Four Best OTC Allergy Medicines for Kids, Tested by families dealing with allergies

Adopting a holistic strategy to give young allergy sufferers complete comfort

Children’s over-the-counter (OTC) allergy drugs are helpful tools for addressing the frequent problems caused by allergies. These drugs are readily available without a prescription and are frequently available in kid-friendly forms, such as liquid or chewable tablets, which makes it simpler for parents to give them to their kids. The key components in these medications are antihistamines, which work to treat numerous allergy symptoms experienced by children, including sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and throat discomfort. Without a prescription from the doctor, parents can quickly treat their child’s allergy symptoms thanks to the accessibility of over-the-counter solutions.
To guarantee the correct and safe administration of these medications, parents and other caregivers must closely adhere to the dosing instructions. When in doubt, it’s best to see a doctor. They may offer personalized advice depending on the child’s age, weight, and certain medical concerns.
For OTC allergy drugs to be effective and safe for kids, it’s important to select those that are specifically made for them. A complete strategy for treating children’s allergies must also take into consideration any adverse effects, such as sleepiness or drug interactions. Even while these over-the-counter remedies can help young allergy sufferers, speaking with a doctor is still essential to navigating the complex terrain of children’s allergies and ensuring the child’s well-being.

Out Top Picks:

Children’s Zyrtec, Indoor & Outdoor Allergies 24 Hr Relief

Children’s Claritin Chewables, Non-Drowsy 24-Hour Allergy Relief Medicine

Perfect for Night: Benadryl Children’s Allergy Relief Liquid

Xyzal Children’s Oral Solution, Tutti Frutti Flavor

Xyzal 24HR Allergy Relief Tablets, Original Prescription Strength

Choosing the right OTC allergy medication

In search for the optimum allergy cure for your children, respecting safety is key. Antihistamines are one of the most popular classes of allergy medication for children because they efficiently block the effects of histamine on the body. It’s important to speak with the child’s doctor to determine which allergy medication is best for them, taking into account their age and specific needs. Three notable options for kids include ceterizine, loratadine, and fexofenadine. It is essential to carefully read the labels and follow the suggested dose guidelines. Stay well-informed to ensure your children remain free from allergies.

Children's Zyrtec, Indoor & Outdoor Allergies 24 Hr Relief

Pros & Cons:
Parents looking for a dependable option for their children will feel more at ease knowing that the product is safe and efficient. This formulation was created with children’s well-being in mind and is safe for use on children two years of age and older, guaranteeing a moderate approach to relief. The fact that this product is free of sugar and dyes indicates that it is dedicated to offering a healthy and pure solution. Parents can feel secure knowing that their child is getting the care they require without unwanted ingredients. Moreover, the convenience of 24-hour relief ensures continuous support for children facing discomfort. It’s crucial to remember that even while the medication provides a complete response some youngsters may experience drowsiness from it, which may encourage a nice and restful night’s sleep. This dual benefit adds to a comprehensive strategy for children’s well-being in addition to addressing the pressing issues.

Why We Suggest It:
Children as young as 2 years old can safely use Zyrtec 24-Hour Children’s Allergy Syrup, but the majority of medications used to relieve runny nose are not recommended for small children. According to one of our editors, her 3-year-old son takes this allergy medication fairly well and doesn’t experience any negative side effects. While it normally doesn’t put youngsters to sleep, some may experience some fatigue after taking it. It’s preferable to give it to them before bedtime if that occurs. Zyrtec relieves kids’ runny noses, sneezes, itchy eyes and throats, and other allergy-related symptoms as soon as they take it. It has no added sugar or coloring and tastes like delicious grapes. Your child can use Zyrtec Children’s 24 HR Dissolving Allergy Relief Tablets if they are six years old or older. These dissolve beneath the tongue and have a citrus taste. They include 10 milligrams of cetirizine HCl in each dose, compared to 2.5 milligrams in the syrup intended for younger children.

Key Specifications:
Sort: Syrup
Key Ingredients: Cetirizine Hydrochloride 
Suggested Age: 2 years and above (syrup), 6 years and above (tablet)

Pros & Cons:
This specifically created product provides a dependable solution for the well-being of youngsters two years of age and older, while also ensuring their safety. The non-drowsy solution meets the needs of energetic and playful kids by offering relief for up to 24 hours. Parents can add some excitement to the pharmaceutical experience by selecting between two delicious flavors: grape and bubblegum. It’s crucial to remember that the product contains aspartame even though no dye-free option is available. This all-inclusive product takes care of several issues and offers a variety of flavors as well as efficiency to make it more pleasurable and worry-free for parents and kids.

Why We Suggest It:
Children who dislike taking medication will benefit greatly from Children’s Claritin Chewables, which provide allergy relief for the entire day. The child of our editor gladly brings the chewables with bubblegum or grape flavors to school. For children with severe allergies, it works well for runny noses, sneezes, and itchy eyes or throats brought on by a variety of allergens, including mold, dust, pollen, and pet dander. It’s helpful to know, though, that there are a few ingredients in these pink and purple chewables that some individuals might find objectionable. They contain aspartame, a sugar substitute used in sugar-free soda, and artificial coloring, which some families want to avoid. Aspartame may cause cancer in humans, according to some experts in July 2023; nevertheless, the amount in Claritin is deemed safe and far less than what the FDA recommends as a daily intake.

