During an allergy period, many people have to take antihistamines. It is good if the disease manifests itself slightly (rash, itching). Worse, when the problem is widespread, and swelling begins to appear. Often patients ask a question about which is better - “Zirtek” or “Zodak” - for a child. Many consumers do not see a significant difference in the two drugs. Some parents want to choose only the best and best medicine for the baby.
This article will help you answer the question of which is better - “Zirtek” or “Zodak” - for a child. After a comparative analysis, you can decide which composition is preferred.
Active ingredients and drug release form
Which is better - “Zirtek” or “Zodak” - for a child? First you need to understand the composition of both drugs and find out what exactly makes them antihistamines.
The main active ingredient of the Zirtek medication is cetirizine hydrochloride (10 milligrams). You can get such a composition in tablets. The drug is still available in liquid form. There are additional components. These include propylene glycol, glycerin, methyl parahydroxybenzoate, sodium saccharin, acetic acid and purified water.
They contain all the same cetrizine hydrochloride in an amount of 10 milligrams of the Zodak tablet. Drops for children, in addition to the active substance, also have additional components. These are methyl paraben, propylene glycol, sodium saccharinate, acetic acid, sodium acetate, glycerol, propyl paraben and water.
It is worth noting that the “Zodak” and “Zirtek” (tablets) have exactly the same composition. This suggests that they are analogues. If we are talking about drops, then only the additional components differ. Otherwise, such drugs are interchangeable. They can be called generics. Both drugs are available in tablets and drops. However, the Zodak product also has a syrup form for oral administration.
The cost of medicines: is there a difference in price
What is the price of Zirtek? The cost of the drug depends on the form of release and the retail pharmacy network. After all, suppliers sell goods at the same price, and the shop winds up additional interest on it. Zirtek drops, which cost about 350 rubles, have a volume of 10 milliliters. Pills cost about 200 rubles for 7 pieces.
For the medicine "Zodak" (drops), the price is in the range from 180 to 220 rubles. For this amount you can buy 20 milliliters of the drug. Tablets under this trade name can be produced in a dosage of 5 and 10 milligrams of the active substance. 10 capsules of this medication cost about 150 rubles.
Why is there such a difference in price between medicines? The thing is that the medicine "Zodak" (drops), the price of which is indicated above, is produced in the Czech Republic. Capsules for oral administration are also available there. The drug "Zirtek" is produced in Belgium, Italy and Switzerland. This is what determines such a high cost of the drug in relation to its generic.
Indications for use of the considered antihistamines
In what situations is the drug "Zodak" prescribed (drops for children)? The instructions for use report the following situations. The medication is indicated for allergies of various origins. Mostly, medicines containing cetirizine hydrochloride are used for skin allergies. However, they help with other problems. These include allergic conjunctivitis, rhinitis, seasonal symptoms. Also, a medication is prescribed for Quincke's edema.
If you take into account the drug "Zirtek" (tablets and drops), then its indications are similar to those described above. However, the instructions for use do not mention that the medication is used for Quincke's edema.
Contraindications to the use of two compounds
To answer the question of which is better - “Zirtek” or “Zodak” - for a child, it is necessary to compare the contraindications of these drugs. One of these is increased sensitivity to components. If the patient tolerates cetirizine well, then you need to pay attention to additional components. In liquid forms of both drugs, they diverge. After all, it is precisely these types of drugs that are prescribed in most cases to children.
The drug "Zodak" is not prescribed for patients with bronchospasm, with kidney disease, during cough. The medication is contraindicated in children under the age of one year. This should always be remembered.
Preparations "Zirtek" and "Zodak": use for children
To answer the question about which of the medicines is best for the baby, you need to learn about the method of using one and the other. The medicine "Zirtek" is used in young children exclusively in the form of drops. Babies up to 2 years of age are prescribed from 2 to 5 drops per day. Multiplicity of application is 2 times. From 2 to 6 years, the medication can be taken according to the above scheme or go to 10 drops once a day. When a child can swallow tablets without prior grinding (usually after 6 years), the drug is prescribed in the form of capsules.
