Zodak is a popular antihistamine, which is prescribed even for infants. The drug "Zodak" has its own pharmacological name. It sounds like cetirizine dihydrochloride, or cetirizine. An experienced chemist from the name will understand that the substance belongs to the category of dihydrogenated salts, namely derivatives of hydrochloric acid. However, the chemical name of the drug will not say anything to the layman, so the Zodak annotation usually includes only a superficial mention of the specific composition of the active substance.
Properties of the drug and its types
The medicine "Zodak" is sold in drops, tablets, as well as syrup. Syrup and drops are most often prescribed for children with severe allergic reactions, as well as a prophylactic in the post-vaccination period. To the drug "Zodak" instructions for use are attached in the form of a detailed and detailed description. In it, as a rule, there is information about the appearance of the medicine. The tablets are coated with a protective coating containing glucose. The syrup has a pleasant smell. The manufacturer paints the syrup in a light yellow hue, and also adds a banana flavor.
The main pharmacological property of cetirizine is the blocking of histamine receptors. The drug is classified as soft, therefore, it is prescribed for babies. Nevertheless, it is better not to give the child up to one year.
Indications for use of the drug
Like any medicine, zodak, the instructions for use for which contain numerous items, has a narrow range of uses. It is prescribed to patients suffering from allergic reactions in the form of:
- Quincke's edema ;
- conjunctivitis;
- runny nose;
- itching and hives;
- hay fever.
Pediatricians can also prescribe it as a concomitant in the treatment of other medicines. As the annotation says, the architect only relieves the symptoms, but does not eliminate the causes of the allergy themselves.
Dosage and route of administration
Infant babies under the age of two years, the drug is prescribed in drops or in syrup. Babies are prescribed 5 drops or 2.5 ml of syrup twice a day. Children from two years old, but not reaching 6 years of age, are prescribed a different dosage of the Zodak drug. The instructions for use contain information that it is permissible to take up to 10 drops or up to 5 ml of syrup per day for this category of patients.
At the age of 6 to 12 years, you should take 1 tablet (10 mg) of the drug per day (or up to 20 drops or 10 ml of syrup). Patients after 12 years of age are usually prescribed tablets. Take them one at a time. However, the final dosage is always determined by the doctor.
Contraindications to the use of the drug "Zodak"
Instructions for use warns that this medicine is not recommended for patients during pregnancy. In addition, it is not prescribed to lactating women, as well as to persons whose body is sensitive to any of the elements of the drug. Particular caution is required when prescribing the drug to elderly patients or those who suffer from renal failure.
Like most medicines, zodac can cause side effects. This is an allergic reaction in the form of a rash, itching, urticaria, and angioedema. Dizziness, drowsiness and migraines, a feeling of fatigue, as well as irritability can be observed. However, all these reactions are extremely rare, which makes the drug relatively safe.
An overdose of the drug is possible, its manifestations are treated with supportive and symptomatic therapy. The possibility of adverse reactions should be remembered especially to parents of young children, since the drug is dispensed in any of the pharmacies without a prescription. The appointment and use of zodiac should be necessarily agreed with the doctor.