Zodak or Zirtek - what is better for the child?

Allergy or dermatitis in children is a fairly common problem that parents face. Among antihistamines, doctors often recommend two drugs - Zodak or Zirtek, as interchangeable. But the difference in price makes you wonder which one is better, because every loving parent wants the medicine to be not only effective, but also has no side effects or that they are minimal. So many are wondering what is best for their child - Zodak or Zirtek? Let's try to answer it.

Let's start with the pharmacological properties. These two medicines do not allow an increase in the amount of histamine in the body of the child - the tissue hormone. Under normal conditions, this hormone maintains vital body functions. But with some diseases (hay fever, burns, frostbites, urticaria and other allergic reactions), as well as exposure to certain chemicals, the amount of free histamine increases. The composition of drugs Zodak and Zirtek includes the main active substance - cetirizine dihydrochloride, which blocks the increase in histamine H1 receptors. Both drugs help stop the course of allergic reactions and alleviate them, have antipruritic effect.

Appoint Zodak and Zirtek with such ailments:

• allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis (itching, sneezing, lacrimation, congestion hyperemia);
• hives;
• hay fever;
• angioedema;
• other allergic dermatoses.

Zodak and Zirtek are appointed inside. They produce these drugs in the form of drops and tablets, and Zodak - in the form of syrup, which is more convenient for babies.

Zodak and Zirtek - what's the difference?

If you compare side effects, then when taking these drugs they develop infrequently. The development of a sedative effect in Zodak is less pronounced or not expressed at all. Among the undesirable reactions of the body to this drug, note the following: delay urination, dry mouth, dizziness, fatigue, headache, dilated pupils, agitation, allergic reactions, tachycardia, diarrhea, flatulence and abdominal pain.

When taking Zirtek, similar side effects on the body are possible. They also add fuzzy vision, rhinitis, pharyngitis, impaired liver function, weight gain. But they develop very rarely. Thus, adverse effects on the body from the side of Zodak are observed less.

The difference between the antiallergic drugs Zirtek and Zodak still lies in the age limitations to use. Drops of Zirtek can be given to babies from 6 months, and children over 6 years old already take pills. Syrup Zodak is not recommended to give babies younger than 1 year, and tablets - less than 2 years.

Different prices for these drugs. So, for example, Zodak in tablets costs from 135 to 264 rubles, and drops - from 189 to 211 rubles. The cost of Zirtek is higher. Tablets can be purchased for 193-240 rubles. But the drops are much more expensive - 270-348 rubles.

Some parents note that Zodak's remedy is faster and more effective than Zirtek. But, most likely, it depends on the individual perception of the drug by the child's body.

Thus, if we compare Zodak and Zirtek, then we can note that they have many common characteristics. At the same time, there is a difference - in side effects, age restrictions for children, as well as in the cost of drugs.

Answering the question whether Zodak can be replaced by Zirtek, the answer is positive, because these drugs have the same anti-allergic effect. But before going to the pharmacy for a medicine, consult a doctor. It will help you in choosing the most optimal antihistamine for your child.