Allergy medications are available in many formulations to help soothe a child’s allergy-related symptoms. Pills, syrups, nasal sprays, inhalers, eye drops and creams are just some of the methods used to deliver these treatments.

Many children benefit from these medications, which can treat itchy eyes, runny nose, breathing difficulties and other symptoms. However, parents and physicians must weigh whether medication is truly the best approach to treating a child’s symptoms.

For example, it may be possible to treat the symptoms of some children simply by reducing their exposure to certain allergens. In such cases, a prescription for an antihistamine or a course of expensive, time-consuming allergy shots (immunotherapy) may be unwarranted.

However, in other cases, allergy medications may be the best way to reduce a child’s symptoms. Parents should never give any over-the-counter or prescription medication to their child without first consulting a physician. Allergy medications can interact with other medications the child may be taking, and side effects of these drugs can be more severe for children than they are for adults. Physicians can determine if the medication is safe for the child, and at what dose.  

Many allergy medications are available in doses appropriate for children. As a child enters adolescence, adult dosages of medications may be more appropriate for their needs.

Some allergy drugs are to be taken after symptoms appear (called “reliever” medications), while others are taken regularly as a preventative measure to ward off future reactions (called “controller” medications).

Various drugs treat different aspects of an allergic reaction. Sometimes, the drugs may be used in combination to treat various symptoms.

Physicians consider a number of factors when selecting allergy medication for a child, including:

• Child’s age
• Child’s overall health
• Child’s medical history
• Severity of child’s allergic reactions
• Child’s tolerance for medications
• Other medications the child is taking
• Parent’s personal preferences

A child may need to use more than one type of allergy medication before the most effective form of treatment is found.