Use of Zyrtec in children

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Drops "Zyrtec" for children: instructions for use

Nowadays, effective second-generation antihistamines are used in the treatment of allergies in children. These drugs include Zyrtec.

Table of contents:

One form of this medicine is drops that are taken orally. Is it possible to give them to children from birth and what features of the drug should be taken into account when used in childhood?

Release form

Zyrtec drops are a colorless liquid that smells like acetic acid. The medicine is transparent and does not contain any suspensions. It is sold in dark glass bottles with a polyethylene cap (dropper). There is a picture on the lid showing how to open the drops correctly. One bottle may contain 10 or 20 ml of the drug.

In addition to drops, the medication is also available in tablets that have a white film coating. Other forms, such as syrup or injection ampoules, are not produced.

Compound

The main ingredient due to which the drops have an antiallergic effect is cetirizine. It is represented by dihydrochloride and is contained in one milliliter of medication in the amount of 10 mg. Additionally, the medicine includes propylene glycol, purified water and propylparabenzene, as well as methylparabenzene. This liquid also contains acetic acid, Na acetate, glycerol and Na saccharinate.

Operating principle

Cetirizine in drops acts on histamine-sensitive receptors (H1 receptors). Due to their blocking, the medicine helps with an allergic reaction at the earliest stage of its development, easing the course of the allergy, relieving swelling and itching. In addition, the drug can prevent the occurrence of a reaction to an allergen.

Taking such drops in patients with a “late” stage of allergy also has a therapeutic effect, since cetirizine is able to:

  • Inhibit the release of inflammatory mediators.
  • Reduce capillary permeability.
  • Inhibit the movement of blood cells such as basophils, neutrophils and eosinophils.
  • Stabilize membrane membranes of mast cells.
  • Eliminate spasm of smooth muscles.
  • Prevent the development of allergies to cooling.

For mild bronchial asthma, drops with cetirizine help get rid of bronchoconstriction. At the same time, in the dosages recommended by the instructions, the medicine does not provoke a sedative effect. The effect after taking the drops begins to appear within minutes and lasts longer than a day. When the medication is discontinued, its effect lasts for up to three days.

Indications

  • Seasonal or year-round allergic rhinitis, manifested by nasal discharge, sneezing, itchy nose, nasal congestion.
  • Allergic conjunctivitis, the symptoms of which are redness of the conjunctiva, itching in the eyes and lacrimation.
  • Food allergies.
  • Pollinosis.
  • Hives.
  • Atopic dermatitis and other allergy-induced dermatoses, manifested by rash and itching.
  • Allergic cough.
  • Drug allergies.

At what age is it allowed to take it?

Zyrtec drops are not recommended for use in the treatment of children under 6 months of age, since the safety and effectiveness of this medication in infants of this age has not been proven. For children under one year of age, the medicine is prescribed with caution, since it depresses the central nervous system.

You need to give drops especially carefully if the child has sleep apnea, the mother’s age is less than 19 years, the pregnant woman smoked excessively, the baby was born premature, or is taking other medications with a depressant effect on the nervous system.

Contraindications

Treatment with drops is not recommended if:

  • The child has an intolerance to cetirizine or other ingredients of the solution.
  • Tests showed the little patient had severe renal failure.

The use of the drug should also be cautious in case of epilepsy, the risk of urinary retention and increased convulsive readiness.

Side effects

Taking drops can provoke the appearance of:

  • Headaches.
  • Dry mouth.
  • Drowsiness.
  • Ailments and weaknesses.
  • Excited state.
  • Stomach ache.
  • Dizziness.
  • Nausea.
  • Fatigue.
  • Paresthesia.
  • Liquid stool.
  • Runny nose.
  • Pharyngitis.
  • Skin rashes.

In rare cases, during treatment, symptoms such as allergies, convulsions, aggression, edema, hallucinations, sleep problems, amnesia, tachycardia, weight gain, and increased activity of liver enzymes appear. It is extremely rare that the drug causes an anaphylactic reaction, fainting, taste disturbances, tremors, vision problems, urinary disturbances, decreased platelet levels, and angioedema.

Instructions for use

Mode of application

  • The medicine can be dripped into a spoon and immediately swallowed undiluted or drunk diluted in water. When diluting, take such a volume of water that the child can immediately swallow. As soon as the drops are diluted with water, they should be drunk immediately. Storage in diluted form is not recommended.
  • The absorption of cetirizine slows down slightly under the influence of food, so it is best to take the drug either an hour after a meal or 1 hour before a meal.
  • For the treatment of infants, it is permissible to mix the drug with formula or breast milk. In this case, the medication is given before feeding.
  • The duration of the course of treatment with drops is determined individually, depending on the manifestations of allergies and the patient’s response to therapy. Often the medication is prescribed for 7-10 days. An addiction to such a remedy does not develop, but if you need to give it for a long time, drops are prescribed in courses of 3 weeks with a break of 1 week.

Dosage

  • A single dose of the drug for a child from 6 months to 6 years is 5 drops, which corresponds to 2.5 mg of cetirizine.
  • For babies under one year of age, the drug is given only once a day.
  • At the age of 1 to 2 years, the drug can be taken both 1 and 2 times a day.
  • For a child 2-6 years old, the medication is prescribed twice or the single dose is increased to 10 drops (5 mg of cetirizine) and given once a day.
  • If the child is 6 years old, therapy begins with a dosage of 10 drops per dose, and this is often enough to obtain a therapeutic effect. If the effect of the drug is weak, the dose can be doubled and given to a small patient 20 drops once a day. This amount of medication is the maximum daily dosage. In addition, at 6 years of age and older, you can replace the drops with the tablet form of the drug.
  • In case of renal failure, you need to find out the child’s weight and determine the creatinine clearance, and then adjust the dose.

