Allergies such as allergic rhinitis or hay fever are common in children. Allergies may be treated with antihistamines and decongestants that are available over the counter. Some children may require the use of prescription medications such as corticosteroids or anti-leukotrienes. All medications, including children's allergy medicine, may have adverse effects, depending upon the particular type of medicine.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines are used to block histamine which causes allergy symptoms such as runny nose, itching and sneezing. Older antihistamines such as diphenhydramine and dexchlorpheniramine have anti-cholinergic and Central Nervous System (CNS) side effects such as dry mouth and sedation. Newer, non-sedating antihistamines including loratidine and cetirizine cause few side effects because they do not have anti-cholinergic activity and do not affect the CNS as much. Some children are uncomfortable with the drowsiness associated with antihistamine use and may become irritable; consequently, non-sedating antihistamines may be better for them.
Decongestants
Nasal decongestants such as pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine are given to children to reduce nasal stuffiness sometimes associated with allergies. They may cause an increased heart rate and blood pressure, particularly in those with heart problems. Excitability, hyperactivity and difficulty sleeping, along with irritability may be seen in some children, as well.
Corticosteroids
Nasal corticosteroid sprays such as fluticasone work to treat nasal allergies by reducing nasal inflammation and may be prescribed for children as young as the age of 2. Nasal steroids have minimal side effects, but may cause mild nasal irritation on application. In addition, nasal steroids may increase the chance of developing thrush, a yeast infection of the mouth; consequently, application to the nose should be followed by rinsing of the mouth. In severe cases of acute allergic reaction, a physician may prescribe a short treatment with oral anti-inflammatory corticosteroid medications such as prednisolone or methylprednisolone. Short term use of oral corticosteroids may cause gastrointestinal upset which can be minimized by taking them with food.
Anti-leukotrienes
Anti-leukotrienes such as montelukast are prescription products used for the treatment of allergies and other respiratory conditions such as asthma in children as young as 12 months of age. They work differently to treat allergies by blocking the release of histamine and may cause side effects in children such as sore throat, runny nose and other adverse effects such as irritability, anxiousness and insomnia. In some rare cases, they may increase the chance for suicidal thoughts or behaviors, particularly in children or adolescents with depression.