Key Specifications:
Sort: Chewables
Key Ingredients: Loratadine
Suggested Age: 2 years and above

 

Pros & Cons:
With reasonably quick results, this medication relieves allergy symptoms starting in 15 to 30 minutes. It serves as a dual-purpose remedy for people who suffer from allergies and trouble sleeping because it also helps with sleep. In addition, it is more affordable than other antihistamines. It’s crucial to remember that its effects only endure for 4-6 hours, so continuing comfort may require regular dosage. Its lack of artificial coloring is another advantage, which may make it a better option for people who are allergic to or dislike artificial additives.

Why We Suggest It:
With this kid-friendly over-the-counter liquid allergy medication, you may effectively relieve your children’s seasonal and year-round allergy problems. Each 5 mL of the kid-friendly cherry flavor includes 12.5 mg of the antihistamine diphenhydramine HCl, providing short-term relief from symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, itchy, watery eyes, and itching of the nose or throat associated with upper respiratory allergies and hay fever. Give as directed by the doctor, or every 4 to 6 hours; do not take more than 6 doses in 24 hours. But do not use this medication to put youngsters to sleep, and avoid mixing it with other products that contain diphenhydramine, even those applied to the skin.
Exercise caution, as significant drowsiness can occur and the administration of sedatives or tranquilizers can worsen this impact, particularly in children who may also exhibit excitability. This children’s medication, which comes in a variety of flavors like cherry, grapes, and bubble gum, is intended to provide momentary relief from the symptoms of upper respiratory allergies and hay fever. Diphenhydramine HCl, which comes in doses of 12.5 mg, relieves runny nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes, nose, and throat. This kid-friendly, alcohol-free Benadryl allergy medication is suggested for kids between the ages of 6 and 11 and guarantees a convenient and tasty way to treat allergy symptoms. Note that for children aged 2 to 5, usage should be advised by a doctor.

Key Specifications:
Sort: Syrup
Key Ingredients: Diphenhydramine HCl
Suggested Age: 2 years and above

Pros & Cons:
This drug starts working within an hour, providing comparatively rapid relief from a range of symptoms. Its unique quality is that it offers relief for a whole 24 hours, which makes it a good option for people looking for longer-lasting effects. It is made to treat symptoms consistently over a long length of time, all year round. But it’s important to know that this medication can make you drowsy, so until you know how it affects you, it’s best to avoid tasks that call for attentiveness. It’s also not advised for people over 65, which emphasizes the significance of speaking with a healthcare provider to choose the best course of action based on unique health factors.

Why We Suggest It:
We recognize that managing allergies to your pet can be difficult as they are a valued member of your family. Fortunately, Xyzal Allergy Tablets save the day by offering continuous relief from common pet dander-related symptoms like runny nose, itchy, watery eyes, and sneezing. Xyzal has you covered whether your allergies are caused by exposure to the outdoors or indoors. It’s even effective against hives, addressing itchy skin and rashes.
One of our workers, whose severe allergies frequently make it difficult for him to go outside, shared his positive experience with Xyzal. Even though he was a little sleepy, which happens to roughly 6% of users. He urges other allergy sufferers to try it.
It’s crucial to remember that Xyzal is not advised for people over 65 because of a higher chance of feeling sleepy, which raises the possibility of falling. However, for adults and children between the ages of 12 and 64, Xyzal is deemed safe. For children 2 years old and older, there is also a Children’s Xyzal available.

Key Specifications:
Sort: Tablets
Key Ingredients: Levocetirizine
Suggested Age: 12-64 years

Children experiencing allergy problems can find relief with Xyzal Children’s Oral Solution. It provides 24-hour relief in a single 5-fluid-ounce bottle that begins to act in only one hour. This Tutti Frutti-flavored medication, which treats runny nose, itchy eyes, itchy nose and throat, and sneezing, is made with children in mind. It’s significant since it offers relief from hour one to hour twenty-four, day and night. Xyzal helps youngsters wake up feeling refreshed the next day when taken before bed. For precise measurement, simply use the dosage cup that is enclosed. Take 2.5 mL once daily for children ages 2 to 5; 5 mL once daily for children ages 6 to 11; or 5 or 10 mL once daily for adults and children ages 6 to 11 who have severe symptoms. This medication is also available in grape flavor.

Warnings:
However, persons with kidney problems should not take this product, and those 65 years of age and older should speak with a doctor before taking it. Not advised when breastfeeding; if you are pregnant, get medical advice before using.

Pros:
Sugar-Free
Alcohol-Free
Dye Free

Key Specifications:
Sort: Tablets
Key Ingredients: Levocetirizine
Suggested Age: 12-64 years

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