Sometimes doctors prescribe several similar drugs, providing a choice between them independently according to financial possibilities or by the principle "what will happen in the pharmacy". For example, if it is anti-allergic drugs, then the patient may have a question: what is better - Zirtek or Fenistil? In this article, let's try to compare these two drugs - Zirtek (tablets or drops) and Fenistil (drops or capsules), which are often prescribed by doctors recently.
Zirtek and Fenistil are indications
Both Zirtek and Fenistil are prescribed as a systemic drug for allergic diseases of various genesis:
- Pollinosis;
- food allergy ;
- hives;
- eczema;
- angioedema ;
- dermatoses and others.
Thus, the range of indications of these two medicines is the same.
Composition and pharmacological action of Zirtek and Fenistil preparations
These drugs belong to the class of antihistamines, the action of which is based on the blocking of histamine receptors, which leads to inhibition of allergic manifestations. Zirtek refers to the drugs of the second, and Fenistil - the first generation.
Zirtek
The active substance of the drug Zirtek is cetirizine hydrochloride, which when taken into the body has the following effect:
- prevents the development of allergic reactions;
- facilitates the symptoms of an allergic reaction;
- affects both the early and the late stage of allergic reactions.
The advantage of Zirtek is the almost complete absence of sedative, antiserotonin and anticholinergic effects (at a standard dosage).
The therapeutic effect after taking Zirtek comes after 20 - 40 minutes after taking and lasts about a day, with the maximum concentration of active substance in the plasma reached after an hour. After the end of therapy, the effect lasts up to 3 days.
Fenistil
The active substance of the drug Fenistil - dimethindene maleate, which has the following effect with oral administration:
- reduces the manifestations of allergic reactions;
- significantly reduces the increased permeability of capillaries;
- anti-bradykinin action;
- weak anticholinergic action;
- slight sedation.
After taking the drug Fenistil, its onset occurs after 30 minutes, with the maximum concentration of active substance in the plasma achieved after two hours. Duration of action
Thus, Zirtek has a long duration of action and has a more selective effect on the body, because refers to antihistamine drugs of the second generation.
Contraindications and side effects of Zirtec and Fenistila
Assessing the lists of contraindications and side effects of Zirtek and Fenistila, it can be concluded that the first drug can be recommended to a wider range of patients.