Overdose

An excessively high dose of drops provokes dizziness, a feeling of weakness, a feeling of anxiety, drowsiness, headache, a feeling of fatigue, loose stools, rapid pulse, confusion, tremors of the limbs, urinary retention and other negative symptoms. Immediately after an overdose, it is recommended to induce vomiting or lavage the stomach, and then give the child activated charcoal and prescribe supportive treatment.

Interaction with other drugs

Drops containing cetirizine can be used together with many other medications, including ketoconazole, azithromycin, diazepam, cimetidine and other medications, as mentioned in the annotation for the drug.

Terms of sale

Zyrtec in drop form can be purchased at a pharmacy without a prescription. The average price of 10 ml of the drug varies from 300 to 400 rubles.

Storage conditions

The bottle with drops should be kept in a place where a small child cannot reach. The optimal storage temperature is up to 25 degrees Celsius. The shelf life of the medicine is 5 years.

Reviews

Many parents speak well of the use of Zyrtec drops in their children, noting that this medicine causes a good and lasting effect, helping with allergies. The advantages of the drug are also called the absence of dyes and ease of dosing.

The disadvantages of the product include its high cost, unpleasant taste and the occurrence of negative side reactions. According to mothers, the most common ones are diarrhea, fatigue, drowsiness and runny nose.

Analogs

Other cetirizine-based drugs can replace Zyrtec drops:

  • Parlazin. Such drops are prescribed to children over one year of age, and the tablet form is prescribed from the age of six.
  • Zodak. The medicine is available in drops (used for children over 1 year old) and tablets (prescribed for children over 6 years old). Zodak is also produced in the form of banana syrup, prescribed to children 2 years of age and older.
  • Cetrin. This medication is available in drops and fruit syrup, as well as coated tablets. It is used in drops from 6 months, syrup is prescribed from 2 years of age, and the tablet form is prescribed to children over six years of age.
  • Cetirinax. This medicine in tablets is prescribed to children with allergies aged 6 years and older.
  • Cetirizine HEXAL. This remedy is produced in drops (used from 1 year of age) and tablets (prescribed from 6 years of age).
  • Letizen. This medicine, available in tablets, is used in pediatrics from the age of six.
  • Cetirizine-Teva. This tableted antiallergic drug is prescribed to patients over 6 years of age.

In addition, the doctor may prescribe other medications that are effective for allergies as a replacement, for example, Fenistil, Suprastin, Tavegil, Lordestin, Claritin and other drugs.

Watch the program of children's doctor E.O. Komarovsky, from which you will learn what medications can be used against allergies in a child.

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Copying site materials is possible only if you install an active link to our site.

Source: http://www.o-krohe.ru/antigistaminnye-preparaty/kapli-zirtek/

Zyrtec for children: instructions for use

Antihistamines, which belong to the second generation, effectively help with allergies in adults. One such modern medicine is Zyrtec. Is it possible to treat children with this medication and how does the child’s body react to it?

Release form

Zyrtec comes in two different forms:

Drops that are taken orally. This is a clear solution with a slight odor of acetic acid. This liquid is colorless and is bottled in dark glass bottles of 10 ml and 20 ml. The bottles are closed with a special dropper cap, which has a picture showing the correct way to open the bottle.

Tablets that have a film coating. They are characterized by a white color and an oblong shape that is convex on both sides. One blister can contain either 7 or 10 tablets, and one cardboard box can contain 1 or 2 blisters.

Compound

The main component of any form of medication, which provides it with an antiallergic effect, is represented by cetirizine in the form of dihydrochloride. One milliliter of drops contains 10 mg of this compound. The same amount of cetirizine is in one tablet.

Auxiliary components of the liquid form are acetic acid, purified water and glycerol. They are contained in the drops with propylene glycol, methylparabenzene, propylparabenzene, saccharinate and Na acetate.

Inside the tablets, cetirizine is combined with colloidal silicon dioxide, lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose and magnesium stearate. The shell of this form of the drug is made from macrogol 400, hypromellose and titanium dioxide.

Operating principle

Cetirizine has antihistamine properties because the substance acts on H1 receptors that are sensitive to histamine, as a result of which its release is prevented or stopped. It is the release of histamine by mast cells in response to an allergen that triggers an allergic reaction. Cetirizine binds to receptors and strengthens the membranes of such cells, resulting in a reduction in the manifestation of allergies.

In addition to its effect on mast cells, the drug also affects other inflammatory mediators, reducing their release in the late phase of the inflammatory reaction of an allergic nature. In addition, the medication has an antipruritic and anti-edematous effect by reducing capillary permeability. And the antispasmodic effect of cetirizine helps eliminate spasms in the bronchi if the patient has mild bronchial asthma.

The therapeutic effect begins minutes after administration and lasts 24 hours or longer. Cetirizine binds to plasma proteins and does not accumulate in the body unless the dose is exceeded. The half-life of the drug in children under 6 years of age is 5 hours, in children 6-12 years of age – 6 hours, and in children over 12 years of age – about 10 hours. It lengthens if the child has problems with the liver or kidneys.

Indications

  • With a runny nose, if it is caused by an allergy. Cetirizine helps with seasonal rhinitis of an allergic nature, and with the year-round form of such a runny nose, the symptoms of which are sneezing, rhinorrhea and itching in the nasal cavity.
  • For conjunctivitis caused by allergies, in which the child complains of watery, red and itchy eyes.
  • For food or drug allergies.
  • For hay fever.
  • For different forms of urticaria.
  • With angioedema.
  • For allergic dermatitis, including atopic.
  • For allergic cough.
  • For chickenpox, as a comprehensive treatment that helps relieve itching of the vesicles.

