Controlling your child’s allergies is important for easing discomfort and maintaining their overall health.

The best allergy medicine for kids controlsallergy symptomsand avoids side effects such as extreme drowsiness.

Types of Allergy Medication

There’s a variety of options available for treating children’s allergies.

A young boy taking his medicine

Maskot / Getty Images

The ingredients can vary and therefore different medications work to ease different symptoms.

This may mean having to stay indoors on high pollen days or changing your environment if needed.

Some allergy medications are approved for children as young as 6 months.

Discuss this with your pediatrician.

Discuss the dosage with your doctor and follow their directions.

Using these nasal sprays long-term is not recommended.

Antihistamine nasal sprays are another option for kids.

Previously prescription-only, Astepro Allergy is now available over the counter.

However, when that doesn’t solve the problem, medication can prove helpful.

Check labels to understand what the main ingredient is in the medicationdecongestant, antihistamine, or steroid.

Allergy flare-ups can also contribute to other health problems such as putting children at risk for bronchitis.

Finding the best medication for children’s allergies means finding the best one foryourchild’s symptoms and needs.

Discuss options with your healthcare provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes.

Examples include syrup forms of Clarinex and Xyzal, which can be used for children over 6 months old.

Always be sure to follow the instructions on the label.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Allergy relief for your child.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration.CLARINEX.

Prescribers Digital Reference.Levocetirizine dihydrochloride - drug summary.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Claritin (brand of loratadine) label.

DailyMed (NIH).Children’s Zyrtec Allergy- cetirizine hydrochloride syrup.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Singulair.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Highlights of prescribing information - Nasonex.

U.S. National Library of Medicine DailyMed.Label: Fluticasone- fluticasone propionate spray, metered.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA approves a nasal antihistamine for nonprescription use.