Children's allergy medicine: what to check before choosing

There is no single best allergy medicine for every child. Age, symptoms, health conditions and the exact product label all matter. Start with your child's pediatrician or pharmacist if you are unsure.

Is it allergies or something else?

Sneezing, an itchy nose and itchy, watery eyes can occur with environmental allergies. Fever is not typical of allergies. Ask your child's clinician about persistent, worsening or uncertain symptoms. AAP

Are Claritin, Zyrtec and Allegra interchangeable?

They contain different medicines: loratadine, cetirizine and fexofenadine. Children's liquids, chewables and adult tablets do not all share the same directions. Check the active ingredient, strength, age limits and dosing device on your specific package. Do not transfer directions from one product to another.

Check the exact product label for cetirizine, loratadine, fexofenadine, and diphenhydramine.

What if my child is under 2?

Ask your child's clinician before using an allergy medicine. A prescription use in infants does not mean an OTC product is approved for parent-directed infant use. The children's cetirizine, loratadine and fexofenadine OTC labels linked here direct parents of children under 2 to ask a doctor.

What about Benadryl?

Diphenhydramine has different age restrictions and can cause drowsiness or other adverse effects. Do not give it to help a child sleep. Ask your clinician before giving it to a young child, and follow the exact label. Poison Control

When is an allergic reaction an emergency?

Breathing difficulty, throat swelling or collapse can signal a serious allergic reaction. Follow the child's emergency plan, use prescribed epinephrine when indicated and call 911. An antihistamine is not a substitute for epinephrine in anaphylaxis. AAP

Need help reading the label?

Bring the package, your child's age and weight, other medicines and allergies to the pharmacist. We can help you understand the instructions and when to contact the pediatrician.