Many doctors also prescribe Zyrtec for adenoids, laryngitis or sore throat to relieve swelling and alleviate the condition of a sick child. For such diseases, the drug is used in addition to the main treatment.

At what age is it allowed to take it?

Zyrtec drops are not prescribed to newborns and babies under 6 months of age, since no studies have been conducted to confirm the effective and safe effect of such a medicine on children of this age. For babies aged 6-12 months, the drug is prescribed very carefully due to the ability of cetirizine to depress the nervous system.

Babies who were born with low birth weight or prematurely require especially close attention from the doctor when prescribing drops. Also considered dangerous factors are the mother's age less than 19 years, smoking by the pregnant woman during pregnancy, attacks of apnea in the child during sleep, or taking other medications with a depressant effect on the central nervous system.

Film-coated tablets are given to children over 6 years of age, since at this age the child can swallow them without any difficulty. If you need to prescribe medication for a child aged 3 years or a child aged 4 years, they prefer to use drops.

Contraindications

Zyrtec should not be prescribed for:

  • Intolerance to cetirizine or any other components of the drug;
  • Serious kidney problems;
  • Lack of lactose, glucose-galactose malabsorption or galactose intolerance (these are contraindications for the tablet form).

The use of the medication with extreme caution is required in small patients with:

  • High risk of seizures;
  • Epilepsy;
  • Chronic kidney pathologies;
  • Risk of urinary retention.

Side effects

A child’s body can react to cetirizine:

  • Headache;
  • Feeling of dry mouth;
  • Drowsy state;
  • Dizziness;
  • Nausea;
  • Painful sensations in the abdomen;
  • Weakness;
  • Increased fatigue;
  • Skin rash;
  • Liquefaction of stool;
  • Nervous excitement;
  • Rhinitis;
  • Paresthesias;
  • Pharyngitis.

Occasionally, the drug provokes the appearance of tachycardia, allergies, edema, fainting, problems with vision or taste, aggressive behavior, insomnia and other negative symptoms. Their appearance should be a reason to consult a doctor to discontinue the drug and prescribe another treatment.

Instructions for use

Method of using drops

Usually the drug is dripped in the required dosage into a spoon and given to the child to swallow undiluted. If it is difficult for a child to do this, the medicine can be diluted with water in a small volume (there should be enough of it so that the baby immediately swallows the medicine). After dilution with water, the drops cannot be stored; they must be drunk immediately.

Since food intake has a slight effect on the absorption of the medicine, it is recommended to take the drops an hour after a meal or about an hour before it.

If the product is used on a baby, the drops can be mixed with mother’s milk or a small volume of formula, and then given to the baby before feeding.

The average duration of treatment is from 7 to 10 days, but if necessary, the drug can be prescribed for a longer course. Although cetirizine is not addictive, after 3 weeks of taking it, a 1 week break is recommended.

How to take pills

The drug in solid form is offered to the child to swallow and then drink with a glass of water. If required, the tablet is divided according to the score that is present on its surface.

Dosage

For children under six years of age, the medicine is given only in drops in a single dose of 5 drops, which contains cetirizine in an amount of 2.5 mg. In this case, a child 6-12 months old, after a doctor’s prescription, is given drops only once a day, and a one-year-old baby, if necessary, can be given the drug twice.

From the age of 2, it is recommended to take 5 drops twice a day, that is, the daily dosage of cetirizine is 5 mg (it is contained in 10 drops). In addition, at the age of 2 to 6 years, you can give 10 drops at a time (drink the medicine once a day).

For the treatment of children over 6 years old with drops, the following scheme is used: a small patient is given 10 drops and the therapeutic effect is observed. If the medication works well, continue therapy with this dose, and if the effect is weak, the dosage is doubled - the child is given 20 drops once a day. This number of drops corresponds to 10 mg of cetirizine and is the maximum recommended daily dose.

A single dose of tablet form for children from 6 to 12 years old is half a tablet (5 mg of cetirizine). It is given only once a day. Children over 12 years of age also begin treatment with 1/2 tablet and monitor the effectiveness of the therapy. If the therapeutic effect is pronounced, the dosage is left the same, and if the effect is insufficient, it is increased to a whole tablet.

If a young patient has kidney failure, the dosage is calculated based on weight and taking into account tests showing kidney function.

Overdose

Exceeding the dosage of cetirizine leads to severe weakness, restless behavior, drowsiness, fatigue, loose stools, tachycardia, dizziness, tremor, headache and other negative symptoms. Immediately after taking a large dose of drops or a large number of tablets, you need to induce vomiting and give the child sorbents, and then consult a doctor for maintenance therapy.

Interaction with other drugs

Zyrtec can be combined with many other medications, among which the instructions mention azithromycin, erythromycin, ketoconazole, cimetidine and other drugs. However, taking tablets together with other drugs that can depress the central nervous system may adversely affect reaction speed and concentration.

Terms of sale

Both forms of the drug are over-the-counter medications and therefore are freely sold in pharmacies. On average, 10 ml of drops costs rubles, and the price of a package of 7 tablets is 200 rubles.

Storage conditions

Both drops and coated tablets should be stored so that the medication is not easily accessible to small children. It is recommended to keep a bottle of drops at home at a temperature below 25 degrees Celsius, and a package of tablets at a temperature below +30°C. The shelf life of both forms of the medicine is 5 years.

