Allergy medicines for kids

[Anonymous]

My 4 year old has had a stuffy/runny nose for about 2 months so our Ped. recommended trying claratin for a week then if it doesn't work to try flonase. Has anyone used either of these on their kids? I'm hopng it's just seasonal allergies.

[Anonymous]

They make Children's Claratin and Children's Benedryl.

[Anonymous]

Both of my kids have been on Children's Claritin and/or Zyrtec and Singulair since they were 2 - it stopped their ear infections and generally put them in much better moods because they were sleeping better.

[Anonymous]

Mine has been on Zyrtec for allergies since two years old, no side effects. For him it's non-drowsy, but I've heard it can go either way with some kids -- drowsiness or hyperactivity. In general it's less sedating than the old style antihistamines like Benedryl, but the old ones work better. I think Zyrtec and Claritin are pretty similar.

If the Claritin doesn't work, I'd probably try Benedryl at night first before trying Flonase. Only because Flonase is a steroid (if I remember correctly) and I'm not a huge fan of those. Of course, use it if it's the only thing that works, but I'd probably try the gentler, more tried-and-true Benedryl first.

[Anonymous]

I'd try Zyrtec. Anecdotally it has worked much better for most kids I know who have tried both of the two.