In the article we will consider instructions for use for children and reviews for the Zirtek preparation.
The number of antihistamines actively used in pediatric practice includes this medication. But not a single medicine can be universal, and therefore it is very important to understand the features of the correct use of Zirtek drops for small patients.
Description
The drug is a representative of a new generation of antihistamines, it has been produced in the pharmaceutical industry for a long time - more than thirty years.
The medicine has long been proven effective, as well as pills. As the instruction indicates, “Zirtek” for children successfully copes with various allergic effects independently, but a particularly noticeable result can be achieved only in complex treatment, in combination with other groups of medicines. To a greater extent, this statement is true in the problem of treating bronchial asthma.
In several studies, it was proved that when Zirtek is included in the treatment course for this disease, the symptoms of the latter are significantly relieved. In addition, the drug is used for viral infections (for example, chickenpox or Epstein-Barr virus) and for symptomatic treatment of skin inflammation of various origins and itching. However, despite the extensive list of useful characteristics of the drug, it should not be given to children on their own, without medical prescription. Although no study describes a negative effect on a small organism, the drug can be used only according to indications and only after examination.
pharmachologic effect
According to the instructions, Zirtek for children is an antihistamine that blocks histamine H1 receptors. This biologically active substance as a result is not able to act on organs and tissues, respectively, allergic symptoms do not develop. The drug contributes to the accelerated restoration of the walls of blood vessels, which reduces their permeability, eliminates itching and swelling, and also positively affects the antioxidant system of the human body. There is no bronchoconstrictor effect, it does not affect lung volume, which makes it possible to use it for children with bronchial asthma.
Both drops and tablets are highly bioavailable, which means that they are absorbed almost completely from the gastrointestinal tract. The highest concentration of a drug of any form in the blood is achieved in an hour ± 3 minutes, but judging by the reviews of doctors and allergy sufferers, its effect begins in twenty minutes. The drug is excreted by the kidneys. The half-life in children is: three hours - from six months to two years; five hours - from two to six years; six hours - from six to twelve years.
Release forms and composition
The Russian pharmaceutical market presents such forms of the drug as tablets and drops. In both cases, the active substance is cetirizine. All the difference lies only in the auxiliary components.
Such a form as Zirtek syrup for children with instructions for use is not on sale.
When is it used?
The instructions to "Zirtek" for children indicate the conditions in which this medicine is prescribed.
Effective in seasonal rhinitis, hay fever, conjunctivitis and other allergic conditions caused by house dust, pollen, animal hair, and at the same time accompanied by strong discharge from the nose, sneezing, severe itching and lacrimation. A distinctive feature of this drug is effective penetration into the thickness of the skin, eliminating redness and itching in a short time period.
What are the indications of Zirtek for children?
The medicine helps with allergic reactions that occur due to insect bites. It is suitable for the treatment of food allergies.
According to the instructions, the Zirtek tablets for children are effective for allergic dermatoses, Quincke's edema and urticaria.
The drug is included in the therapeutic course for children who suffer from obstructive bronchitis and bronchial asthma.
Zirtek is prescribed as an anti-inflammatory agent for sinusitis, bronchitis, colds, tonsillitis, viral infections and other diseases.
The instruction to "Zirtek" for children
A very subtle issue is the children's dosage, and it does not matter which drug is in question. It is very important not to cause intoxication, addiction or allergies, not to harm the body of the child. A significant advantage of the drug is that it does not increase tolerance and does not cause patient dependence. In other words, Zirtek lasts as long as it is given to children. For a smooth treatment without overdose, side effects and other troubles, you need to follow the instructions exactly and know the dosage for the child well.
Drops
Zirtek drops, according to the instructions, should not be given to children from birth.
First of all, it should be said that drops can be given to a baby from six months, and in the form of tablets from six years. Do not give the drug to a newborn or a monthly child. How is Zirtek taken, how many drops does a child need to achieve the desired effect? The dosage is affected by the age of the patient:
- 2.5 milligrams (5 drops) once a day - 6-12 months.
- 2.5 milligrams twice a day - when the children are 1 year old. Instructions for use with Zirtek confirms this. This dosage is maintained until the child is 6 years old.
- Five milligrams twice a day - 6-12 years.
- Ten milligrams once a day - over twelve years old.
Tablets
Patients after six years are allowed to drink tablets, in which case the following dosage regimen:
- five milligrams (half a tablet) twice a day - 6-12 years;
- ten milligrams (whole tablet) once a day - after twelve years.
It is necessary to focus on the presence of a renal pathology in the child (the dosage in this case should be adjusted depending on the patient’s body weight and condition of the kidneys), prematurity, and cases of drug allergy.