Reviews

Parents speak mostly positively about the use of Zyrtec in children. They confirm the rather rapid and persistent therapeutic effect of the drug for various types of allergies. Judging by the reviews, in most cases, after taking the medicine, the child feels better and the itching decreases.

In childhood, drops are more often chosen. Mothers note that it is very easy to dose this product, and there are no harmful dyes in the composition. Mothers of children over six years of age like the tablets because they are taken only once a day.

The disadvantages of the drops are the not very pleasant taste and the high cost of one bottle, which is why sometimes mothers prefer cheaper analogues. In addition, in some children, taking this medication is accompanied by negative side effects, such as drowsiness, loose stools, or fatigue.

Analogs

You can replace Zyrtec with other medications, the main component of which is cetirizine. These include Zodak, Parlazin, Cetirinax, Cetirizine HEXAL, Cetrin, Letizen and other drugs. They are produced in drops, which are most often prescribed from 1 year (only Cetrin is used from six months), and tablets, used in the treatment of children over six years of age. Zodak and Cetrin are also produced in syrup, which is used in pediatrics from the age of 2.

Also, instead of cetirizine, the doctor may recommend other antiallergic medications, for example:

  • Claritin. This syrup based on loratadine is prescribed from 2 years of age. The drug is also available in tablets for use in children over 3 years of age.
  • Fenistil. The active ingredient of this medicine is dimethindene. The drug is available in drops, emulsion and gel form. It is prescribed to children older than one month.
  • Suprastin. The main ingredient of this drug is chloropyramine. The medicine is produced in tablets and injection form. The tablet form is indicated for children over 3 years of age, and injections can be given to infants over 1 month.
  • Erius. The main component of this medication is desloratadine. The syrup is prescribed to children over one year old, and the tablet form - from the age of 12.
  • Tavegil. This antiallergic drug based on clemastine is produced in ampoules and tablets. Injections are prescribed to children over one year of age, and oral administration of tablets is recommended from the age of 6 years.

Watch the program of children's doctor E.O. Komarovsky, from which you will learn what medications can be used against allergies in a child.

All rights reserved, 14+

Copying site materials is possible only if you install an active link to our site.

Source: http://www.o-krohe.ru/antigistaminnye-preparaty/zirtek/

Zyrtec for infants

Childhood allergies are a common phenomenon that often manifests itself in patients under 1 year of age. An allergic reaction is manifested by a skin rash, sneezing, tearing, swelling, etc. To relieve such symptoms, special medications are used.

Zyrtec is a 2nd generation antihistamine that blocks histamine receptors. The medication has antipruritic, anti-inflammatory and antiexudative effects.

Parents are interested in the question of whether an antiallergic drug can be given to infants. Zyrtec is used to eliminate allergy symptoms in newborns, the main thing is to follow the dosage.

Zyrtec drops: basic information

Zyrtec for newborns is produced in the form of drops. In appearance, it is a colorless liquid with the aroma of vinegar. The drug is packaged in glass dropper bottles, the volume of which is 10 and 20 ml.

Composition of oral drops:

  • cetirizine dihydrochloride;
  • methylparabenzene;
  • propylparabenzene;
  • food additive E1520;
  • preservative E262;
  • glycerol;
  • anhydrous acetic acid;
  • sweetener E954;
  • distilled water.

Cetirizine is a competitive histamine antagonist (a mediator of allergic reactions). The main component inhibits H1 receptors, as a result, stops the development and reduces the manifestations of allergies.

Thus, cetirizine exhibits the following effects:

  • eliminates itching;
  • reduces the volume of fluid that is released into the tissue from the vessels during inflammatory reactions;
  • inhibits the speed of movement of blood cells that participate in the allergic reaction (eosinophils, neutrophils, etc.);
  • stabilizes mast cell membranes;
  • reduces capillary permeability;
  • relaxes smooth muscles;
  • prevents swelling of soft tissues;
  • eliminates skin rashes that appear in response to allergens;
  • reduces the severity of histamine-induced bronchoconstriction in asthma.

After administration, the medicine is quickly absorbed into the intestinal walls and penetrates the blood. The therapeutic effect for allergies is observed after 20 minutes - 1 hour, and it lasts more than 24 hours. Part of the drug is excreted through the urinary tract with urine.

As the instructions say, Zyrtec is prescribed to infants in the following cases:

  • Nettle fever.
  • Runny nose of allergic origin during the flowering season of herbs or all year round.
  • Allergic inflammation of the conjunctival membrane of the eyes.
  • Rhinoconjunctivitis of allergic origin.
  • Angioedema.
  • Allergic skin diseases that are accompanied by rash, itching, swelling (for example, atopic dermatitis).
  • Allergy to food, which manifests itself as urticaria, angioedema, and suffocation.

Zyrtec will help eliminate the allergic reaction, but before using the medication to treat an infant, you must obtain a doctor's permission.

Application and dosage

Often parents do not know how many drops of the drug to give their child. When calculating the dose of medication, the patient’s age and body condition are taken into account. In any case, this decision is made by the doctor.

Daily dosage of Zyrtec for children:

  • 6 months – 1 year – 5 drops;
  • 1 – 2 years – 5 drops once or twice;
  • 2 – 6 years – 10 drops once or twice.

The dosage of Zyrtec drops for patients over 6 years of age and adults is from 10 to 20 drops. Sometimes mothers do not know how to give medicine to their infants. To do this, the required amount of the drug must be poured into a spoon, diluted with water if necessary and given to the child. For newborns up to 12 months, Zyrtec is used as nasal drops. To do this, the medicine needs to be dripped into each nasal passage (pre-cleansed).

