What To Give For Allergies

Hi,
My twins and myself had a horrible weekend. Runny noses, stuffy noses, watery eyes, sneezing, everything! I thought the twins had a cold, but then their eyes started watering and they started sneezing, so I'm guessing it's allergies. I called the Pedi and her assistant cannot give me answer to my question: what can I give them for allergies? What are you giving your babies for allergies? I feel so bad for them because they are suffering and very fussy.

 

Our doctor recommended Claritin (or generic Lortadine). He said it's fine to give half an adult pill, as the Children's Claritin dose is 5mg (an adult pill is 10mg), and the Children's version is more expensive. Unfortunately, Ainsley has inherited my horrible allergies and has to take it nearly every day.

 

What about good, old fashioned Benedryl? I give them 2.5 ml (1/2 tsp) of children's Benedryl whenever they have allergy problems, or even just a cold, to decrease runny nose.

 

Ditto on the benadryl.

 

Benadryl works for some, just make sure you have the correct dosage for their weights. Our pedi prescribed Zyrtec for the girls to see if it would work. I think we have determined theirs isn't allergies, so the Zyrtec and Benadryl weren't doing anything for them. At least their wasn't any noticable changes at the time they were taking the medicine.

 

I use the liquid Claritin for mine! At 2+ we give 1tsp.

 

We tried everything, but ended up w/ Zyrtec being the only thing that worked, which stunk, b/c it is $100/ month!!!!!!

 

My girls take Zyrtec and Singular with benadryl when needed

 

I started noticing allergy like symptoms in my one son around that age. I ended up going to a pediatric allergist. My DH is also a dermatologist. Both said that it is impossible to have seasonal allergies at that young of an age. It takes at least 2-3 seasons of exposure to the allergen (grass, pollen,etc) to build up an allergic response.

I did have my son tested by the allergist. He did have an allergic response to several things (dust mites, cats,etc). He was started on Zyrtec and it has really helped him.

It's still hard for me to believe that my son doesn't suffer from seasonal allergies...because he has always gotten alot worst in the height of seasonal allergy season (spring). Since your girls are cranky...it may well just be a cold. I would follow up with your ped. before giving any allergy meds....especially when dosing under 2yrs of age.

 

I always use good old Benedryl. Here is the dosage by weight from Dr Sears's website. I hope they feel better soon.
QUOTE
Weight: Liquid 12.5mg/5ml Chewable Tablets 12.5mg each Tablets 25mg each
17-21 lbs 3/4 tsp (3.75ml) Use liquid Use liquid
22-32 lbs 1 tsp (5ml) 1 tablet Use liquid or chews
33-42 lbs 1 1/2 tsp (7.5ml) 1 1/2 tablet Use liquid or chews
43-53 lbs 2 tsp (10ml) 2 tablets 1 tablet
54-64 lbs 2 1/2 tsp (12.5ml) 2 1/2 tablets
65-75 lbs 3 tsp (15ml) 3 tablets
76-86 lbs 3 1/2 tsp (17.5ml) 3 1/2 tablets
86 lbs 4 tsp (20ml) 4 tablets 2 tablets


ETA: If their snot is clear then its allergies, if its tinted green or yellow then its a cold. HTH