Managing children’s
allergies with oral
antihistamines
Because it is almost impossible to completely avoid
exposure to allergens, oral antihistamines continue
to serve as the first-line pharmacological treatment
for allergic rhinitis.
Make sure you choose
a non-sedating medication
Oral antihistamines available on the market are
classified into two groups: first-generation (sedating)
and second-generation (non-sedating) antihistamines.
Both are generally just as effective when it comes
to allergic rhinitis symptom relief but their side effects
differ significantly.
Sedating antihistamines aggravate learning
problems associated with allergies
Potential adverse effects of sedating antihistamines
(including sleepiness and decreased cognitive
processing) have been shown to aggravate the
already considerable learning problems associated
with allergies.
| Additional drawbacks
of sedating antihistamines: |
- Multiple daily doses are required to provide
24-hour relief. In school-age children,
this may be a major disadvantage.
- Even given at bedtime, sedating antihistamines’
adverse effects may not always have
disappeared by the morning.
-
In contrast to the depressive effects they cause,
young children may experience stimulatory
effects, such as irritability, excitation,
hyperactivity or insomnia.
|
| |
Non-drowsy antihistamines are an essential
advantage for allergic children
Eliminating sedative and cognitive effects is crucial
in both children and adults. Consequently, non-drowsy
antihistamines, such as Claritin Kids®, are a preferable
and safer choice for treating allergic rhinitis and skin
itch and hives in children.
| Children’s antihistamine profile
at recommended dosage |
| Claritin® (loratadine) |
Non-drowsy |
| Aerius® (desloratadine) |
Non-drowsy |
| Reactine* (cetirizine) |
Non-drowsy |
| Benadryl* (diphenhydramine) |
Sedating |
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