Best Allergy Medicine for Kids

When choosing an allergy medicine and finding the one that works best for your child, it is important to take into account the type of allergy your child has, as well as the side effects of the medicine itself. There are several popular brands that work in a few different ways. Some of these are antihistamines, and others are antihistamines mixed with a decongestant, and within these categories there are short term and long term time released. It can be confusing and it is vital to speak with your child’s physician when sorting through these types of medicines. Some of them cannot be mixed with others, and just to be safe it is always the best bet to consult an expert in the field.

Benadryl is the perfect example of a short term allergy medicine. It can be taken every 4-6 hours, and you should not exceed 6 doses in 24 hours. Benadryl can be used to treat runny nose, itchy watery eyes, sneezing, or itchy nose and throat, and is approved over the counter for children over the age of 6. A doctor should be consulted before giving a child ages 2-6 Benadryl, and a child under 2 should not receive any.

Zyrtec should be taken once daily, never exceeding more than 10 mL in a 24 hour period. The dosage should be decided on by your doctor depending on the severity of the symptoms. Adults and children over 6 are generally recommended to take either 5 mL or 10 mL. Children 2-6 may take a once daily dose of 2.5 mL, if symptoms are severe they can be given a dose of up to 5 mL once daily or 2.5 mL every 12 hours. A doctor should be consulted before giving a child 2 or under Zyrtec.

Claritin is also a once daily antihistamine. It is approved to be used for symptoms related to hayfever or other upper resiratory allergies including itchy nose, throat, or eyes, sneezing, or runny nose. Children ages 2-6 can take up to 5 mg per 24 hour period, and children 6 and above may take no more than 2 tablets which would total 10 mg in a 24 hour period. A doctor may be consulted for children under 2.

In any case when choosing the proper medication for your child it is a good idea to work as a team with your doctor to find the best route to take. Here at Whitefish Family Doctor Medical Clinic we will work with you to find the best answer to your child’s specific allergy needs, whether that is for a year round allergy, or just to keep the hayfever at bay so your little one can participate in their favorite outdoor activity. There are many options available to your child, and we will help find the one that fits you personally. Our staff wants to help your child enjoy being a child, so let us help you get your child outside again.