29.03.2024

Suprastin and Zirtek, what are the differences

Patients with a history of allergies other than chronic diseases that require certain medications, before purchasing this or that antihistamine drug, should consult with their doctor.

Allergies are a serious problem for 40% of the world’s population. This is the figure WHO cites when analyzing statistics.

Unfortunately, the ecology worsening every year, food products with chemical additives, things containing a huge amount of synthetics contribute to a further increase in the percentage of allergic people.

The pharmaceutical industry today is able to offer a huge number of drugs that can, if not cure allergies, significantly alleviate the condition of a sick person.

Among the popular antihistamines, Suprastin and Zirtek occupy a worthy place.

“Suprastin”: description of the drug

“Suprastin” is a classic antihistamine. Belongs to the first generation of antiallergic drugs.

Suprastin

The main purpose is to block histamine receptors, preventing the occurrence of an immediate type hypersensitivity reaction (GNT). In the event that the reaction has already developed, the drug inhibits subsequent emissions of histamine.

The main active ingredient of the drug is chloropyramine hydrochloride.

It is made in Hungary. It is available in two forms: 1 ml ampoules containing 20 mg of the main component each. tablets – 25 mg of the active substance.

Auxiliary components in the composition of the tablets: potato starch, lactose monohydrate, octadecanoic acid, talc, sodium starch glycolate.

Ampoule solution contains water d / injection as an auxiliary component.

Indications and contraindications

This drug is included in the list of Vital and Essential Drugs.

It is prescribed for such conditions as:

  • Allergic vasomotor rhinitis.
  • Serum sickness.
  • Hives.
  • Toxic, food allergy.
  • Dermatoses (of various etiologies).
  • Hypersensitivity to animal hair.
  • Eczema (acute, chronic).
  • Rhinoconjunctivitis.
  • Itchy skin.
  • Quincke’s edema (for injection).
  • Allergic reactions after insect bites.

In addition, “Suprastin” is prescribed for acute respiratory viral infections, as it reduces nasal congestion, sneezing.

It is also used for ENT diseases (sinusitis, otitis media) for its ability to reduce swelling of the mucous membranes and reduce inflammation.

Contraindications for use are:

  1. The period of breastfeeding.
  2. Acute asthmatic attack.
  3. Myocardial infarction (acute period).
  4. State of pregnancy.
  5. Lactose intolerance (for tablets).
  6. Hypersensitivity to the components of the drug.

In addition, the medicine in tablets is not given to children under 3 years old. In the form of injections, do not use in newborn babies ( up to 1 month ).

Caution is necessary when prescribing to elderly patients, as well as those suffering from CCC diseases, glaucoma, impaired functional activity of the kidneys and liver, and prostatic hyperplasia.

Side effects are rare. They can be manifested by drowsiness, headache, nausea, epigastric pain, difficulty urinating, tremors, diarrhea or constipation, muscle weakness, arrhythmia, fatigue, increased intraocular pressure.

Zirtek: description of the drug

Zirtek is a second-generation antihistamine group drug.

Zirtek

Its purpose is the same as the first drug in question – to level out allergic reactions of various types by blocking the histamine H-1 receptors.

The main active substance is cetirizine hydrochloride.

Production is carried out in Switzerland. Zirtek is available in two formats – tablets, drops for oral administration.

One pill contains 10 mg of active ingredient and a number of complementary components: magnesium stearate, lactose monohydrate, silicon dioxide, microcellulose.

The active substance is also contained in drops – 10 mg per 1 ml. Auxiliary ingredients are: acetic acid (glacial), methyl paraben, saccharin, glycerol, water, sodium acetate.

Indications and contraindications

Application is indicated for:

  • Hay fever.
  • Urticaria.
  • Allergic dermatitis.
  • Quincke’s edema.
  • Symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis, rhinitis.

Also, this antihistamine is used as one of the components of the complex treatment of diabetes, psoriasis, bronchial obstructive syndrome.

Contraindications to the appointment are:

  1. Impaired renal function (terminal stage).
  2. Lactase deficiency.
  3. Hypersensitivity to hydroxyzine.
  4. Intolerance to any ingredient of the drug.
  5. Pregnancy.
  6. Lactation stage.

Zirtek children are not assigned up to 6 months (for drops) and up to 6 years (for pills).

It is extremely rare for side effects to occur. They are expressed by nausea, abdominal pain, tachycardia, enuresis, malaise, edema, allergic reactions.

What are the similarities of drugs

The similarities between the two drugs are primarily that they perform the same task – they relieve allergy symptoms.

The principle of action is identicalblocking histamine receptors.

The list of indications and contraindications is almost the same.

Similar points are present in the list of side effects.

Both drugs under consideration are authorized for over-the-counter leave, with the exception of the injection form “Suprastin”.

How do they differ

Despite the general orientation of the drugs, they have some differences:

  1. Country of origin. Homeland “Suprastina” – Hungary. Zirtek – development of Swiss pharmacologists.
  2. Medicines vary in chemical composition.
  3. There is a difference in the form of release. The Hungarian product is in the form of tablets and ampoules with an injection solution, the Swiss is made in tablets and drops.
  4. The first has a bright sedative effect, in the second drug it is absent.
  5. Zirtek is considered a safer medicine, belonging to the more modern generation of antihistamines.
  6. The therapeutic effect is faster for Suprastin, but lasts no more than 6 hours. At a Swiss pharmaceutical product, it lasts more than a day.
  7. The Hungarian drug has fewer side effects and they are expressed in a milder form.

Medicines vary in value. Suprastin tablets will cost the patient at a price of 120 rubles. up to 230 rubles, depending on the number of pills in the package. Box with ampoules – 150 rubles. Zirtek tablets – from 200 rubles. up to 500 rub. In the form of drops – from 290 rubles. up to 420 rub.

Which drug is better to choose

The question of which drug is better and more effective cannot give a concrete answer. Here it is necessary to take into account such factors as: the reaction of the body, the method of administration, the composition of the medication, the effect on general well-being.

For example, people suffering from gastrointestinal diseases, it is better to take a Swiss antihistamine, which does not irritate the mucous membranes of the stomach and intestines.

Patients whose work is related to driving vehicles require quick reactions, you should refuse to take Suprastin. It causes severe drowsiness.

Given the ease of reception, Zirtek is more convenient. It needs to be drunk only 1 time per day. Hungarian-made pills require two or three doses per day.

Elderly people would prefer to use “Zirtek.” It does not have such a strong depressing effect on the central nervous system as its “opponent”.

Of course, the Swiss medicine is inferior to the Hungarian in terms of the effect on the body. Therefore, it is recommended for use as a preventive measure, as well as for not very acute manifestations of allergies.

“Suprastin” in the form of injections is able to quickly eliminate such a terrible phenomenon as Quincke’s edema. In this case, it is the drug of choice, even in children from 1 month of life.

Of course, injections should be made by professional doctors who are able to correctly calculate the dosage for the baby.

In other cases, doctors recommend for children to take Zirtek as a safer anti-allergic medicine.

And in any case, specialist advice is necessary, especially when prescribing drugs to children.

Only a doctor is able to determine which medicine will have the maximum therapeutic effect with minimal harm to the body.

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