Although parents usually try over-the-counter allergy medicines, their frequent use should usually be avoided, because they are sedating and can make your child sleepy. Claritin or Alavert is an exception, as it is OTC and non-sedating.
Prescription allergy medications for older kids are the same as those that are used for adults, including Allegra, Clarinex, and Zyrtec. In addition, you can use steroid nasal sprays in most older kids with allergies, including Flonase, Rhinocort Aqua, Nasonex, Nasacort AQ, and Veramyst.
Young Kids with Allergies
Choices are a little more limited for younger infants and children. These choices do include Clarinex and Zyrtec, both are which available as a syrup and are approved for children over age 6 months.Claritin is also available as a syrup and chewable tablet, but they are officially only approved for kids over age 2 years. The Claritin Reditab, a disintegrating pill, is a good choice for kids over age 6 years old who can't swallow pills. And keep in mind that Claritin is now available over the counter, both as brand name Claritin and as the cheaper generic version called Alavert and other store brand versions (loratadine).
Singulair is another good alternative for younger children. Although this medicine has already been used to prevent asthma in kids, it recently was also approved as a treatment for seasonal and year-round allergies. It can be given to children over age 6 months from a packet of oral granules, or as a chewable tablet for kids over age 4.
Allegra is the latest allergy medicine to be available in a liquid form. It is now available in an oral suspension that can be given to children between the ages of 2 to 11 years with seasonal allergies and over 6 months with chronic idiopathic urticaria (hives).
Steroid nasal sprays are also often used in younger kids. Nasonex and Veramyst are both approved for use in kids over age 2 years, and Flonase can be used in children over age 4.
Remember that many medications are used off-label in children younger than the FDA-approved age.
Older Kids with Allergies
Until your children are able to swallow a pill, they will likely need to take the same medications that younger children do, although perhaps in a higher dose.In addition to the oral granules and 4mg chewable tablet for younger kids, a 5mg chewable tablet of Singulair is available for children 6 to 14 years of age. Children over 14 can take the regular 10mg tablet that adults take.
Older kids can also take Allegra, which is available as a 30mg tablet for children 6 to 11 years of age, and either 60 or 180mg for children over age 12.
Children over age 12 could also take Clarinex, Allegra D, Zyrtec, Zytrec D, Claritin, or Claritin D.
The steroid nasal sprays are also commonly used in older children, either alone or with an another medication for control of allergy symptoms.
Alternative Treatments
Even before you start an allergy medication, steps should be taken to help control indoor allergies and avoid common things that cause allergies (allergens). This includes dust mites, mold and pet dander for year round or perennial allergies.Seasonal allergies are more difficult to avoid.
When simple allergen avoidance and/or allergy medications don't work, your next step is usually allergy testing to help find what your children are allergic to. If allergy testing is positive, you might then proceed with allergy shots. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) and the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) has recently introduced a new practice parameter that calls for increased use of allergy shots, especially to 'prevent allergic rhinitis from progressing to allergic asthma.'
