| Medicine | Youngest age on label | Child dose (from the label) |
|---|---|---|
| Nasacort | 2 | Adults and children 12 and over: 2 sprays in each nostril once daily. Once symptoms improve, reduce to 1 spray in each nostril daily. |
| Flonase | 4 | Adults and children 12 and over: Week 1: 2 sprays in each nostril once daily. Week 2 through 6 months: 1 or 2 sprays in each nostril once daily, as needed. Ask a doctor about use beyond 6 months of daily use. Children 4 to 11: 1 spray in each nostril once daily, with adult supervision, for the shortest time needed. Ask the child's doctor if needed more than two months a year. |
| Zyrtec | 6 | Adults and children 6 years and over: One 10 mg tablet once daily. Do not take more than one 10 mg tablet in 24 hours. The label notes a 5 mg product may be appropriate for less severe symptoms. |
| Claritin | 6 | Adults and children 6 years and over: 1 tablet daily. Not more than 1 tablet in 24 hours. |
| Xyzal | 6 | Adults and children 12 to 64: 1 tablet (5 mg) once daily in the evening. Not more than 1 tablet in 24 hours. Children 6 to 11: Half a tablet (2.5 mg) once daily in the evening. Not more than half a tablet in 24 hours. |
| Benadryl | 6 | Adults and children 12 and over: 1 to 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours. Not more than 6 doses in 24 hours. |
| Allegra | 12 | Adults and children 12 and older (24 Hour): One 180 mg tablet with water once a day. Not more than 1 tablet in 24 hours. Adults and children 12 and older (12 Hour): One 60 mg tablet with water every 12 hours. Not more than 2 tablets in 24 hours. |
Things to know
- Nasal steroid sprays carry a label warning that the growth rate of some children may be slower while using them, and ask you to check with the child's doctor if needed more than two months a year.
- Benadryl's label says excitability may occur, especially in children, and not to use it to make a child sleepy.
- For a child under the youngest age on the label, the label says ask a doctor or do not use.
This is a summary of labels, not medical advice. Ask your child's doctor or a pharmacist.