The duration of treatment is determined by the allergist, but usually the drug is stopped after the symptoms disappear. It is allowed to use the drug independently in emergency cases to quickly relieve allergy symptoms. However, after this you should take your child to the doctor.

Precautionary measures

  • Functional kidney failure.
  • Infants up to 6 months.
  • Pregnant and lactating women.
  • If you are allergic to the components of the medication.

Under the supervision of a doctor, the drug is used by patients with chronic functional kidney failure (stage 2), with a predisposition to ischuria (delayed bladder emptying). This limitation applies to elderly patients, as well as patients with epileptic seizures.

Most patients tolerate the antihistamine well. But if the dose is unreasonably exceeded or there are contraindications, the following negative reactions occur:

  • skin rash, itching, nettle fever, angioedema, anaphylaxis (with hypersensitivity);
  • visual disturbances, false myopia, involuntary oscillatory movements of the eyeballs;
  • weight gain;
  • inflammation of the pharynx or nasal mucosa;
  • increased heart rate;
  • decreased platelet concentration in blood serum;
  • dysuria, enuresis (urinary incontinence);
  • xerostomia (drying of the oral mucosa), nausea, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, liver dysfunction (increased concentration of transaminases, bilirubin, etc.);
  • headache, dizziness, fatigue, irritability, sleep disorders, involuntary muscle contractions, stress conditions.
  • disorders of consciousness;
  • lethargy;
  • trembling of limbs;
  • increased heart rate;
  • anxiety;
  • excessive sedation;
  • increased fatigue;
  • diarrhea;
  • delayed bladder emptying;
  • headache.

If these symptoms occur, stop giving the drug to your child and take him to the hospital. If necessary, the doctor will rinse the stomach and prescribe enterosorbents. There is no specific antidote; for this reason, only symptomatic therapy is carried out.

Zyrtec reduces concentration and slows down reactions. The drug is not recommended for children under 1 year of age who are at risk of sudden death (sleep apnea, maternal smoking, children born before 37 weeks, etc.).

Similar drugs

If there are contraindications, the drug is replaced with antihistamines with a similar composition or effect.

Analogues of Zyrtec based on the main substance:

Zyrtec can be replaced with medications with another active ingredient, but they have a similar principle of action:

Similar drugs are produced in the form of tablets, syrup, drops, ointments (for external allergic reactions). These drugs are cheaper than Zyrtec, but the latter has higher bioavailability and absorption rates.

In addition, Zyrtec has undergone more frequent medical studies, which indicates that the drug is safer for younger patients.

Claritin is a 3rd generation antihistamine. This remedy is more effective and has fewer side effects. Claritin and Zyrtec have different main components, and therefore the decision on the prescription is made by an allergist.

When choosing Zyrtec or Fenistil, rely on information about the drugs and expert opinion. Fenistil belongs to the 1st generation drugs, which more often provokes negative reactions, but the medication exhibits a therapeutic effect faster. You can read more about the medicine at the link http://vskormi.ru/children/fenistil-dlya-detej-do-goda/.

Thus, Zyrtec is a safer remedy that can be used independently (in emergency cases). And Fenistil is used only under the supervision of a doctor to stop severe allergic reactions.

Zodac has a higher bioavailability rate than Zyrtec, but is eliminated more slowly. The first drug is cheaper, but the second has a smaller list of contraindications.

Thus, Zyrtec for infants and older children is an effective but relatively safe medicine. You can give an antihistamine to your child in an emergency, but then you should consult a doctor. To avoid negative reactions, parents should follow the dosage and other doctor’s recommendations regarding taking the drug.

Source: http://vskormi.ru/children/kapli-zirtek-dlya-detej/

Instructions for use of the drug Zyrtec in drops for children under one year of age and older, dosage and analogues of the drug

Nowadays, many people face allergies. Both adults and children are susceptible to the disease, but not all medications provide effective treatment, and most of them are contraindicated in children. The universal antihistamine Zyrtec is one of the most effective drugs; it can be used even in infants, after consulting with a doctor. The presented drug is better in a number of characteristics than its analogues (Fenistil, Erius, etc.). In order to avoid errors during use, you need to know the permitted daily dose and the characteristics of administration.

Composition and release forms of the drug

In Russia, two forms of the drug are registered for sale - tablets and drops; their composition differs in excipients. The instructions for use contain information about such varieties of the drug Zyrtec as spray and ointment, but they are not sold in pharmacies. Detailed characteristics of the composition are shown in the table:

Pharmacological properties

Zyrtec is an antihistamine. Its main effect is blocking histamine H1 receptors, as a result of which this active substance is not released from the cells, which means its negative effect does not extend to organs and tissues. Allergy symptoms are relieved and completely disappear. The drug does not provoke a bronchoconstrictor effect, which means that the lung volume remains unchanged. This property allows the use of Zyrtec for a child with bronchial asthma.

Zyrtec has an anti-inflammatory and anti-exudative effect, reduces swelling and spasm of smooth muscles. The drug is an effective agent in monotherapy and an additional element in combination treatment.

Drops and tablets for children have equal bioavailability; they are completely absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, regardless of food intake. The highest content of the active substance in the body occurs within minutes.

The time period until the drug is completely eliminated from the body depends on the patient’s age: from 6 months to 2 years - after 3 hours, from 2 to 6 years - 5 hours, from 7 to 12 years - 7 hours. This difference is associated with a decrease in the cleansing function of the kidneys . Long-term use does not develop tolerance to the antiallergic effect of the substance and is not addictive.

When are drops and tablets prescribed?

