Among children, various types of allergies are now common. Medications help to fight the characteristic symptoms. How to choose the right allergy medication? For children from one year old and older babies, specialists usually prescribe safe antihistamine drugs with a minimum of side effects. Let's take a closer look at the most effective of them.
Allergy symptoms
With increased sensitivity in a child to the effects of external or internal factors, they speak of the development of an allergy. This disease is becoming more and more common these days. Moreover, not only babies with a hereditary predisposition suffer, but also those whose parents do not have a similar diagnosis in their anamnesis.
The symptoms of an allergic reaction in children can be very diverse. Most often, rashes appear on the skin, an increased secretion of a transparent secret from the nose begins to disturb, there is a sore throat andcough. The greatest danger is Quincke's edema and anaphylaxis. The first pathological phenomenon prevents normal breathing due to swelling of the mucous membranes, the second causes heart and respiratory failure.
How can I help my child?
Usually, a child's allergy is treated with antihistamines, which should be selected together with the doctor. The composition of such drugs contains a substance that will block the production of histamine in the body upon contact with the allergen. In addition, it is important to eliminate contact with the irritant. Otherwise, drug therapy will be ineffective.
Special diagnostics helps to detect the allergen. For this, skin tests, provocative and elimination tests are carried out, blood is examined for the presence of specific antibodies.
Allergy medicines for children
The names of many drugs with antihistamine action are known to most parents of babies. They are often prescribed in the treatment of other medicines to prevent the development of an allergic reaction or for food allergies. The pharmaceutical industry offers three generations of these drugs.
First-generation antihistamine drugs have a very long list of side effects and are now being used less and less. These include Dimedrol, Suprastin, Tavegil, Fenkarol. They are able to alleviate the condition only for 4-6 hours and at the same time often cause side effects in the formdrowsiness, increased sensation of thirst, indigestion, tachycardia. Such allergy drugs for children from a year and older were prescribed earlier. To date, experts prefer safer antihistamines.
The second generation of antiallergic medicines have a longer therapeutic effect. Most of them suppress the onset of allergy symptoms for 24 hours, which allows them to be taken only once a day. They do not affect consciousness and do not cause drowsiness. The most effective include such means as "Loratadin", "Zirtek", "Telfast", "Cetrin", "Allergodil". Second-generation antihistamines are great for itchiness and are often recommended for chickenpox to reduce discomfort.
New generation anti-allergy drugs for children are the most modern and safe. They have the longest therapeutic effect and do not adversely affect the functioning of the heart, kidneys, and liver. Some of this category of drugs are even allowed to be taken during pregnancy. Third-generation antihistamines include:
- "Fexofenadine".
- "Levociterizine".
- "Ebastine".
- "Desal".
- "Erius".
- "Deslorothadine".
- "Suprastinex".
- "Alerzin".
- "Xizal".
- "Allegra".
What to take with foodallergies?
Antiallergic drugs for children with food allergies will help relieve acute symptoms of the disease. It is best to give third and second generation drugs to avoid the development of side effects. They are prescribed in combination with a sparing diet, sorbents and enzymes.
Before starting therapy, the child must be shown to an allergist who can confirm the diagnosis and select the most optimal treatment regimen. It is recommended to contact a specialist already at the first signs of a violation of the immune system. Symptoms of a food allergy are skin rashes in the form of red spots, itching, and an upset digestive tract. Swelling of the mucous membranes is the most dangerous sign in which you should immediately call an ambulance for your child.
Preparations in syrup form
For children 2 years old, allergy medications in the form of pills (tablets) are quite problematic to give. Therefore, it is worth paying attention to antihistamines in the form of syrups. The composition of such drugs usually contains various additives and flavors that improve the taste. However, it should be remembered that these same components can cause a negative reaction of the immune system, that is, an allergy.
Antiallergic syrups such as "Claritin", "Erius", "L-Cet", "Loratadin" are quite effective. The dosage is selected depending on the age or weight of the baby.
"Suprastin" for children
Some antiallergic drugs have been used in pediatric practice for a long time and have proven themselves only on the positive side. One of these "proven" means is "Suprastin". This is a rather strong medication and therefore it is better not to give it to a child without first consulting a doctor.
