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Zirtek is an antihistamine drug of the 2nd generation, has antiallergic, antipruritic and antiexudative action. The manufacturer of the drug is the Swiss pharmaceutical company UCB Farchim. Zirtek is widely used to eliminate allergic reactions and prevent relapse of allergies in adults and children. Zirtek has gained popularity as an effective and reliable drug, able to combat allergic pathologies and prevent further progression of the disease.
Allergy is a scourge of modern society. The high rhythm of life, constant stress, poor nutrition, widespread distribution of chemicals, environmental pollution - all these factors become provocateurs of allergic reactions. The insidiousness of the disease is that the allergy can for a long time not be manifested by external symptoms. At the same time in the human body continue to progress inflammatory reactions, supported by the receipt of allergens from the environment.
Over time, the severity of the pathology increases and from mild forms of food allergies can develop to severe bronchial asthma or lead to other serious health problems. To prevent such complications and called for modern and effective drugs, one of which is Zirtek. Let's consider in more detail, what therapeutic effect the preparation has, from what Zirtek helps and how to apply it correctly.
Zirtek - action of the drug
Zirtek is an antiallergic drug from the group of histaminoblockers of the second generation. Its therapeutic effect is the ability to block the production of histamine, which plays a major role in the development of allergic reactions and its main symptoms( skin rashes, itching, allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis, lacrimation, swelling and redness of the skin).
In response to the penetration of allergens, the body begins to produce biologically active protective substances( histamine, serotonin), which are mediators of inflammation. The main active substance of the drug - cetirizine, prevents the release of a large amount of histamine and stops its effect, due to which allergic reactions fade.
The drug has a pronounced antipruritic effect, prevents the release of exudate, reduces the permeability of the walls of capillaries, eliminates edema. With bronchial asthma, the drug prevents the development of bronchospasm.
The main active substance prevents the release of substances that cause inflammation, stabilizes the state of cell membranes, eliminates spasm of smooth muscles.
In allergens, there is almost no addiction to the drug, even with prolonged use. Zirtek in therapeutic doses does not have a sedative effect and does not cause adverse reactions from the cardiovascular system and other vital organs.
The therapeutic effect after a single intake of initial doses of the drug comes after 20 minutes, and its effect lasts for a day. After ingestion, the drug is completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and after 1 hour its maximum concentration in the plasma is noted. Metabolized in small amounts in the liver, from the body is excreted mainly by the kidneys in an unchanged form. After the termination of the course of treatment, the therapeutic effect of the drug persists for 3 days.
Composition and form of release
Zirtek produce in two varieties: tablets and drops for oral administration.
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Zirtek tablets in the film shell - are oblong, white, have one-sided risk and "Y" engraving on both sides. In 1 Zirtek tablet is 10 mg of cetirizine + excipients. Tablets of 7 or 10 pieces are packed in blisters and cardboard packs. - Drops Zirtek - is a colorless transparent solution , with a characteristic smell of acetic acid and sweet taste. This form of the drug is designed specifically for the treatment of children. Drops do not contain alcohol or flavorings, are convenient in use, since the required dose can be measured by the attached dispenser. In 1 ml of the solution contains 10 mg of cetirizine + excipients. The drug in droplet form is released in bottles of dark glass with a volume of 10 and 20 ml.
Zirtek tablets should be stored in their original packaging at a temperature of no more than 30 ° C, the drops stored at a temperature of no more than 25 ° C.Shelf life of the drug is 5 years.
Indications for use
In medical practice, the drug is prescribed for the therapy of the following conditions:
- Elimination of symptoms of chronic or seasonal allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis, manifested by nasal congestion, runny nose, lacrimation, redness and swelling of the eye conjunctiva.
- Treatment of hay fever and hives
- Treatment of food and drug allergies
- Treatment of allergic dermatoses( atopic dermatitis)
Zirtek is effective in allergic conditions caused by a variety of allergens( pollen of plants, animal hair, dust, household chemicals).The drug is used as a first aid for allergic reactions to insect bites and severe complications, accompanied by Quinck's edema and anaphylactic shock.
Medication is often prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment for atopic bronchial asthma and obstructive bronchitis. The drug is so widely used due to the fact that unlike antihistamines of the 1st generation, it does not exert such a pronounced inhibitory effect on the nervous system.