Very often in pharmacies they ask for Zirtek syrup for children. The instruction indicates that there is no such form of release.
Subtleties of the use of the drug in pediatrics
It is necessary to consider a number of common questions regarding the method of use of the drug. The duration of the treatment course is determined only by an allergist. Therapy can be short-term (even used once) and long-lasting up to several months.
Zirtek can be diluted with water and added to the mixture, however, these recommendations are not binding.
If the patient takes the medicine well, then you can give it "in pure form." But the drug has a specific feature: a bitter taste and a sharp aroma of vinegar. That is why babies can refuse to take the drug (especially persuading a child during a three-year crisis can become especially difficult). In this case, you can add the drug to drink and food. It does not matter taking the medicine in relation to food: it is allowed to drink it, including with meals. The presence of food does not affect the amount of absorption of the drug, only the speed. If it is necessary to obtain a quick effect, it is better to give the drug on an empty stomach. If the speed does not matter (for example, in the course of treatment), then there is no dependence on food intake.
So it says in the instructions. Zirtek drops for children from birth should not be used, only when reaching 6 months it can be done.
Is it allowed to give medicine before bedtime? Does Zirtek contribute to the feeling of drowsiness in babies? It can be given at night, if after using it the child becomes drowsy (this side symptom appears in about ten percent of cases when the child is sleeping from the drug). In this case, this is more than justified. Before vaccination, the drug is given at the age norm, in the morning on the same day, no later than an hour and a half and a half before it.
Side effects
In accordance with the instructions for use with Zirtek for children in tablets and drops, the drug is safe. But this does not exclude the appearance of such side effects as drowsiness, convulsive syndrome, fatigue, increased appetite, loose stools, dry mouth, rhinitis, increased heart rate, itchy rash, loss of clarity of vision, anaphylaxis, urticaria. After the use of Zirtek, the child does not fix vomiting, and if it does, it serves as a reason for further examination of the digestive system or as a symptom of individual sensitivity to the drug.
It is very important to follow the dosage and instructions for Zirtek for children in drops and tablets.
Overdose
The development of an overdose is possible with a single use of 50 milligrams of the drug, and is manifested by: excitement, anxiety or drowsiness, confusion, diarrhea; stupor; urine retention, itching, headache and diarrhea. Urgently need to call an ambulance, rinse your stomach and drink enterosorbent. The drug can be stored for up to five years at temperatures up to 25 ° C in places where access to animals and small patients is limited.
Which drug is better: Zodak or Zirtek?
Often, mothers, whose children suffer from allergic reactions, are asked which of the analogues is better - "Zirtek" or "Zodak"?
The drug "Zirtek" is produced by a pharmaceutical company from Switzerland, its manufacture is carried out there, as well as in Italy and Belgium.
Zodak is a medicine from the Czech Republic. When creating these drugs, various technologies are used.
Both Zirtek and Zodak are drugs that are among the antihistamines. Their main influence is aimed at suppressing receptors that are sensitive to histamine, which is released in large quantities under the influence of a foreign component.
“Zodak” or “Zirtek” - which is better? In both medicines, the active substance is cyterisin - an antihistamine. Indications for its use are allergic diseases. Both drugs are in the form of tablets and drops. The same dosage method.
Although the drugs have the same active ingredients, they have differences in their composition. This must be taken into account, since the children's body can react differently to different substances.
A significant difference between Zodak and Zirtek is the cost, with a difference of several times. However, you still need to remember that Zodak is essentially an analogue, that is, a drug that can replace Zirtek.
Reviews
In their reviews, many mothers say that Zirtek is a fairly reliable and effective anti-allergic drug that quickly eliminates pathological symptoms in small patients. Pediatricians are advised to use the drug before vaccinations, as the reviews indicate that the frequency of allergic reactions due to vaccination is much lower.
This drug perfectly helps with infectious and inflammatory diseases - with acute respiratory viral infections, colds, bronchitis and tonsillitis. Zirtek, having an anti-inflammatory effect, quickly eliminates the main manifestations, congestion, reduces pain. It is noted that the inclusion of the drug in a therapeutic course increases the overall effectiveness of the treatment. Negative manifestations are noted in rare cases. With a decrease in dosage or cessation of use, they usually go away on their own.
There are also situations in which the drug is ineffective. Because of what Zirtek does not help small patients? It is worth considering first of all whether the correct diagnosis has been made and what the treatment is for. Be sure to consult your doctor (especially with self-medication), since the disease could initially be determined incorrectly. In addition, the development of complications could occur, the course of the disease worsens, perhaps an infection will join. Zirtek, in this way, is a medicine that combines safety and proven efficacy over many years.