Allergy medicine for children

Over-the-counter vs prescription medication

An over-the-counter (OTC) drug is one that is judged to be safe, effective and simple to use without prescription from a doctor. Some common medications for kids’ allergy symptoms, including certain antihistamines and corticosteroids, are available OTC. But allergy is complex and different children experience it differently. Some need stronger medication that only a doctor can prescribe.

Making an appointment with your GP will help your child get the most appropriate treatment, which may change as they get older. Allergy testing may be necessary if you don’t have a diagnosis yet.¹  There could also be reasons to avoid a certain drug if your child has another condition and maybe takes medication already.³

The treatment journey for kids

Tackling airborne allergies early and keeping them under control may reduce the risk of kids developing asthma symptoms later.⁴ Avoiding their allergy trigger won’t always be possible but short-term relief like antihistamines or corticosteroids may still be enough to manage their symptoms. If not, allergy immunotherapy could be a long-term option to reduce those symptoms.

Let’s take a closer look at how the different medicines fit into this typical treatment journey.

Topical symptom relief for kids

Your child could have seasonal allergies to pollen or mold. Or indoor allergies to pet dander, dust mites, mold (again) or something else entirely. Symptom-relieving medicines tackle what’s going on inside them when they react to their trigger. Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory and reduce swelling.⁵ Antihistamines and mast cell stabilizers^6,7 block the histamine causing lots of their symptoms. If it’s mainly one part of their body that’s affected, then topical remedies could be the right choice.

Some medications are approved for infants and toddlers, others only from a certain age. Talk to your doctor and always read the information leaflet very carefully.

For a blocked, stuffy or itchy nose

There are corticosteroid nasal sprays⁸ and antihistamine nasal sprays for kids.⁹ You can also get combined antihistamine and steroid nasal sprays.¹⁰ Children can use decongestants but, like grown-ups, not for more than a few days.¹¹ Mast cell stabilizers also come in a nasal spray.¹² 

For teary red eyes

Younger children may be even less keen about eyedrops than nasal sprays. You might need to offer them a small reward. Lean your child back and ask them to look up. Hold their top eyelid open and gently pinch the lower one to make a little pocket to catch the liquid.⁷

For sore itchy skin

Corticosteroid creams, gels, ointments and lotions are common treatments to soothe atopic dermatitis (eczema) and insect stings.^5,15 They calm inflammation and itching and range from mild to very potent.¹⁶ There are non-steroid creams for treating children’s eczema too now.¹⁷ Ask your GP about them.

It’s important to improve skin barrier health too. An emollient will do that, as well as soothe your child’s soreness or itching.¹⁸

Ask your GP about this option if topical medicine isn’t working. Or if your child has a wider range of allergy symptoms. Corticosteroid tablets are less commonly given to children, as they can cause growth problems if taken for a long time.²³

Leukotriene modifiers counteract another chemical the body releases as a part of an allergic reaction.²⁴ They may be a back-up to a corticosteroid inhaler if children are struggling with lower respiratory symptoms.²⁴ Infants can have the granules from 6 months old.²⁵ There are tablets for older kids. Leukotriene modifiers can help older children with allergic rhinitis (hay fever) too.²⁶

Allergy immunotherapy can be given as tablets that quickly dissolve under the tongue or drops (SLIT) or as injections under the skin (SCIT). It depends on the type of allergy and the child’s age. Treatment time is 3 to 5 years.

• Immunotherapy tablets (SLIT) are taken daily, the first dose under medical supervision in the doctor's office and after that at home.
• Immunotherapy shots (SCIT) are always given at the doctor's office. This will be once or twice a week during the build-up phase as the amount of allergen gradually increases. When your child reaches the maintenance dose, injections are more spaced out.

Treatment time is 3 to 5 years but a child’s body may begin to get used to the allergen within a few months of starting immunotherapy.²⁷ You could find they already need less short-term allergy medication.²⁷ 

Does allergy medicine for children have side effects?

Most medications can have unwanted effects in some people under certain circumstances. It’s the same for children’s allergy medicines. The information leaflet will list potential side effects so that you know what to look out for.  

You may have heard about older types of antihistamine causing sleepiness.²⁸ These also carry a higher risk of adverse reactions in kids.²⁸ So non-drowsy second-generation antihistamines are preferred now.

Your GP can guide you through this.

Ideally, your child should carry two adrenaline devices with them at all times as one dose may not be enough.² And kids must still go to hospital even if the injection makes them feel better. This is in case of a secondary delayed anaphylactic reaction.²

Managing allergies and allergy medicines at school

Starting school can be an even bigger step for children with allergies. And for anxious parents. Your preparation starts well before their first day. If the school doesn’t ask about allergies, get in touch to explain and share your child’s allergy or asthma action plan. You’ll need to update this at the start of each year as medications and dosages can change.

You may have to fill in a form or write a letter of permission for the school to dispense or administer any allergy medications you take in for them. That could be symptom relief for year-round or seasonal allergies or treatments for use in an emergency. It is very important your little one knows how to get help quickly if they need adrenaline or a quick-relief inhaler in case of an asthma attack. 

We all want our kids to become happily and safely independent. At some point they will manage and carry their own allergy medicine, when they’re ready. This is something to discuss with your GP or allergist. 

The short version

Allergy medicine for kids may be the same drug as for adults but the dosage might be lower and instructions different. Effective treatments will depend on your child’s age, trigger and the severity of their symptoms. Options range from short-term symptom relief to allergy immunotherapy, which aims to retrain their immune system. Managing allergies at school can be a big step. Seek medical help and talk to the school so your child can have the allergy medications they need when they need them.