The use of the drug is possible as prescribed by a doctor, like any medicine, it has contraindications and acceptable unwanted effects. Zyrtec is usually prescribed to children as a therapeutic agent, but at the discretion of the pediatrician, it may also be recommended for preventive purposes. Pathological conditions for which drops/tablets are indicated:

  • eliminates inflammation and swelling of the skin;
  • reduces itching and flaking;
  • After a course of therapy, skin rashes completely disappear.
  • promotes the dilution of sputum and its removal;
  • helps reduce inflammation and itching;
  • relieves bronchospasm and swelling.
  • prescribed for preparation before surgery;
  • in case of exacerbation of pathology, it makes breathing easier, relieves swelling and nasal congestion.
  • for skin inflammatory conditions – relieves itching and redness of the skin;
  • reduces inflammation.
  • indicated for an allergic reaction to a bite, including angioedema;
  • eliminates swelling and itching at the site of the lesion;
  • reduces intoxication (after a spider or snake bite).
  • anti-inflammatory effect;
  • thins mucus.
  • prescribed before and after vaccination (especially for DTP, measles, polio) to reduce the risk of the harmful effects of vaccination on the child’s body;
  • with a tendency to allergies, if interaction with the irritant is inevitable.

How to take an antihistamine?

The main thing when taking an antihistamine is to correctly follow the doctor’s recommendations so as not to harm the child’s body (especially up to one year). Although the drug is considered the best of the group of medications, its improper use causes side effects in children.

Instructions for use and dosage

The presented varieties of the drug are taken orally, and the medicine must be washed down with plenty of water for faster absorption. Depending on the severity of the disease and the age of the patient, the daily dose of the medicine can be increased in consultation with the pediatrician. In normal cases, it is recommended to take Zyrtec for the treatment of children according to the instructions:

Compliance with the correct dosage is the basic rule when taking an antihistamine. In rare cases, an overdose is possible. Symptoms of intoxication are: loose stools, itching, dizziness, hand tremors, lethargy and general malaise. If you think that the dose of the drug has been exceeded, you should immediately rinse your stomach and take an absorbent (for example, activated carbon or Polysorb).

Zytrek must be taken strictly according to instructions

Features of use for infants

Under certain circumstances, doctors prescribe Zyrtec drops for children from birth. For young children, the drug is dripped into the nose (1 drop per day). After the first use, make sure that the body reacts normally to the substance. It negatively affects the central nervous system and can cause respiratory arrest, so you need to periodically check the child’s heart pulse.

For infants (up to 6 months), it is better to dilute the drops in breast milk or formula. The required amount of medicine is diluted in 5 ml. liquids are given to the child in this form, then the usual feeding continues. To avoid side effects, the daily dose is divided into two doses with a frequency of 1 time/12 hours. This way the concentration of the drug in the blood will not change.

Should I take it before or after meals?

The medicine can be taken at any convenient time, regardless of meals. It is completely absorbed, but if you want to get a quick result, then you should drink the antihistamine on an empty stomach (half an hour before meals). During a course of treatment, the time of use of the drug does not affect its positive effect. The only recommendation is that it is better to drink the drops in “pure form”, but mixing them with milk or water is allowed.

It is better to take Zytrek on an empty stomach half an hour before meals.

How long can children take the drug?

How many days can a child be given drops/tablets, the pediatrician advises, based on an assessment of the severity of the pathology and the individual characteristics of the body. The dose can be one-time, prescribed as a course or together with other medications. You cannot independently increase the duration of treatment and give medicine to a child for a long time; all actions related to the implementation of therapy must be discussed with the pediatrician.

Contraindications and side effects

Like any medicine, Zyrtec has a number of contraindications. If a child has hypersensitivity to the components, then its use is strictly prohibited. In addition, the following pathologies also exclude the possibility of using the medication:

  • lactose intolerance or deficiency;
  • disruptions in the absorption of monosaccharides in the gastrointestinal tract;
  • prematurity with dystrophy (underweight);
  • serious kidney disease.

Side effects are rare, and the drug is generally well tolerated at any age. Undesirable effects manifest themselves in the form of the following symptoms: drowsiness, fatigue or severe agitation, runny nose, allergic reactions on the skin (urticaria, itching), painful urination.

What can replace Zyrtec?

According to its composition, Zyrtec drops are the most effective against any type of allergy.

Zodak - an inexpensive analogue of Zitrek

Its analogues can be called Fenistil, Suprastin and Zodak. Each of them has a similar antihistamine effect, and in their constituent components they are almost identical. The difference is in the manufacturer of the medicine and the cost.

Erius tablets have the same spectrum of action, but are based on desloratadine. This determines the high quality of the antihistamine in the fight against even severe allergic attacks.

  • pills;
  • syrup.
  • drops;
  • pills.
  • drops;
  • gel;
  • emulsion.
  • pills.

We can conclude that in comparison with drugs such as Erius, Fenistil or Zodak, Zyrtec has almost the same properties. Other antihistamine substitutes include: Cetirizine, Cetrin, Parlazin, Zincet and Alerza. The medicine Suprastin is several times cheaper from the presented category of antihistamines.

Since birth, my daughter has been allergic not only to many foods (sweets, fruits), but also to external irritants - poplar fluff, animal hair, etc. Therefore, from childhood I have to take antihistamines. We tried many, but settled on Zyrtec drops. Always help quickly.

I buy Suprastin - an effective and cheap drug. It suits both me and the child, and it costs 2 times less than Zyrtec. I don’t see the point of overpaying with the same properties of the medicine. It only makes me want to sleep, but this is a side effect of any antiallergic drugs.