Instruction for use and dosage
The optimal dosage and treatment regimen for the drug is determined by the doctor on an individual basis, taking into account the severity of the disease, possible contraindications and the general condition of the patient. According to the instructions for use Zirtek, children older than 6 years and adults, the drug is recommended to appoint in the form of tablets. Adults take 1 tablet( 10 mg) once a day. In children, a dose of 10 mg can be divided into two doses and take Zirtek tablets( 5 mg) on the floor in the morning and in the evening. In most cases, an initial dose of 5 mg is sufficient to achieve a therapeutic effect in children.
Tablets should not be chewed, they must be swallowed whole, washed down with a small amount of water. If necessary, take a smaller dose, the tablet can be divided in half on the risk. To achieve maximum therapeutic effect, the drug is better taken 1 hour before meals or an hour after eating.
In case of a single use, it is better to drink the drug in the evening, since it is at this time that the greatest release of histamine occurs. If the doctor prescribes to take the drug twice a day, then it is best to do it in the morning and evening, observing between meals 12 hour interval.
If long-term course therapy with Zirtek is necessary, doctors try to prescribe a minimum dose of the drug, the use of which is sufficient to achieve a therapeutic effect.
So, if the daily dose of 5 mg can prevent allergy manifestations, then it should not be increased. In elderly patients and persons suffering from impaired liver and kidney function, the dosage of the drug should be adjusted depending on the condition and treated under the supervision of a doctor.
Zirtek drops are used for the treatment of young children. In order to accurately measure the necessary dose of the medicine, the vial of droplets is equipped with a special dispenser. In this case, parents should remember that 1 ml of a solution containing 10 mg of active substance is equal to 20 drops. Based on this relationship, you can calculate the required number of drops, which should be taken to the baby in accordance with the prescribed dose. The optimal dosage for small patients is selected by the doctor individually and depends on the age of the child and the severity of allergic manifestations. The standard dosage regimen provides the following dosages:
- Children from 2 to 6 years are prescribed 5 drops( 2.5 mg) of the drug twice a day or 10 drops( 5 mg) for a single dose.
- Babies aged 12 months to 2 years of age Zirtek are prescribed to take one to two times a day in a volume of 5 drops( 2.5 mg).
- Babies from 6 to 12 months are prescribed 5 drops of medication once a day.
- When treating children in any case should not be allowed to overdose Zirtek. This can lead to undesirable side reactions in the form of drowsiness, and in severe cases - to stop breathing.
How much can I give Zirtek? In case of acute allergic reactions, the drug should be taken until the symptoms disappear completely. On average, treatment takes from 7 to 10 days. If a patient suffers from seasonal or year-round allergies, the course of treatment is longer - from 20 to 28 days, with intervals between them in 2-3 weeks.
Overdose
When an overdose of the drug, the following symptoms occur: headache, dizziness, dry mouth, weakness, drowsiness, confusion.
The patient may fall into a stupor or on the contrary, become excessively irritable, he has tremor, urinary retention, symptoms of tachycardia, skin itching, lowering of blood pressure. In such cases, the patient is rinsed stomach, appointed enterosorbents and conduct symptomatic therapy.
Zirtek during pregnancy
Zirtek during pregnancy is contraindicated for use. The active substance of the drug easily penetrates the placental barrier and can adversely affect the development of the fetus.
Zirtek should not be taken during breastfeeding, since cetirizine excretes with mother's milk, depresses the nervous system of the baby and can even cause respiratory arrest. If it is necessary to use the drug during lactation, breastfeeding is temporarily stopped, the child is transferred to artificial mixtures.
Contraindications
The drug is contraindicated in the following cases:
- With hypersensitivity to components
- With hereditary intolerance to galactose or lactase deficiency
- During pregnancy and lactation
- At terminal stage of renal failure
- With hypersensitivity to hydroxyzine
- Drip in drops can not be administered to childrenup to 6 months of age, in the form of tablets should not be used in children under 6 years of age.
With extreme caution, Zirtek znatek with chronic liver disease, kidney failure, age patients.
Analogs
Zirtek has quite a number of structural analogues containing the same active substance and possessing a similar therapeutic effect. Among them the most popular are the following drugs:
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Zodak - Cetirizine
- Cetrin
- Parlazin
- Allertec
Zirtek from allergies, like his counterparts, should be appointed by the attending physician. It is not recommended to replace the drug yourself.
Side effects
Application Zirteka can cause unwanted side reactions from various organs and systems:
- The central nervous system can respond to the drug with various disorders: headache, dizziness, increased fatigue, weakness, drowsiness. Patients may experience a decrease in blood pressure, fainting, memory impairment, tremor development, taste distortion, seizures.
