Children get hay fever, dust-mite and pet allergies too, and the itching, sneezing and poor sleep can affect school and mood. The good news: the same non-drowsy antihistamines adults use come in children’s versions. The key is choosing the right form and dose for your child’s age.
Non-drowsy antihistamines for children
- Cetirizine (Zyrtec): children 6 and over usually take 5 or 10 mg once a day. A children’s liquid is used for ages 2 to 5.
- Loratadine (Claritin): children 6 and over take 10 mg once a day. A children’s liquid or chewable is used for ages 2 to 5.
- Fexofenadine (Allegra): children 6 to 11 take 30 mg twice a day. Children’s formulas exist for younger ages.
Always use the product and measuring device made for children, and follow the label for your child’s age. Under 2 years old, don’t give any allergy medicine without a doctor’s advice.
Why to avoid older, sedating antihistamines
Older antihistamines such as diphenhydramine cause drowsiness, and in some children they cause the opposite: restlessness and agitation. Don’t use them to help a child sleep. The newer non-drowsy options above are generally preferred for allergies.
Tips that reduce symptoms
- Give the antihistamine at the same time each day during allergy season, ideally before symptoms peak.
- Wash your child’s hands and face after outdoor play, and change their clothes.
- Keep bedroom windows closed on high-pollen days.
- Wash bedding weekly in hot water to reduce dust mites.
- Keep pets out of your child’s bedroom if pet dander is a trigger.
When to see a doctor
- Wheezing, coughing at night, or shortness of breath. These can be signs of asthma.
- Symptoms that don’t improve with an antihistamine
- Frequent ear or sinus infections
- Your child is under 2
- To arrange allergy testing if you’re not sure what the trigger is
Call emergency services if a child has swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, trouble breathing, or becomes floppy or drowsy after eating a food or being stung.
For adults and children 6+
Our 10 mg tablets are for adults and children 6 and over: Zyrtec, Claritin and Alavert. Read our Zyrtec vs Claritin vs Allegra comparison.
More in our Allergies guide: all our articles and products on this topic in one place.
This article is for general information only and isn’t a substitute for advice from a doctor or pharmacist. Always read the label before using any medicine.