Antihistamines

• Give antihistamines continuously during pollen season (continuously is the key to control).
• Chlorpheniramine (e.g., chlortrimeton) products are effective and don't need a prescription. Any antihistamine you have will do, but some may cause more drowsiness.
• See dosage charts for chlorpheniramine or benadryl.
• The bedtime dosage is especially important for healing the lining of the nose. (Benadryl is a good choice for bedtime)
• Long-acting products (less dosages per day) and combination antihistamine-decongestant products (less sedating) may be more helpful.
• Loratadine: Newer antihistamine that causes less sedation and lasts 24 hours (over-the-counter in 2003).
  • Dosage: 10 mg tablet once daily in morning (orally dissolving tablet also available)
  • Indication: weight over 66 pounds (30 kg) AND drowsiness from Benadryl or chlorpheniramine interferes with school
  • Limitation: doesn't control hay fever as well as older antihistamines.
  • Cost: store brand usually costs half the Claritin brand
• Benadryl: If the runny nose and itchy eyes are out of control and your child is taking long-acting antihistamines, give 1 dose of Benadryl (see dosage table) to stabilize your child.