Seasonal allergies?

[alison]

We are pretty sure dd has seasonal allergies. We've been sick off and on (mostly on) this entire winter, but what dd has seems more allergy-like.

Sneezing all the time
Runny nose
Itchy eyes (rubs them constantly)

We started giving her Allegra, but after a few doses, i don't really see a difference. Benadryl has her bouncing off the walls, and so I'm hesitant to give it to her.

Any suggestions or btdt advice?

[Deebs]

I think the indication for Allegra is still ages 6 and up. We were told it's not a great option for younger kids. We started DD on Zyrtec around age two. A couple of things to keep in mind - it can take a couple of weeks to take on its full effect, and it should be given at night before bed. We can't do benedryl either - it makes her a scary child. Another good tip - baths nightly and wash her hands and face after she's been outside.

[Deebs]

Have to add - all of this is just based on personal experience with my 6 year old and recs from her 5 pediatricians and 3 allergists (from moving so much).

[MrsK]

Our ENT recommended Zyrtec.

[Michele]

Zyrtec doesn't have a children's formula. How are you dosing it? My kids need it. Claritin didn't work. And my allergies are bad this season. I'm thinking of switching to Zyrtec anyway. Can I just half an adult pill for each of the boys?

[Pollyanna]

Yep on the Zyrtec. Our ped gave us the dosage for dd last year when she was 2 but I don't remember what it was because she hasn't had any issues this year.

[moonlight]

Yep on the Zyrtec. Our ped gave us the dosage for dd last year when she was 2 but I don't remember what it was because she hasn't had any issues this year.

My DD also has allergies like her daddy. She had a almost non stop case for six weeks. Claritin worked well last year but this year we've had to change to Zyrtec. I know the advice is keep them inside but thats hard when it comes to a two year old! After today's morning walk she had yellow draining out of her right eye.

[Michele]

Moonlight. How does she take the Zyrtec? Are you able to find a children's formulation?

[peggyfromwastate]

We've always had a liquid formula for Zyrtec for the young kids. If they can swallow the pills are tiny. My allergic kids all swallow them-- as of about age 6 they learned how.

[Pollyanna]

We've always had a liquid formula for Zyrtec for the young kids.

Yes, the ped just gave us samples.

[alison]

I talked to my bil and he gave me the dosing for Zyrtec for dd. I'm not going to post it, but do call your pediatrician or ask at a pharmacy for your specific case.

Allegra can be dosed for kids 2+. I think that's new.

[alison]

ETA: not gonna post it here, because I don't want to get him in any trouble. I don't trust the internets.

[Deebs]

There's liquid available. I just got it for DD at Costco in generic.

[scrub-jay]

Michele: We have children's Zyrtec, it is definitely out there. Maybe ask the pharmacist.

[Michele]

I'll keep looking. Thanks!!