely develop. Thus, there are fewer negative effects on the body from the Zodak.
The difference between the antiallergic drugs "Zirtek" and "Zodak" also lies in the age restrictions for use. Drops "Zirtek" can be prescribed to babies from six months, and children over six years old can already take pills. Syrup "Zodak" should not be given to babiesless than a year old, and tablets are less than two years old.
Different from each other and the cost of these drugs.
Many mothers and fathers note that the drug "Zodak" acts faster and more efficiently than "Zirtek". Although, it depends on the personal perception of the medicine by the body of a small child.
Total: if we compare "Zirtek" and "Zodak", it can be noted that they have a lot in common. At the same time, there are also differences. Answering the question whether "Zirtek" and "Zodak" are interchangeable, the answer is yes, since these drugs have the same effect against allergies. Although, before you go to the pharmacy for a medicine, you should consult a doctor. He will definitely help you in choosing the most suitable remedy for your child.
Reviews
Thus, instructions for use, reviews of "Zirtek" and analogues of the drug are reduced to a number of conclusions:
- The duration of antihistamine therapy is determined solely by an allergist. The course can be short or long, up to several months.
- If the little patient takes the medicine well, then it can be given without diluting it in water.
- It is not forbidden to add medicine to food or drink.
- The timing of antihistamines does not matter.
- The presence of food in the stomach does not affect the amount of absorption of the drug, but only affects the speed.
Judging by the reviews of Zirtek, the main disadvantage is the highthe price of the drug compared to analogues.