Attention! All information on the site is provided for informational purposes only and is for informational purposes only. For all questions regarding the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, you must consult a doctor for an in-person consultation.

Source: http://vseprorebenka.ru/zdorove/preparaty/zirtek-kapli-instrukciya-po-primeneniyu-dlya-detej.html

Zyrtec - instructions for use of drops and tablets for children

16.06.months ago

One of the antihistamines that is actively used in pediatric practice is Zyrtec. However, no medicine can be universal. This is why it is so important to understand how to properly use Zyrtec drops for children. You will find instructions for use, indications, limitations, side effects, possible errors.

The drug Zyrtec, which is a representative of the new (according to some data - II) generation of antihistamines, has been on the pharmacological market for a long time - more than 30 years.

The official website of the drug is zyrtek.rf

Manufacturing company – UBC (Belgium).

The company's Russian-language resource is ucbrussia.ru.

Zyrtec drops for children have proven themselves to be one of the most effective remedies, just like tablets. The drug successfully copes with various allergic symptoms on its own, but a particularly pronounced result can be achieved in complex therapy, in combination with drugs from other groups.

To a greater extent, this statement is relevant in matters of treatment of bronchial asthma. Several studies have proven that the inclusion of Zyrtec in the treatment of this disease brings significant relief from the symptoms of the latter. In addition, the medicine is used in the treatment of viral infections (for example, Epstein-Barr virus or chickenpox), as well as for the symptomatic treatment of itching and inflammation of the skin of various origins.

However, no matter how wide the list of beneficial properties of the drug is, it should not be given to children without a doctor’s prescription. Despite the fact that no study has revealed a negative effect on the child, the medicine should be used only after examination and strictly according to indications.

pharmachologic effect

Zyrtec is an antihistamine that blocks histamine H1 receptors. As a result, this biologically active substance cannot have an effect on tissues and organs, and accordingly, allergy symptoms do not develop.

The drug promotes rapid restoration of vascular walls, which reduces their permeability and relieves swelling and itching, and also has a positive effect on the body's antioxidant system.

Both drops and tablets of Zyrtec have high bioavailability. This means that they are almost completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. The drug of any form reaches its maximum concentration in the blood after 60±30 minutes, however, judging by the reviews of allergy sufferers and doctors, it begins to act after 20 minutes.

The medicine is excreted by the kidneys. In children, the half-life is:

  • from six months to 2 years – three hours;
  • from 2 to 6 years – five hours;
  • from 6 to 12 years – six hours.

Composition and release forms

There are two forms of the drug on the Russian market - drops and tablets. The active ingredient in both cases is cetirizine. The only difference is in the auxiliary components.

The presence of acetic acid in the composition is noteworthy. This explains the specific smell of the drug. However, this component does not pose any danger.

The concentration of acetic acid harmful to health is 30%, and in this preparation it is about 0.08% in 1 ml, i.e. less than 1% of the entire volume of the drug.

All additional components are formative and not significant.

In some sources you can find mention of Zyrtec syrup or capsules, but today in Russia such forms of the drug are not registered and are not sold.

Indications for use

As already mentioned, the range of application of the drug is quite wide. For the drug Zyrtec, the instructions for use for children indicate only allergic diseases as indications.

In reality, Zyrtec is prescribed by doctors much more often.

If the pathology is infectious in nature

  • helps relieve inflammation
  • slightly reduces the intensity of rhinorrhea.

In addition, it is able to enhance the effect of mucolytic agents, somewhat facilitating the discharge of sputum.

  • Relieves skin inflammation, swelling of subcutaneous fat,
  • is able to eliminate rashes, incl. weeping, reduce the intensity of skin peeling and irritation.

For food allergies, it has no effect on symptoms from the gastrointestinal tract, but copes well with its skin manifestations.

For atopic dermatitis, it should be prescribed exclusively in complex treatment together with the use of glucocorticosteroids.

  • The medicine helps relieve itching and inflammation, especially in inflammatory skin diseases.

Its use, of course, does not cancel basic therapy, especially the use of antiviral drugs or antibiotics, but it significantly alleviates the course of the disease.

The drug is prescribed if the reaction of an allergic child to a particular strong allergen is unknown, and contact with it is inevitable. For example: you can recommend the product to young children prone to allergies when visiting petting zoos, cat nurseries or exhibitions where the allergen concentration is very high.

In addition, as a preventive measure, antihistamines are prescribed before and after vaccination. It is almost mandatory to use antihistamines before the DTP, polio and measles vaccines, since they are highly immunogenic and highly allergenic.

Instructions for use of Zyrtec for children

Dosage for children is a very delicate issue, no matter what drug we are talking about. It is important not to harm the child’s body, not to cause intoxication, allergies or addiction.

A significant advantage of Zyrtec is that it does not cause dependence or increase tolerance.

In order for the treatment to go smoothly, without side effects, overdose and other troubles, it is necessary to follow the instructions exactly and know how to give the medicine to the child and in what dose.

How to take Zyrtec, how many drops does a child need to give to achieve the effect? The dose depends on age:

Children over 6 years old can take tablets, in which case the dosage regimen is as follows:

The focus should be on the presence of kidney pathology (in this case, the dose should be adjusted depending on the condition of the kidneys and the weight of the child), prematurity (for children under one year old), and cases of drug allergies.

How to give the drug to children: subtleties

It is worth considering several common questions regarding the method of use of the medicine:

How many days in a row should I give the drug?

The course of treatment is determined only by an allergist. It can be either short-term (up to a one-time use) or long-term – up to several months).

