The medicine "Zirtek" refers to medicines against allergies. This drug is a second generation antihistamine. An important feature of this tool is that it is not addictive like other antihistamines, to which the body becomes insensitive on the tenth day of administration.
The Zirtek drug is considered highly effective in the treatment of allergic reactions in children. The instruction in this case is mandatory for a thorough familiarization, which helps to prevent unwanted reactions of the body.
Its main active ingredient is cetirizine hydrochloride. As auxiliary substances, the composition of Zirtek in the form of drops includes glycerin, sodium saccharinate, methyl parahydroxybenzoate, glacial acetic acid, propylene glycol, and purified water. This medicine is also available in tablets.
Zirtek: instructions for use
pharmachologic effect
The instructions attached to the Zirtek tool indicate that this drug blocks histamine receptors, therefore it is able to prevent the development of allergic reactions, facilitates their course and causes an antipruritic and antiexudative effect.
The basis of the action of this tool is blocking the early histamine-dependent stage of allergy. This limits the release of neurotransmitters at later stages, which reduces inflammation. In addition, the Zirtek preparation reduces the migration of neutrophils, as well as eosinophils and basophils, and stabilizes mast cell membranes. When using this medicine, capillary permeability decreases, smooth muscle spasm, swelling in tissues are eliminated, and skin sensitivity to histamine and specific allergens (for example, to low temperatures with "cold" urticaria) is reduced, and bronchial spasm is also reduced in patients with mild asthma over current.
It is important that this drug practically does not cause an anticholinergic and antiserotonin effect, therefore, in therapeutic doses it does not show a sedative effect.
The instructions attached to the packaging of Zirtek also include a description of the absorption of the drug, its distribution in the body, metabolism and methods of excretion, which is important to consider when prescribing dosages for different ages and in the presence of certain concomitant diseases.
Indications
The drug "Zirtek" is used to treat adults and children after 6 months. It is prescribed for the following allergic pathologies:
• allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis, accompanied by itching, sneezing, rhinorrhea, lacrimation, and conjunctival hyperemia;
• hay fever;
• urticaria, as well as Quincke's edema;
• various allergic dermatoses, accompanied by severe itching and rashes.
Contraindications
Means "Zirtek" is not used during pregnancy and lactation, for the treatment of children up to 6 months, as well as with increased sensitivity to its individual components. It is worth noting that this drug should be used with caution in case of chronic kidney failure and in the treatment of elderly patients.
The drug "Zirtek": dosage
Children 6-12 months old are prescribed 5 drops once a day, at the age of 1-2 years it is used 5 drops twice a day. For children 2-6 years old, the dose is increased: 10 drops once a day, and for children over 6 years of age and adults are prescribed 20 drops / 1 tablet per day. In renal failure, the dosage depends on creatinine clearance.
Like every drug, this drug has its own side effects and a kind of interaction with other drugs. Therefore, the drug "Zirtek" how to take and to whom it can be prescribed should be determined by the doctor, taking into account the clinical picture. Self-medication is not allowed.