Antihistamine drugs are called medicines used in the treatment of allergic diseases of different etiologies. Treatment of allergic reactions in young children necessarily requires consultation with a specialist. Only a doctor can choose the appropriate antihistamine drug and calculate a non-hazardous dose of the drug.
There are antihistamines of the first, second and third generation.
Antihistamines of the 1st generation
Suprastin - has a pronounced antihistamine effect, easily penetrates the blood-brain barrier. Its use in children is allowed. Side effect: drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, general weakness, tacarcia, delayed urination. The dose of the drug varies from the age of the child. Assign ingestion and intramuscular injection.
Dimedrol is an effective antihistamine. Has local anesthetic and sedative effect, reduces spasm of smooth muscles. Side effect of Dimedrol: dry skin, tachycardia, drowsiness, constipation, headache, which is associated with ease of penetration through the blood-brain barrier. Assign ingestion and intramuscular injection. The dose varies from the age of the child.
Clemastin (analogue of Tavegil) is the most effective drug from the known antihistamine drugs of the 1st generation, which are allowed for the treatment of children. Has a long lasting effect. Clemastine does not pass the blood-brain barrier, so it does not have a sedative effect.
Peritol - characterized by a good antihistamine property, but a strong sedative effect, as it easily passes through the blood-brain barrier, Assign to children from 2 years and older.
Fenkarol - the original drug for the treatment of allergies, is used in children. Does not pass through the blood-brain barrier, has a moderate anti-arrhythmic effect.
Diazolin - is characterized by a pronounced antihistamine activity. Has no sedative effect, it is well tolerated. Assign intake in a dose appropriate to the age of the child.
Antihistamines of the 2nd generation
Prescribed to children with caution, since they can have adverse effects on the liver and cardiovascular system.
The most common drug approved for use in children is ketotifen. Assign to children aged 6 months and older. Take inside during meals in a dose corresponding to the weight of the child. It is well tolerated, suitable for long-term use in patients with atopic dermatitis, bronchial asthma, chronic and acute urticaria. Side effect: dry mouth, sedation, drowsiness, increased appetite.
Antihistamines of the 3rd generation
Zirtek (an analogue of Cetirizine) - is characterized by pronounced antihistamine action. It leads to inhibition of both early and late allergic reaction. Reduces the hyperactivity of the bronchi, which reduces the development of their secretion and improves the overall well-being of the patient. The drug can be taken a long course, as the habituation does not occur, the therapeutic effect does not weaken. It is prescribed for children from 6 months and older. The manufacturer's instructions indicate that the drug does not cause drowsiness, but such cases are described based on clinical practice.
Loratadine or Claritin is one of the most common drugs for treating allergic reactions in children. Its main advantage is the possibility of using in an acute period for rapid relief of allergic seizures, and in long-term treatment. Due to this property, claritin is used as a basic therapy for allergic rhinitis, hay fever, and allergic conjunctivitis. The drug does not lead to bronchospasm, drowsiness or dryness of the mucous membranes. Calarithin can be prescribed for children 2 years and older. Form release - syrup and tablets.
Kestin - is characterized by the same therapeutic effect, as described for the drug Zirtek.