Indications for the appointment of "Suprastin" are the following symptoms:
- allergic conjunctivitis;
- urticaria;
- itchy skin;
- allergic rhinitis;
- atopic dermatitis;
- swelling of the skin after an insect bite;
- contact dermatitis.
The main active ingredient in the composition of the drug is chloropyramine hydrochloride. The component is a first-generation antihistamine, but it rarely causes side effects.
"Suprastin" is one of the few drugs that can suppress the development of allergy symptoms within 15-20 minutes after ingestion. The drug is available in tablet form and as a solution for injection.
Dosage
Allergy medicines for children of the first (I) generation are usually prescribed in tablets. The specialist determines the dosage of the amount of the active substance individually for each baby.
Tablets "Suprastin" instruction recommends giving to children from the age of three, but experts often prescribe them with the condition of reducing the daily dose. Yes, babythe first year of life (starting from one month) can be given in the fourth part of one tablet per day. From two years, the dosage is increased to 1/3 part (twice a day). A three-year-old child is shown to take half a tablet twice a day.
You should carefully monitor the dosage of the drug, because its excess can have negative consequences. An overdose can be determined by symptoms such as psychomotor agitation, ataxia, hallucinations, dryness of the oral mucosa, tachycardia. If a child has similar signs, seek qualified help as soon as possible.
"Loratadine": description of the remedy
Classic allergy medications for children from one year old will never lose their relevance. An example of this is the well-known remedy "Loratadin", produced in the form of tablets and syrup. The composition contains an active substance of the same name, which, if the recommended dosage is observed, does not cause a sedative effect.
The drug will be effective for seasonal and year-round hay fever, allergic conjunctivitis, atopic and contact dermatitis, urticaria, bronchial asthma.
Syrup suitable for children 2 years old. The drug for allergies in the form of tablets should be prescribed to patients whose weight is more than 30 kg. 1 ml of syrup contains 1 mg of loratadine. For children from 2 years old, it is recommended to give 5 ml (one scoop) of funds per day. With a child weighing more than 30 kg, the dosage is increased to 10 ml. Alsoin this case, you can give "Loratadine" in tablets.
Cautions
Antihistamine medication is not prescribed for children with kidney failure. The active ingredient can retain urine in the body, which can lead to intoxication.
Also contraindications include intolerance to the components of syrup and Loratadine tablets, hypersensitivity to lactase.
Side effects in the form of a rash, drowsiness, increased fatigue, an anti-allergy drug for children most often causes intolerance to the components in the composition.
"Erius" for allergies
One of the newest antihistamines is Erius. The active ingredient in the composition is desloratadine. The substance is an active metabolite of the previously known loratadine, has a long-term therapeutic effect and blocks histamine receptors. A significant advantage of this medication is the lack of influence on the functionality of the central nervous system.
The antihistamine medicine belongs to the third generation and differs from its predecessors in its prolonged effect. It will help to cope with various allergy symptoms: sneezing, tearing, coughing, skin rashes, flushing, nasal discharge, nasal congestion.
Among other drugs for the treatment of allergies in children, Erius is considered (according to experts) one of the safest. Meanspractically does not cause side effects. The only exceptions are cases of individual intolerance to the active ingredient or excipients.
How to use
Syrup is the most preferred form of medication for treating babies. Doctors recommend giving tablets to children only after 12 years of age to avoid the negative effects of the drug.
Babies of the first year of life "Erius" in syrup are given 2 ml. A dose increased to 2.5 ml is prescribed for children from 1 to 5 years of age. 5 ml of the drug for allergies can be given to children after six years. Take "Erius" once a day. The course lasts an average of three weeks. However, in mild cases, a week of taking the drug may be enough.
Contraindications and side effects
Even the best allergy medications for children can provoke the development of an inadequate reaction from the body's defense system. Despite the fact that the composition of Erius has been improved, side effects such as diarrhea, drying of the mucous membranes, insomnia, increased fatigue, and tachycardia may occur.
The main contraindication is hypersensitivity to desloratadine, the age of children under 6 months, impaired digestibility of galactose and glucose, lack of sucrose. Be sure to adjust the dose of the drug if the patient has renal failure.
