Despite the fact that medicine does not stand still, it cannot completely cope with allergies. The number of children suffering from allergies is increasing every day. It can occur against the background of insect bites, food intolerance, and temperature changes. Therefore, experts are developing new drugs to effectively combat allergies. Zodak is a second-generation drug that is available in drops, syrup and tablets. It is important to know how to take medicine correctly to help your baby.
Composition, description, release forms
Finding Zodak drops and tablets with instructions in a pharmacy is not a problem. Manufacturers have launched the production of the drug Zodak in drops in a 20 ml bottle . Each milliliter is equal to 20 drops. This allows you to approximately calculate how much this volume is enough for a child. The dark bottle with a dropper cap is convenient to use.
The transparent medicine contains the active ingredient - cetirizine dihydrochloride. Experts note that it helps to quickly relieve symptoms and prevent the development of allergies in the future.
Drops and tablets also contain additional substances. These include:
- water;
- glycerol;
- acetic acid;
- propylene glycol.
Together with the drops, the drug is available in syrup . Often parents think about changing the Zodak form to a sweeter composition. However, it is important to remember that the concentration of substances in syrup is higher, so you cannot decide on your own whether to change drops to syrup. This should be done by a doctor who takes into account the age and personal characteristics of the child.
Indications
The children's instructions for Zodak drops and tablets indicate that the drug is prescribed for the following symptoms:
- seasonal and year-round allergic rhinitis;
- conjunctivitis;
- itching with chickenpox;
- hay fever;
- dermatosis;
- bronchospasms;
- hives;
- Quincke's edema;
- eczema;
- diathesis.
As doctors have noted, Zodak drops, tablets and syrup make it easier for a child to tolerate vaccination and reduce the occurrence of side effects.
Many have already appreciated the benefits of using Zodak, which copes well with itching, coughing and sneezing . If a child has wounds and scratches them, an infection may occur. The medicine saves in a very short period of time.
Contraindications
Zodak should not be given to small children. Its use is prohibited for up to a year. Despite the fact that its use can lead to apnea, the doctor can prescribe the medicine before the age of 1 year, but under personal supervision.
The use of the drug in any form: syrup, tablets, drops, is contraindicated in case of liver problems, as well as in case of personal intolerance to the substance in Zodak.
Antiallergic drugs for children before and after 1 year
Of course, vaccinations are dangerous to some extent, but we cannot do without them, especially during periods of epidemics. In some cases, their reactions can be minimized or prevented altogether. It is imperative to know what to do in a given situation. This article discusses the preparation of patients under one year of age for vaccination.
The success of safely preventing dangerous infectious and viral diseases by introducing a vaccine into the blood is due to a number of factors:
- thorough preparation of the child for one or another vaccination;
- quality of the administered vaccine. On the territory of our state, not a single medication has been registered that would provoke an allergic reaction in a baby. This effect is often due to the low quality of the drug;
- vaccination conditions. It must be carried out only in rooms specially designed for this purpose. They must be equipped with anti-shock therapy. If the patient has an unexpected and undesirable reaction to the administered medication, he must be immediately taken to the hospital.
People are not able to influence all factors, but preparing your own child for vaccination is a realistically feasible and mandatory condition for safe vaccination. As you know, you should prepare for this within fourteen days.
Babies with a weakened immune system and allergies need to consult a doctor. It is likely that a preliminary examination may be required before routine vaccination.
Please note that all specialists should be seen two, three or four days before the child is required to receive a mandatory vaccination. Often, while waiting in line to see doctors, parents and children have to come into contact with other patients.
At the same time, there is a possibility of infection with various colds. If the baby is sick, this will become clear in about two or three days.
This time period is an incubation period for some acute respiratory infections and acute respiratory viral infections. In this case, the vaccination will have to be postponed to another date. You need to wait until the child is completely cured of the disease. Preparation for vaccination is very important. It is necessary to provide the baby with proper nutrition. And before the actual vaccination, the child should have an enema.
It should be noted that it is strictly forbidden to administer medications for various infectious and viral diseases if, for example, the child has not had bowel movements in the last few days. For general information, constipation only increases the risk of side effects after receiving the vaccine.
How to prepare a child for vaccination with medications? Not all babies and not all children need to take various medications before each vaccine administration. Healthy children who never have a rash, diathesis or other allergic reactions do not need preliminary preparation by taking various medications.
