In the treatment of most allergy manifestations and associated dermatoses, Zirtek drops are prescribed. In medical practice this medicine has gained popularity due to high efficiency indicators, rapid achievement of the desired result and safety in use.
Zirtek drops - composition
The main active component of the drug is cetirizine hydrochloride. This substance starts to act quickly, already 20 minutes after the first intake. The ingredient allows you to get rid of allergic reactions of the immune system from the side of the respiratory tract and skin. Moreover, the effect of cetirizine persists for an additional 72 hours after cessation of therapy.
Excipients - methyl parahydroxybenzoate, sodium acetate, propylene glycol, acetic acid, glycerol, purified water and sodium saccharinate.
Application of Zirtek drops from allergies
The area of use of the medicine in question is any reaction of the body to the action of histamines.
Indications are various symptoms of rhinitis allergic origin, rhinitis and conjunctivitis, intense lacrimation, sneezing, itchy nasal sinuses and eyes, redness and inflammation of the conjunctiva. In addition, Zirtek is effective in treating:
- Pollinosis ( hay fever );
- chronic idiopathic urticaria;
- rhinorrhea;
- atopic dermatitis;
- Edema of Quincke.
The use of drops is also justified with symptoms of bronchial asthma in mild form.
There are a number of contraindications:
- lactation;
- pregnancy;
- elderly age;
- increased sensitivity of the body to the components of the drug.
Do not give Zirtek to children younger than six months.
Side effects are observed quite often. They can be:
- dry mouth;
- weakness;
- drowsiness;
- migraine ;
- dizziness;
- disorders of the gastrointestinal tract;
- headache.
Because of individual intolerance in rare cases, drops cause worsening of allergy symptoms, there is a strong itching, urticaria affects more extensive skin areas, there is swelling.
How to take Zirtek drops?
The described drug, although released without a prescription, its dosage should be determined by an allergist, depending on the nature of the clinical manifestations of the disease and its severity.
As a rule, adults are recommended to take 20 drops (10 mg) once a day. If the disease is not expressed too clearly, you can reduce the amount of Zirtek 2 times (10 drops).
It should be noted that in the case of renal failure, it is necessary to reduce the intake of cetirizine or to use the medication every other day.
The dosage of Zirtek drops for children:
- up to 1 year it is enough to give the child 5 drops of the drug per day;
- from 12 months to 2.5 years the amount remains the same, but you can increase the number of receptions (twice a day);
- after 2.5 to 6 years the dose is 10 drops, which can be given for 1 time or divided into 2 divided doses per day.
From the age of 6, the concentration of cetirizine is consistent with the recommendations for adults.
How to drink Zirtek drops?
Do not dilute the drug, it should be drunk in its pure form. The drug has a neutral taste, so it is tolerated normally even by children.
There are no special instructions regarding the time of food intake, Zirtek's action does not depend on it. Moreover, there is no evidence of negative effects when interacting with other drugs and alcohol.
Nevertheless, you need to be careful in these matters and consult a doctor if you have to combine the treatment with drops and strong antihistamines.