Tavegil
Effective Swiss antiallergic agent "Tavegil" belongs to the first generation of histamine receptor blockers. ATThe composition contains such an active substance as clemastine (an ethanolamine derivative). The drug does not cause drowsiness, but at the same time it has sedative, m-anticholinergic properties.
"Tavegil" can be purchased in the form of syrup and tablets. Both forms of the drug are used in pediatric practice. The syrup can be given to babies from 12 months. The dosage recommended by the manufacturer is 2.5 ml per day. An allergy drug for children 8 years old is prescribed 10 ml. The dose should be divided into two doses. In tablets "Tavegil" in pediatrics is used from the age of 6. A single dose for children 6-12 years old is half a tablet per day.
The drug will be effective for dermatosis and dermatitis, eczema, urticaria, tissue swelling after insect bites. Tablets and syrup quickly relieve discomfort in the form of itching, redness, swelling.
The drug is not prescribed for pathologies of the lower respiratory system - pneumonia, bronchitis, bronchial asthma. In parallel with Tavegil, it is forbidden to take medicines that depress the activity of the nervous system.
"Zodak" and "Zirtek": reviews
Which allergy medications for children have earned the special trust of parents? Such medicines are Zodak (Czech Republic) and Zirtek (Switzerland). Despite the fact that they belong to the second generation of antihistamines, they are currently prescribed to babies much more often than other drugs. These drugs are based on a substance such as cetirizine dihydrochloride.
Drugs are especially effective for seasonal rhinitis, conjunctivitis, urticaria, hay fever, dermatitis, Quincke's edema. The therapeutic effect appears after 30-60 minutes.
For children 8 years old, Zodak and Zyrtec allergy drugs are usually prescribed in the form of tablets. The daily dose should not exceed 10 mg of cetirezine dihydrochloride, i.e. 1 tablet. Do not increase dosage.
In the form of drops "Zirtek" can be prescribed to babies from six months, and "Zodak" only from 12 months. Syrups are intended for children after 2 years.
When is it forbidden to appoint?
For children from one year old, allergy medications should be given exclusively in the form of drops. In case of individual hypersensitivity to any of the components in the composition of the preparations, their use should be abandoned. Prescribe antihistamines with caution in renal failure.
Drowsiness, dyspepsia, headaches, fatigue, rashes on the skin are symptoms of side effects of Zodak and Zirtek drugs.
"Claritin" for children
For children from one year old, allergy medications should be given with caution. Some of them may not have a therapeutic effect, while others may cause side effects. One of the most popular drugs with the "correct" therapeutic effect is Claritin. A second-generation antihistamine based on loratadine is produced by a Belgian pharmaceutical company in the formtablets and syrup.
The remedy well relieves itching caused by allergies, eliminates rashes on the skin, stops sneezing attacks. It is recommended to be taken by children suffering from seasonal rhinitis, idiopathic urticaria. The syrup is suitable for babies from two years. Tablets can only be taken by children (teenagers) over 12 years of age.
It should be borne in mind that in the treatment of "Claritin" cases of side effects are recorded quite often. Such a condition can manifest itself in the form of disorders of the digestive system, drowsiness, severe fatigue, headache.
Who is Alerzin suitable for?
What is the best drug for allergies to give a child with hives? One of the most effective means is Alerzin, a third-generation H-1-histamine receptor blocker based on levocetirizine. The active ingredient reduces vascular permeability, stops the release of inflammatory mediators and significantly reduces the migration of eosinophils. At the same time, the drug has practically no anticholinergic and antiserotonin effects, which significantly reduces the risk of side effects.
Drops "Alerzin" instruction allows you to appoint children from 6 months. You can take the remedy regardless of food. Babies from 6 to 12 months are given 5 drops of an antihistamine. The daily dose of levocetirizine for children from 1 year to 6 years is 10 drops. 20 drops of "Alerzin" are taken by children over 6 years old. At this age, the drug in the form of tablets is suitable for the child.
Duration andtreatment features
Allergy medicines for children are used on an ongoing basis only in cases of a chronic course of the disease. If the symptoms of a malfunction of the immune system occur periodically, there is no need for constant drug exposure.
Children under 6 years of age should take allergy medicine in the form of drops. This allows you to accurately control the dosage of the active ingredient and, if necessary, adjust it.