Can Zyrtec be added to the mixture? Do children need to dilute Zyrtec with water?

You can dilute and add, but these recommendations are not mandatory. If the child takes the medicine well, then it can be given “in its pure form.”

However, the drug has a peculiarity: a pungent smell of vinegar and a bitter taste. Therefore, young children may refuse to take it (it is especially difficult to persuade a child to take medicine during the “crisis” 3 years). In this case, it is allowed to add the medicine to food and drink.

Should you take the medicine before or after meals?

It doesn't matter, you can do it while eating. The presence of food does not affect the amount of drug absorption, but only the speed.

In the case when speed does not matter (for example, during a course of treatment), then there is no dependence on food intake.

Is it possible to give the drug at night? Does Zyrtec cause drowsiness in children?

It is possible, and if drowsiness develops after its use (this side effect occurs in approximately 10% of cases - the child sleeps from Zyrtec), then it is even necessary.

How long should I give the drug before vaccination?

According to age norm.

How many days before vaccination?

On the same day in the morning, no later than an hour and a half before vaccination.

Photo: instructions for use of Zyrtec drops

Side effects and overdose

According to clinical trials, the drug is considered safe. However, this “title” does not exclude the possibility of side effects:

  • drowsiness, fatigue, convulsive syndrome;
  • loose stool, increased appetite;
  • rhinitis, dry mouth;
  • increased heart rate;
  • blurred vision;
  • itchy rash, urticaria, anaphylaxis.

Vomiting in a child after taking Zyrtec has not been registered, and if it occurs, it serves as an indication for additional examination of the digestive system or a sign of individual intolerance to the drug.

An overdose develops with a single dose of 50 mg of the drug and manifests itself:

  • confusion;
  • anxiety, agitation or drowsiness, stupor;
  • diarrhea;
  • headache;
  • itching;
  • urinary retention.

The drug can be stored for no longer than five years at temperatures up to 25°C in places inaccessible to small children and pets.

Infographics

Zyrtec for children: price, where to buy and how to distinguish a fake

How much does Zyrtec cost? The price of this drug varies slightly in different regions, but on average it remains at the level:

For comparison, the cost of some analogues (tablets and drops based on cetirizine). Many of them are cheaper:

  • drops (20 ml) — 190 rub.
  • tablets (30 pcs) - 250 rub.
  • drops (20 ml) — 250 rub.
  • tablets (30 pcs) - 270 rub.
  • tablets (30 pcs) - 220 rub.
  • drops (20 ml) — 250 rub.
  • tablets (10 pcs) - 70 rub.

How to recognize a fake

Analogues of Zyrtec for children and comparison of drugs

Analogues are drugs based on cetirizine:

Analogues of Zyrtec for children have their own characteristics, range of indications and contraindications. The choice of drug should be based on the individual characteristics of the child’s body, the course of the disease, the results of objective, laboratory and instrumental examination methods.

Comparison of drugs

Very often the question arises - which drug is better? Here are the most common options:

Zodak or Zyrtec for children?

The drug Zodak is available in the form of tablets, drops and syrup, and has a more pleasant taste. But it can only be prescribed from one year onwards. In terms of effectiveness, the drugs are identical; they are based on the same active ingredient.

Table: Comparison of Zodak, Zirtec and Cetrin according to some parameters

Photo: Reviews of the drug from parents of children with allergies

The drug Erius is available in the form of syrup and tablets, approved for use from the year. Less commonly causes drowsiness, but cannot be used in complex therapy of infectious diseases.

Claritin is available in the form of syrup and tablets, the active ingredient is loratadine. Studies have shown that cetirizine copes with allergy symptoms, particularly rhinitis, better than loratadine.

Syrup is used from 2 years of age, tablets - from 3 years.

Which is better - Fenistil, Suprastin or Zyrtec?

Suprastin is a 1st generation drug, causes drowsiness, requires individual selection of a dosage regimen, and is used in children from 1 month.

Fenistil is a drug that is available in many forms - drops, gel, cream, emulsion and capsules. Application is possible from 1 month.

Can Zyrtec and Suprastin be used simultaneously?

No, the simultaneous administration of two antihistamines is not justified.

Reviews about the drug Zyrtec

Reviews are mostly positive. Experts note an improvement in the objective condition of allergy sufferers, a decrease in inflammation and swelling. It is rare to change the drug because patients usually do not complain about side effects or ineffectiveness of the drug.

On the other hand, parents of young patients note:

  • improving the condition of children,
  • significant reduction in the intensity of symptoms,
  • restoring the child’s activity and improving his mood.

However, there are cases when the drug is ineffective. Why doesn't Zyrtec help the child? First of all, it’s worth thinking about – is this what the treatment is for? Be sure to consult with a specialist (especially if self-medication is carried out) - the diagnosis could be made incorrectly from the beginning. In addition, complications could develop, the course of the disease could worsen, or an infection might develop.

Thus, Zirtec is a drug that combines modern effectiveness and safety proven over years of market leadership.

1. Epstein-Barr viral infection in children: modern approaches to diagnosis and treatment. E. N. Simovanyan, V. B. Denisenko, L. F. Bovtalo, A. V. Grigoryan. Link: lvrach.ru/2007/07//

2. Complex treatment of bronchial asthma. I. I. Balabolkin. Link: lvrach.ru/2005/03//

3. Randomized, placebo-controlled study of cetirizine and loratadine in children with seasonal allergic rhinitis. Nayak AS, Berger WE, LaForce CF, Urdaneta ER, Patel MK, Franklin KB, Wu MM. Link: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/

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Source: http://allergy-center.ru/preparati/zirtek-dlya-detej