It is worth noting that before DTP vaccination you need to do a general blood and urine test. Only after this can you obtain permission from a neurologist for the injection, since some diseases are strictly contraindicated for vaccination with this medication.
Antihistamines before vaccination are indicated for children who are prone to allergic reactions. They are also needed for babies who had an increased reaction after a previous vaccination. In such cases, several days (about three days) before vaccination, children should be given strong antiallergic drugs.
Zodak
This antihistamine is usually given to children whose age ranges from one to six years. It is presented in the form of drops for oral administration. In this form, it should be given to children from one year old. But for children over two years old, Zodak in the form of syrup is suitable. This drug, which is available in tablet form, is suitable for children from six to twelve years old.
Zodak drug
Fenistil
Fenistil is suitable for preparing for vaccination at any age. It is better to give the medicine in the form of drops to infants. The dose is calculated according to age category and weight. It can range from three to ten drops. This drug is excellent for children who are sensitive to vaccinations and suffer from diathesis.
Suprastin
As for this antihistamine, doctors recommend treating it very carefully. Before vaccination, Suprastin should not be given to children, as it dries out the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, which can lead to easy infection. In any case, it is worth noting that these tablets are indicated for use by children only from three years of age. They must be taken in crushed form.
Suprastin tablets
Claritin
Younger children, starting from the age of two, are given this syrup for unwanted allergic reactions. It should be taken one teaspoon once a day. The drug has a pleasant taste, which is a big plus for little children.
On the other hand, this is a significant disadvantage, since the medicine contains various flavors and fragrances. This can cause allergies in the child. The syrup does not need to be washed down, as it has a systemic effect.
Erius
Available in syrup form. Babies from six to twelve months need to take two milliliters of the product. This should be done once a day.
The drug Erius
Children from one to five years old are recommended two and a half milliliters per day. From six to eleven years, the following dosage is applicable - five milliliters of syrup. This drug is also available in tablet form and is indicated for use from the age of twelve.
How the drug works
Zodak is distinguished by the fact that the drug takes effect within 20 minutes. After an hour, the patient receives complete relief. Taking one dose, you can have peace of mind throughout the day. This is exactly how long the effect of the drug lasts. After 20 hours after use, the medicine is excreted in the urine from the kidneys . It is important that Zodak does not accumulate even after long-term use, so it does not cause any harm to the body.
That is, the procedure is this: after the drug enters the blood, it moves to the receptors. It influences the symptoms that provoke allergies. The activity is blocked. Negative manifestations weaken and then disappear completely. At this moment, immunity to allergens is formed. Therefore, allergy symptoms disappear: tears stop flowing, the skin does not itch or itch, swelling of the nose and larynx subsides.
How many drops should I take and how often?
Depending on the age of the child, the dosage of the drug will differ. Since it cannot be officially given until one year, the calculation of the medicine begins at 12 months . So, the dose for children:
- children aged 1–2 years are prescribed the drug twice a day, 2.5 ml (5 drops);
- children aged 2–6 years can be helped with 10 drops; it is recommended to give them once a day or divide the dose into two times: 5 drops in the morning and the same amount in the afternoon;
- for children from 6 to 12 years old, the recommended dose is 20 drops once a day before bedtime.
Suprastin or Fenistil: which is better for children on the day of vaccination?
Suprastin allows you to get rid of mild allergy symptoms. It is given to children one-fourth of the tablet. It is recommended to pre-mix it with food. Give three times a day.
In case of severe adverse reactions, injections of the drug at 0.25 milliliters are indicated. The medication should be taken for several days.
Fenistil is prescribed to infants in the form of drops. They taste good. They are often added to the milk mixture a few drops three times a day.
The medication should be taken not only before DTP, but also when administering the Pentaxim vaccine. As before DTP, Fenistil is recommended to be prescribed two or even three drops several times a day.
Experts recommend giving preference to Fenistil, since it has virtually no side effects.
What you need to know about taking the medicine
To safely store the medicine, the cap of the bottle must be pressed down before opening and then unscrewed counterclockwise .
The instructions indicate that Zodak drops should be given to children after first dissolving them in water. It doesn't matter what time you give them. This can be any time of the day, regardless of food intake. You can not dissolve the drops, but simply drop them directly into the child’s mouth. There are situations when the appointment time is missed. In this situation, you need to give drops as soon as possible. However, you should not give two doses at once. Exactly as much as you need to take at one time.
