“Is Zyrtec or Claritin better for a child?”

In general, Claritin and Zyrtec are long acting antihistamines. Claritin is dosed once a day with only a 3% sedation effect. Zyrtec can be dosed once or twice a day. Most kids seem to do better on a twice a day regimen. 20% of kids starting Zyrtec will have sedating side effect experience. I usually recommend families to pair antihistamines with the family genetics/ allergy history. So if dad has allergies and does better on Claritin, then I would recommend Claritin as first trial for his childs allergies. Dr Connolly

There is no definite answer to this question. Each patient including children find different antihistamines effective. You will have to try them and compare your child's response. They are both safe for children  Monika Korff, MDFACAAIoffice-410-730-6000www.allergyasthmamaryland.com

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Both Zyrtec (cetirizine) and Claritin (loratadine) are commonly used antihistamines for treating seasonal allergies in children. However, the effectiveness of each medication can vary from child to child, and some children may respond better to one over the other.

Here are some key points to consider when choosing between Zyrtec and Claritin for your daughter:

Effectiveness: Studies have shown that both Zyrtec and Claritin are effective in relieving symptoms of seasonal allergies such as sneezing, runny nose, itching, and watery eyes. However, individual responses may vary, so it's possible that one medication may work better for your daughter than the other.

Duration of Action: Zyrtec is generally known to have a longer duration of action compared to Claritin. Zyrtec is typically taken once daily, while Claritin may need to be taken twice daily for some children to maintain effectiveness.

Sedation: Claritin is considered to have a lower risk of causing drowsiness compared to Zyrtec. While both medications are generally considered non-sedating, some children may experience drowsiness with Zyrtec, especially at higher doses.

Age: Both Zyrtec and Claritin are approved for use in children as young as 2 years old, but it's essential to follow the dosage recommendations based on your daughter's age and weight.

Side Effects: Both medications are usually well-tolerated, but some children may experience mild side effects such as headache, stomach upset, or dry mouth. Serious side effects are rare but can occur.

Ultimately, the choice between Zyrtec and Claritin for your daughter should be made in consultation with her pediatrician or healthcare provider. They can consider her individual medical history, allergies, any other medications she may be taking, and other factors to determine which medication may be the most suitable and effective for her specific needs.

Generally, Claritin is less effective but has fewer side effects, and Zyrtec is more effective but has more side effects.

Specific recommendations need to come from a local pharmacist or healthcare provider. See if you can find a locally owned pharmacy nearby and call and ask so the pharmacist get get necessary background on your daughter and give you some good answers!