- On the part of the gastrointestinal tract, patients experience dry mouth, nausea, loose stool, abdominal pain.
- Sometimes there are violations of the psyche. The patient can be in a depressed, or opposite, excited and aggressive state. Possible sleep disorders, confusion, hallucinations, suicidal moods and the development of depression.
- From the cardiovascular system there are symptoms of tachycardia, on the part of the hematopoiesis, undesirable changes in blood indices are possible.
- From the sense organs, patients complain of blurred vision, note dizziness associated with impaired vestibular apparatus.
- The respiratory system may respond to Zirtec's administration with symptoms of pharyngitis and rhinitis.
- From the urinary system, urination, urinary retention, or enuresis are noted.
- Possible metabolic disorders, weight gain, swelling, increased appetite.
- The immune system reacts with hypersensitivity reactions, skin disorders( rash, erythema, pruritus) are possible. In severe cases, there is a risk of anaphylactic shock.
To avoid the appearance of undesirable side effects, take the drug only as directed by the doctor, strictly adhering to the dosage and the frequency of reception. If unwanted reactions occur, treatment should be discontinued and consult a specialist to adjust the subsequent course of therapy.
Drug Interaction
With simultaneous administration of Zirtek with antibiotics, pseudoephedrine, diazepam, no undesired interaction was detected. During the period of drug treatment, it is necessary to stop using alcohol, since the risk of CNS depression is significantly increased.
With simultaneous application with ketoconazole and macrolides numerous clinical studies of changes in the ECG( electrocardiogram) have not been revealed.
Special instructions
For children aged 6 months to 6 years, Zirtek is prescribed only in droplet form. Infants under 6 months of any drug form of the drug is contraindicated for use. Zirtek has a minimal sedative effect, however, during therapy with the drug should be very careful to drive vehicles and refrain from performing work that requires increased concentration and speed of psychomotor reactions.
The drug should be used with caution in chronic renal failure and elderly patients. In such cases, individual dosage adjustment and admission regimens are required, the course of therapy should be under the supervision of a physician.
Price
In the pharmacy chain all Zirtec dosage forms are dispensed without a prescription. The cost of tablets on average ranges from 250 to 280 rubles per package, the price of the drug in drops - from 350 to 400 rubles.
Feedback on the application of
Review No. 1
For the third year in a row I suffer from hay fever. In the spring, in the flowering period of plants, my torment begins. Suffer from an allergic rhinitis, eyes swelling, itching and watering, constantly stuffy nose, there is some unpleasant dry cough and endless sneezing. I tried different drugs, but I chose Zirteka.
Prior to him taking Suprastin, but after taking the tablets was sluggish and hindered, my head did not work at all, I always wanted to sleep. With Zirtek, there are no such problems, in addition, the drug should be taken only once a day. Usually I drink a pill at night, in the morning I feel very well, but towards the evening allergic manifestations usually intensify. I have to take the drug for about 2 weeks, until my plants - allergens will bloom. But with Zirtek this period is much easier.
Taisia, Novosibirsk
Review No. 2
The daughter has a food allergy, she is only 4 years old and she does not understand why many delicious things she is forbidden to eat. Sometimes it can take an orange or slowly eat a chocolate. As a result, a rash appears immediately, the cheeks turn red, the skin itches and itches, the baby is naughty, does not sleep, and often cries. The doctor prescribed her anti-allergic drug Zirtek in drops.
I was afraid that the child would refuse to take them, but the baby drinks them easily, because the solution has a sweetish, rather pleasant taste. Dosage is strictly observed, give the drug only 2 times a day, the result of the treatment is good. If an allergic reaction occurs, after taking drops for 3 days, all unpleasant symptoms usually disappear.
And Zirtek very much helped out in an unusual situation. At the cottage the little girl was stung by a bee, her face turned red, her baby began to suffocate, before the arrival of the ambulance they drank drops of Zirtek and soon it became better. The doctors said that everything was done correctly, otherwise an anaphylactic shock could have developed.
Julia, Krasnodar
Review No. 3
I suffer from atopic dermatitis, I recently tried to be treated with Zirtek, I hoped to get rid of rashes and itching. Took a few days, the itch almost disappeared, and the rash was less, but I felt terrible, I was constantly tired, headaches, I became somehow inhibited, I always wanted to sleep.
Stop taking pills and soon everything went away. To me this preparation has not approached or suited, too many by-effects causes. We need to look for some other effective tool.
Sergey, Moscow