If a situation arises when you don’t have a doctor’s prescription with you, you can see how to properly take drops or tablets in the instructions. The number of drops for each age is indicated there. But the best option is to stick to the dose prescribed by the doctor, regardless of what is indicated in the instructions.
How does Zodak interact with other medicines?
Despite the fact that drops and tablets are well absorbed by the body , the use of Zodak with other medications is not recommended. Only a doctor can tell you whether drops can be combined with other substances. For example, combination with sedatives is not suitable for him. Even if the pharmacist says that this can be done, it is better to refrain so as not to harm the child.
Zodak drops are allowed to be taken by patients with diabetes. The drug contains the sweetener saccharin. The instructions say that you should not take tablets, drops, or syrup with alcohol.
Does the drug have side effects?
Side effects , as a rule, do not appear. However, sometimes:
- a disorder occurs;
- the intestines are swollen;
- dry mouth appears;
- skin rashes, urticaria, itching;
- headache and dizziness;
- drowsiness and agitation appear;
- weakness and tachycardia may appear;
- dyspnea;
- lethargy.
Each of the above symptoms is short-lived. It can be easily eliminated after stopping taking the drops. You should warn your pediatrician so that he can select the optimal analogue drug.
If at least one symptom appears, you should consult a specialist. In case of overdose, you need to follow a simple procedure. First of all, give more fluids to flush the stomach. After this you will need coal or any sorbent.
How and for how long to store the medicine
The medicine is prescribed by a doctor, but you can buy it at any pharmacy, as it is an over-the-counter drug. The drops should be stored in a room with a temperature of no more than 25 degrees. The bottle should not be left in a place unprotected from the sun. After opening, Zodak drops are stored for two years, and syrup for three years.
Why are Zodak drops used before vaccination?
Recently, pediatricians are increasingly recommending the use of drops for prophylaxis before vaccination . They should be given to the child three days before the procedure and three days after it. This will help children who suffer from allergies tolerate vaccination more easily. The pediatrician selects the prophylactic dose. The number of drops depends on the condition of the child and the severity of side effects.
Need to
Before the first DTP vaccination
- Before the first DTP vaccination, which is carried out according to the calendar at 3 months, children must be sent for a general blood and urine test. Before vaccination, the pediatrician must evaluate the test results.
- Even before the first DPT vaccination, the child must be examined by a neurologist. Before being examined by a neurologist, the child needs to have an ultrasound of the brain. The neurologist must make a note in his note whether he allows the child to start DTP vaccination. Or make a medical exemption indicating the period of medical exemption from the first DTP vaccination.
- Before any DPT vaccination, a pediatrician must be examined. On the day of vaccination, immediately before it is administered. The pediatrician evaluates the test results and reviews the neurologist’s record. Checks whether there are any contraindications to the first DTP vaccination from the nervous system. The child's body temperature is measured. This can be done at home in advance, but can also be done in the doctor's office. The pediatrician examines the child, listens to the lungs and heart, and checks the neck. If everything is in order, he makes a note in the outpatient card about permission for vaccination. The pediatrician warns the mother about a possible rise in the baby’s temperature after DTP. In this case, the mother should have an antipyretic in her medicine cabinet: paracetamol, nurofen or nimulid. Next, the child and mother are sent to the vaccination room for vaccination.
Before the second and subsequent DPT vaccinations
- An examination by a neurologist and tests are not required before the second and subsequent DPT vaccinations, unless they have been prescribed by the pediatrician for a specific child.
- But, before any DTP vaccination, you need to measure your body temperature and be examined by a pediatrician.
How to choose a similar drug for children?
When choosing an analogue of Zodak, you should remember that the drug must contain the same active ingredient. As a rule, cheaper drug options are chosen. Among the structural analogues we can highlight:
- “Zirtek”, which will cost 300–400 rubles;
- “Parlazin” with a price from 100 to 300 rubles;
- “Zincet” and “Cetirinax”, availability and prices must be checked at the pharmacy.
Most parents chose Zyrtec, despite the fact that its price is slightly higher. Experts advise using drops that can replace Zodak and help get rid of allergy symptoms - Fenistil and Claritin. However, only a doctor selects a similar drug.
If a child has a runny nose, a specialist can prescribe effective remedies against allergic rhinitis:
- Azithromycin.
- Avamis.
- Nasonex.
- Nazol baby.
As for reviews of drops, many parents confirm the positive effect of drops on the development of the disease. There are almost never any side effects, and the drug works within half an hour. The effect of the drug on insect bites is especially highlighted.
