"Zirtek" preparation - instruction on the use and properties of the drug

The medicine "Zirtek" refers to medicines against allergies. This drug is an antihistamine drug of the second generation. An important feature of this remedy is that it does not cause addiction like other antihistamines, to which the body becomes insensitive on the tenth day of admission.

Highly effective in the treatment of allergic reactions in children is considered to be the drug "Zirtek". Instruction in this case is mandatory for thorough familiarization, which helps to prevent unwanted reactions of the body.

Its main active ingredient is cetirizine hydrochloride. As auxiliary substances in the composition of the drug "Zirtek" in the form of drops include glycerin, sodium saccharinate, methyl parahydroxybenzoate, glacial acetic acid, propylene glycol, purified water. This medicine is also available in tablets.

Zirtek: instructions for use

pharmachologic effect

The instructions attached to the Zirtek facility indicate that this drug blocks histamine receptors, so it is able to prevent the development of allergic reactions, facilitates their course and causes antipruritic and antiexudative effects.

The action of this agent is based on blocking the early histamine-dependent stage of allergy. This limits the release of mediators at later stages, which reduces inflammation. In addition, the drug "Zirtek" reduces the migration of neutrophils, as well as eosinophils and basophils, stabilizes the membranes of mast cells. With the use of this drug, capillary permeability decreases, smooth muscle spasm, edema in the tissues is eliminated, and the sensitivity of the skin to histamine and specific allergens (for example, to low temperatures during cold urticaria) decreases, and bronchial spasm in bronchial asthma with a lung Current.

It is important that this drug almost does not cause anticholinergic and antiserotonin effect, therefore in therapeutic doses it does not show sedative effect.

The instruction accompanying the Zirtek product package also includes a description of the absorption processes of the preparation, its distribution in the body, metabolism and elimination methods, which is important to consider when prescribing dosages at different ages and in the presence of certain co-morbidities.

Indications

The drug "Zirtek" is used to treat adults and children after 6 months. Assigned to the following allergic pathologies:

• allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis, accompanied by itching, sneezing, rhinorrhea, lacrimation and hyperemia of the conjunctiva;

• Pollinosis;

• urticaria, as well as angioedema;

• Various allergic dermatoses, accompanied by pronounced itching and eruptions.

Contraindications

"Zirtek" is not used in pregnancy and lactation, for treatment of children under 6 months, as well as with increased sensitivity to its individual components. It should be noted that this drug should be used with caution in chronic kidney failure and in the treatment of elderly patients.

The drug "Zirtek": dosage

Children 6-12 months are prescribed 5 drops once a day, at the age of 1-2 years it is administered 5 drops twice a day. Children 2-6 years old dose increase: 10 drops once a day, and children older than 6 years and adults are prescribed 20 drops / 1 tablet per day. With renal failure, the dosage depends on the creatinine clearance.

Like every drug, this drug has its own side effects and a peculiar interaction with other drugs. Therefore, the preparation "Zirtek" how to take it and to whom it can be prescribed, should be determined by the doctor, taking into account the clinical picture. Self-medication is not allowed.