Navigating Children's Allergy Medicine: Safety Concerns and Essential Guidelines

Navigating the do's and don'ts of kids' allergy medicine can be tricky. Administering children's allergy medicine requires careful consideration and adherence to safety guidelines. But don't worry — once armed with allergy medicine know-how, you'll feel more confident and ready to care for your child.

So, just how does allergy medicine work? "When your child has an allergic reaction, their body releases a chemical called histamine. That's what makes their nose stuffy or runny. It can also make their eyes itchy and watery," says Debra Fulghum Bruce, Ph.D. She goes on to note, "Antihistamines are usually the first medications used to treat allergies. Like their names suggest, they block the effect of histamine."

As you explore the world of children's allergy medications, take the time to consider all the relevant safety concerns and guidelines — and get a leg up with some helpful tips on allergy medicine for toddlers.

Finding Age-Appropriate Medications

When shopping for children's allergy medicine, it's essential to choose one that's packaged specifically for kids. The packaging will include helpful dosage information and even a measuring device tailored to children. Keep in mind that adult allergy medicines often contain the same exact ingredients as medicine for children, but they usually don't come with instructions for pediatric dosing. Calculating an appropriate dose for a child can be confusing, so it's best to use a product formulated for kids.

"If using allergy medications packaged for adults, parents should be very careful to not give too much medicine to their child. Doses greater than recommended for children can result in more severe side effects," according to the C.S. Mott Children's Hospital National Poll on Children's Health.

Additionally, allergy medicine for children is designed to take the pain and challenge out of getting children to take medicine. Look for flavored kids' allergy medicines in liquid or chewable forms, which are easier for them to get down.

Avoiding OTC Medication Abuse

One of the biggest takeaways when it comes to children's allergy medicine is to avoid taking more than one at a time, unless you have specific instructions from your healthcare provider. Mixing oral antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and cetirizine (Zyrtec) isn't safe, and the combination can cause serious side effects, according to GoodRx Health.

Most adverse reactions to over-the-counter (OTC) medications are relatively mild, like rashes, sleepiness or headaches. Signs of overdose in children may include an overly excited or jittery appearance, a fast heart rate, irritability, hallucinations and seizures. Once these symptoms appear, children may experience slowed breathing, drowsiness or even a coma.

Understanding Active Ingredients

Another important precaution to take with children's allergy medicine: Make sure the active ingredients don't have interactions with other medications your child may be taking.

"Various allergy medications are available to be purchased over the counter at the pharmacy. Certain medications are safe to mix and take at the same time," notes GoodRx Health. "But others — especially those that belong to the same medication group — shouldn't be taken together as their combination can lead to serious problems."

Often, different products may have the same active ingredient but are marketed to treat different symptoms. You may end up buying two medications, thinking you're treating two different problems, when in reality, both medicines have identical ingredients — leading to your little one to receive too much of one medication.

Monitoring for Side Effects

While children's allergy medicine and allergy medicine for toddlers may ease seasonal allergies or soothe a rash, there are some instances where the medicine can create other issues. Side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, upset tummy, blurry vision or dry mouth/nose/throat may pop up, so make sure to monitor for these, especially in the first hour after dosing.

If you suspect you have given your child too much medication, use the Poison Control online tool for guidance or call Poison Control right away at 1-800-222-1222. Both can help you determine if treatment is needed.

Storing and Administering

As with all medicine, be sure to store kids' allergy medication out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion.

Further, the Mayo Clinic recommends storing the medicine in a closed container at room temperature and away from direct light, heat, moisture or freezing conditions, and be sure to throw them away once they're outdated.

"Parents often have allergy medicines in the house that are left over from previous years," notes the Mott Poll Report. "Before using them, it is always a good idea to check their expiration date. Outdated medicines are unlikely to be dangerous but often lose their potency over time."

Lastly, always administer medication as directed by your healthcare provider or pharmacist, making sure that your child takes the correct dosage at the right intervals.

Consulting a Healthcare Professional

As with any medical routine or intervention involving children, make sure to consult with a healthcare professional prior to administering allergy medication. According to the Carolina Asthma and Allergy Center, "Some allergy medication in young children may result in serious side effects. While antihistamines are typically fine for children over the age of two, decongestants are advised against until the age of six."

Every allergy medication has its own age range, so always check with your allergist or pediatrician if it's appropriate for your child.

Tips for Toddlers

While allergy medicine for toddlers is generally safe, parents and caregivers should be aware that the effects of antihistamines are variable, and that it's difficult to know how your toddler will react. Antihistamines may cause excessive drowsiness or even excitability, depending on the individual child.

Steroid sprays like Flonase should be avoided in toddlers, as well as oral decongestants like Sudafed and Afrin.
 

Allergy Relief for Little Ones

It can be overwhelming navigating the world of children's allergy medicine, but when taken step by step, the process can be simple. Just remember to do the following:

· Choose a medication formulated specifically for children.

· Check for interactions with other medications.

· Watch for adverse reactions and side effects.

· Safely store your medicine.

· Always consult with your child's pediatrician or healthcare provider before beginning an OTC allergy medicine.

By following these essential guidelines, you can effectively manage your children's allergy symptoms while prioritizing their safety and well-being. Nothing is more important.

These articles are intended for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and are not intended to treat or cure any disease. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in these articles. Advances in medicine may cause this information to become outdated, invalid, or subject to debate. Professional opinions and interpretations of scientific literature may vary. Consult your healthcare professional before making changes to your diet, exercise or medication regimen.