Friday, May 6, 2016

What to do for your child's allergies?

     I know the allergy symptoms are bad this Spring. Although, I am on allergy shots, allergy eye drops, and a daily antihistamine, I have had to go back to doing a daily nasal spray too! You may have not discussed with us yet what to do if your child has symptoms of allergies. Here is a quick guide for what to do.

2-5 years of age
ANTIHISTAMINES (all over the counter)
Children’s Allegra Oral Suspension 5 milliliters by mouth every 12 hours
Children’s Claritin Syrup 5 milliliters by mouth every 24 hours
Children’s Zyrtec Allergy Syrup 2.5 milliliters by mouth every 24 hours

6-11 years of age
ANTIHISTAMINES (all over the counter)
Children’s Allegra Oral Suspension 5 milliliters by mouth every 12 hours
Children’s Allegra Meltable Tablets 1 tablet by mouth every 12 hours
Children’s Claritin 5 mg Chewables 1 by mouth every 24 hours
Children’s Claritin 5mg Reditab 1 by mouth every 12 hours
Children’s Claritin 10mg Reditab 1 by mouth every 24 hours
Children’s Claritin Syrup 10 milliliters by mouth every 24 hours
Children’s Zyrtec Allergy Syrup 5-10 milliliters by mouth every 24 hours
Children’s Zyrtec Dissolve Tab 1 by mouth every 24 hours
Zyrtec 10 mg Tablets 1 by mouth every 24 hours

STEROID NASAL SPRAYS (all over the counter)
Flonase Allergy Relief Nasal Spray 1 spray per nostril once a day
[Note: OTC ClariSpray® is the same ingredient and dosing as Flonase.]
Nasacort Allergy 24 Hour Nasal Spray 1 spray per nostril once a day
Rhinocort Allergy Spray 1 spray per nostril once a day

ANTIHISTAMINE EYE DROPS (over the counter)
Zaditor Eye Itch Relief 1 drop to each eye every 12 hours

12 years of age and up
ANTIHISTAMINES (all over the counter)
Children’s Allegra Oral Suspension 10 milliliters by mouth every 12 hours
Children’s Allegra Meltable Tablets 1 tablet by mouth every 12 hours
Children’s Claritin 5 mg Chewables 2 by mouth every 24 hours
Children’s Claritin 5mg Reditab 2 by mouth every 12 hours
Children’s Claritin 10mg Reditab 1 by mouth every 24 hours
Children’s Claritin Syrup 10 milliliters by mouth every 24 hours
Children’s Zyrtec Allergy Syrup 10 milliliters by mouth every 24 hours
Children’s Zyrtec Dissolve Tab 1 by mouth every 24 hours
Zyrtec 10 mg Tablets 1 by mouth every 24 hours


STEROID NASAL SPRAYS (all over the counter)
Flonase Allergy Relief Nasal Spray 2 spray per nostril once a day
[Note: OTC ClariSpray® is the same ingredient and dosing as Flonase.]
Nasacort Allergy 24 Hour Nasal Spray 2 spray per nostril once a day
Rhinocort Allergy Spray 2 spray per nostril once a day

ANTIHISTAMINE EYE DROPS (over the counter)
Zaditor Eye Itch Relief 1-2 drops to each eye every 12 hours

PLAN:
1. Do a daily antihistamine when your child has their symptoms. If one does not agree with them or does not work after a week or two, try a different one.
2. If you have tried the antihistamines, your child is 6 years of age or above, and there has not been a big improvement, add a nasal spray.
3. If the eyes are itchy despite doing an antihistamine (or antihistamine plus the nasal spray), add Zaditor eye drops.
4. If you have tried all of the above, your child would benefit from seeing an allergist. They can assist with knowing what your child is triggering the allergy symptoms. They also discuss with you other treatment options, including allergy shots. Call our office during regular office hour to discuss.

ANTIHISTAMINE NOTES
Allegra is the least likely antihistamine to make someone sleepy. If Claritin or Zyrtec makes someone sleepy, try taking it at night.
Each of the three antihistamines work for many people, but many people respond much better to one or the other. You may have to try 2 or 3 to see how someone responds.
Antihistamines work quickly – they should help within a few days of starting the medication.

STEROID NASAL SPRAY NOTES
The spray with the most scent: Flonase. If your child is bothered by the “flowery” smell, try a different brand.
The spray with the least amount of spray: Rhinocort. If another causes too much drip down the back of the throat after using it, try Rhinocort.
These sprays take a week or two to work at their best.

EYE DROP NOTES
If the drops causing stinging, keep them in the refrigerator.
These eye drops works quickly – they should help within a few days of starting the medication.


      As always, call during routine office hours if you have questions. Good luck!







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