As you already know, the Zodak medication is not prescribed for children under one year old. Upon reaching this age, the composition is prescribed 5 drops twice a day. From 2 to 6 years, the drug can be given in the form of syrup, drops and tablets. The dosage of the drug remains the same, however, the frequency of use can be reduced to 1 time per day. After 6 years, the drug is prescribed one tablet or 20 drops per day.
Interaction with other means
Very carefully you need to take the medicine "Zodak" and "Zyrtec" for allergies in conjunction with other medicines. If sorbents are used at the same time, which often happens when allergen intoxication develops, then antihistamines should be drunk 2-3 hours after taking cleansing formulations. Otherwise, you may not feel the effect of the treatment at all.
Both medicines are not combined with alcohol and compounds that inhibit the central nervous system. The use of the Zodak preparation is not recommended with different types of bronchodilators, since it can inhibit their action and increase the likelihood of side effects.
Negative reactions
Zirtek drops, the use of which usually does not cause any side effects, in rare cases can provoke negative reactions. Often, these arise due to non-compliance with the dose and neglect of the dosage regimen. If the child is prescribed to use the drug twice a day, then between doses there should be an equal period of time. In this situation, you can protect the baby as much as possible from unforeseen and unpleasant reactions. If the latter occurs, you should contact a doctor as soon as possible or call an ambulance.
Both medications can cause conditions such as nausea, abdominal pain, and indigestion such as delayed stools or diarrhea. Rarely, a skin rash develops. The above medicines do not cause drowsiness. This is reported by the manufacturer. However, some patients may react in this way to the use of the medicine. Drugs often cause dry mouth. However, the manifestation of this symptom should not be a reason for canceling treatment.
Consumer opinion
Most patients prefer to choose the drug "Zodak". People see that the composition of the described tools is exactly the same. However, the price of the above medication is almost two times lower. Also an indisputable advantage of this drug is that the tablets are available in a reduced dosage. This allows you to give them to children, since the manufacturer does not recommend breaking or crushing the medicine.
Both compositions have the same indications and contraindications. Side effects are similar. Despite this, there are consumers who indicate that the Zodak medication can cause drowsiness more often than Zirtek. Also, the latter drug is sometimes tolerated with alcoholic beverages. When treating children, many parents have to choose Zirtek drops, since the Zodak medication is contraindicated in infants in their first year of life.
Parents report that children with great pleasure drink the Zodak syrup, while the drops have an unpleasant bitter taste. Zirtek medicine does not have this form of release. That is why it is not always possible to carry out treatment with this agent. The drug "Zirtek" has a lot of advantages. It has a convenient form of release, an attractive price, it is always available from suppliers. Doctors prescribe this composition less frequently than its expensive counterpart. What is the reason for this approach to treating children of different ages?
What do the doctors say?
Doctors report that patient reviews of the above medicines are very controversial. Some consumers prefer only Zirtek. Others say that this drug is no different from the composition of the "Zodak".
Doctors prescribe medications based on the age of the child, taking into account his body weight. Of course, the drug "Zirtek" is very popular. It is often used to treat allergies in hospitals. Doctors say this medication is safer. The raw material from which it is made is of higher quality, as it goes through several stages of purification treatment. Doctors also advise paying attention to additional components. Often in young children there is a negative reaction precisely to them.
Conclusion, or Short Summary
You learned about two interchangeable compounds - Zirtek and Zodak. What exactly to choose is worth discussing with your doctor. It is the pediatrician who can give you suitable recommendations and choose the right application scheme. Often, drugs are prescribed depending on the body weight of the baby.
Remember that you can not save on the health of children. Choose only quality and proven medications to treat allergies. Health to your children and well-being!