No one is safe from an allergic reaction, and often enough children come across its manifestations. In such a situation, it is important to choose an effective medicine that immediately eliminates the symptoms and at the same time does not harm the health of the small patient. Among such pharmaceuticals, Zodak drops are distinguished for children, the instructions for use of which describe in detail all the nuances of its use.
Material Content:
The composition of the drug
The active components in the composition of the drug is a powerful antihistamine, cetirizine dihydrochloride.
1 ml of the solution contains 10 mg of an antiallergic agent. The following auxiliary components provide the form of the solution: methylparaben, glycerin, propylene glycol, saccharin and water. The drug is available in 20 ml tinted glass bottles.
The drug in drops is characterized by a quick action, since the active component is absorbed already in the oral cavity and esophagus, so pediatricians prefer this particular form of release.
The active substance is an antagonist of peripheral H1 receptors. The drug also has an anti-inflammatory effect, affecting the corresponding cells of the body. Taking a therapeutic dose of the drug blocks the formation of an allergic rash caused by an excess of histamine in the cells of the epidermis.
The main feature of the drug is its quick action.On average, the drug begins to "work" half an hour after taking a therapeutic dose (the action begins within 20 to 50 minutes after administration). The effect lasts for a full day, which makes the treatment of seasonal allergic reactions with this drug convenient, during which it is important to ensure the constant action of the antihistamine.
A long study of the effect on the body of children aged 5-10 years did not reveal the development of tolerance to the antihistamine effect of the drug over time. In other words, with prolonged use, the effectiveness does not decrease, therefore, the drug is suitable for the treatment of seasonal allergies.
Indications for the appointment of a drop of Zodak
Drops from allergies for children are prescribed to eliminate the nasal and ocular symptoms of allergic rhinitis, both seasonal and permanent. Quickly eliminates the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis with seasonal allergies. Also, the drug is intended for the treatment of idiopathic urticaria in children and adults.
There is a rapid decrease in skin itching, lacrimation and nasal congestion, on average, an hour after taking a therapeutic dose. It is advisable to use the medicine to prevent the development of skin rash after contact with an allergen.
Instructions for use for children
The instructions for use say that an antiallergic drug can be taken for children over two years of age. Drops "Zodak" for children up to a year is prescribed exclusively by a pediatrician. Children under 6 months of age should not take the drug, since data on its safety for newborns is not enough.
The drug has a pleasant sweetish taste, so children easily agree to take the medicine. At the same time, it is allowed to dilute drops with a small amount of water directly in a spoon or glass if the child refuses to take it because of a pungent odor.
Dosage regimen
How many drops a child takes depends on age.
In the instructions for use, the following dosages are given:
- 6 - 12 months - 5 drops per day;
- 1 - 6 years - 10 drops per day, divided into two doses;
- 6 - 12 years - 20 drops per day, divided into two doses;
- older than 12 years - 20 drops per day at a time.
In general, it is not recommended to give the drug to children under two years old without a doctor's prescription. Infants can take the drug only in a medical institution under the supervision of a pediatrician.
You can use any measuring spoon to determine the dosage, although each bottle is equipped with a convenient dropper-dispenser. 5 drops of the drug correspond to 2.5 ml of the solution.
Special instructions for use
Children can take the "Zodak" in drops with water. To do this, mix the required number of drops with 50 - 100 ml of water. Some children readily drink a sweetish preparation directly from the bottle, perceiving it as a game. In this case, it is necessary to drip the right amount of medicine directly from the dispenser directly into the baby's tongue, but so that the dropper of the bottle does not come into contact with the oral cavity.
The drug increases the load on the liver and kidneys. Children with impaired functioning of these organs can take the antihistamine only as prescribed by the doctor, the dosage in this case is determined individually.
To reduce the burden on the body, for children under 12 years of age, the medicine is given twice a day, dividing the daily dosage into two doses. To ensure continuous therapeutic action, it is necessary to maintain a twelve-hour interval between taking an antihistamine.
If the doctor has prescribed Zodak drops, the dosage for children is either established individually or is selected according to the table in the official instructions, which takes into account the age of the child. It is impossible to increase the dosage on your own because of the risk of side effects.
Drug interaction
At the time of treatment with an antihistamine, you should avoid taking sleeping pills and sedatives. Concomitant use with drugs that depress the activity of the central nervous system is potentially dangerous with deterioration in concentration, weakness and constant drowsiness.
The medicine is prescribed with caution in patients with epilepsy and bronchial asthma. In these cases, it is advisable to consider the use of analogues with a milder effect or reduce the dosage.
No other negative drug interactions have been identified, but it is recommended that you consult with your doctor if the patient is forced to take any medications on an ongoing basis.
Contraindications, side effects and overdose
Allergy medicine has only two contraindications - it is intolerance to any component in the composition and severe renal impairment.
Side effects from taking the drug are manifested mainly from the central nervous system - this is drowsiness, fatigue, loss of strength, impaired attention. Such phenomena can persist in the first days of taking the drug, pass on their own after a few hours, or be observed continuously during the entire duration of therapy.
In rare cases (less than 1%), the following reactions are observed:
- headache;
- confusion of consciousness;
- pain in the abdominal region;
- nausea;
- diarrhea;
- asthenia;
- pharyngitis;
- heart palpitations;
- violation of the production of liver enzymes;
- anxiety;
- depressive symptoms;
- hallucinations.
If severe side effects occur, you must urgently consult a doctor and consider discontinuing the drug or replacing it with a safer analogue.
Overdose symptoms affect the functioning of the nervous system and are observed only with a significant excess of the recommended dose of the drug for a long time.
Overdose manifests itself:
- urinary retention;
- tremor;
- confusion of consciousness;
- tachycardia;
- irritability and aggressiveness.
Hallucinatory effects and stupor are also possible. There is no specific antidote, therefore, if an overdose is suspected, it is necessary to wash the stomach as soon as possible and call a doctor at home. As a rule, symptomatic treatment is carried out with subsequent maintenance therapy.
Analogs of a children's drug for allergies
Replace the drug for the child with the drug "Zyrtec". It is also available in the form of drops and is intended for the symptomatic treatment of allergies in children older than 12 months. Another drug in this form is Parlazin drops. These funds are complete analogues of the Zodak medicine, therefore, are not suitable for replacement, in case of intolerance to the main active substance.
One of the most sparing preparations for children is the Fenistil medicine. This drug is prescribed for children older than 1 month.
In any case, only a pediatrician should prescribe an antihistamine. It should be remembered that exceeding the recommended dosages can cause severe consequences.
