Do i need to take claritin everyday6/23/2023 ![]() However, Ejnes warns against the long-term use of antihistamines with decongestants-which are usually labeled with a “D" after the brand name-such as Benadryl-D or Claritin-D. Ejnes, MD, MACP, a board-certified internal medicine specialist and chair of the American Board of Internal Medicine. If you have hay fever or eye allergies from pollen exposure, you might be taking daily over-the-counter antihistamines for symptom relief.īut is it safe to be taking allergy medications every day? We asked allergy experts for their advice.įor people with year-round symptoms, taking allergy medications every day may be necessary and it's safe, according to Yul D. Warming temperatures have increased pollen concentration and prolonged allergy seasons. This is an option for families who prefer not to use steroids, but it has to be administered 4 times per day for best coverage.Newer antihistamines like Allegra and Claritin are generally safe for daily use.īut allergy medications with decongestants, such as Claritin-D or Benadryl-D, could make your allergies worse with long-term use.Īn allergist or immunologist can offer alternative treatments such as immunotherapy or allergen desensitization. NasalCrom - This medication is not a steroid, but a mast cell stabilizer. Rhinocort - Very similar to Flonase/Nasocort OTC, but typically more expensive. Slightly more systemic absorption than the active ingredient than Flonase. Nasocort OTC - A cheaper scent-free/alcohol-free option. Flonase Sensimyst is approved for 2-yr+ which is scent-free and alcohol-free. For best results, begin sprays 1-2 weeks before the season begins.įlonase - Some additional help for allergic eye symptoms vs Nasonex, with less systemic absorption. Unlike antihistamines, nasal sprays take up to 2 weeks of daily use for symptom relief, and need to be taken daily for the entire season. The main differences are side effects, like taste. No studies have shown significant differences in efficacy between the nasal steroids. In fact, many allergists consider nasal steroids the thing to try for persisting allergy symptoms. Nasal steroids are the best for congestion and stuffy noses. Most OTC nasal sprays contain a small amount of steroid to decrease swelling. Learn more about the concerns about Benadryl in this post. **Benadryl - Benadryl is no longer recommended for seasonal allergy management due to risk of sedation, cardiac complication, and overdose risk. Approved for kids 2 yrs and older.Ĭlaritin - Less sedating than Zyrtec, but takes longer to work (3 hours.) Clarinex has the same active ingredient as Claritin, so save your money. Zyrtec and Claritin), but slightly less effective and shorting acting so offered twice a day. Xyzal has the same active ingredient as Zyrtec, so save your money.Īllegra - Least sedating (vs. Zyrtec can be given to children as young as 6 months of age, with caution for drowsiness. ![]() Zyrtec - More likely to be cause drowsiness than Claritin, but quicker onset of action (1 hour.) Slightly more effective than Allegra. Antihistamines are best for mild, intermittent symptoms. These meds work quickly they can be used on and off throughout the allergy season. This class of medication is great for itching and drippy noses, but not great for stuffy noses and congestion. ![]() If your baby has a runny nose this time of year, it’s likely a from a viral cold.Ĭommonly available OTC allergy medications: Oral Medications (antihistamines)Īntihistamines block histamine from attaching to itch-producing, snot-making cells. Infants (under 1 year) very rarely get seasonal allergies. Keeping windows closed on windy days, nasal saline rinses, and removing shoes/changing clothes soon after arriving home can all help decrease allergen exposure. Of the OTC meds, most allergists recommend nasal sprays as first-line therapy due to their effectiveness and minimal side effects.ĭon't forget other ways to decrease environmental allergens and help symptoms. Be sure to choose a medication for your child’s symptoms (see advice below) since not all OTC meds work the same. In fact, most kids can be treated entirely by OTC meds when the correct medication and dosing is provided. There are very effective treatments for seasonal allergies available without a prescription. Pollen levels are highest in the morning hours on windy days, and counts drop after a good rain. Even without trees in your yard, allergy symptoms can be present. Remember that pollen can travel many miles in the air. The spring season is dominated by tree pollens and flowering plants, followed by grass and weed pollen later in the summer. Seasonal allergies are usually the worst in the spring. ![]()
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