My little 21 month old takes 2.5 ml of zyrtec everyday and has done so for the past 6 -8 months or so.......he does some allergies but conclusive testing can't be done until he is 5. I do suffer from bad allergies and have had sinus issues all my life so I guess it could be genetic....we were also giving him Nasonex - 2 sprays in each nostril once day. His dr said we could try stopping the Nasonex in June and see how he does......so we stopped the Nasonex and he pretty much has been congested since then....as I am trying t figure out how to best handle this for my child, I was wondering if there are moms out there whose kids have used Zyrtec and Nasonex long term and if they have noticed any side effects....
TIA!
There are a few articles on this link with some alternative ideas related to allergies. Just scroll down a bit and you will see them. They were pretty eye opening for me.
http://www.akashacenter.com/newsletter.html
My son, now 10, takes Zyrtec, Singulair, and Nasonex. During the months that his allergies are not as bad we back off to just the Zyrtec. We have just recently started up with everything again because Fall allergies seem to be the worst for him.
The only side effect that I have noticed is that with the nasal spray especially, his nose gets really dry and he has nose bleeds.
M
The only thing I will add is that my allergist told me that nasonex needs to "build" in your system in order for it to be effective.
Zyrtec has a "life" of 24 hours in your body. So you take 1 pill and it's only effective for 24 hours. Then you take another one and it's effective for 24 hours.
However, nasonex works differently. So, if you stop and start and have inconsistent use it's not effective at all. My doctor said they PREFER the nasonex to the pill. That the nasonex will be more direct and more effective over the long run.
My son was on Zyrtec one day and he was completely out of control, behavior wise. He couldnt control his actions. So no Zyrtec long term for us.
Personally I would try saline for starters to see if that helps the congestion.
My son doesn't use Nasonex, just kids saline. Make sure it is the mist kind, Little Noses brand, because hurts less in his nose. Since 2 (now 4) he has done it himself with my help. He fought it otherwise. Eagerly did it "by himself". As for Zyrtec, it doesn't work for my son in spring & summer. Only Benedryl works. I get Walgreen's brand, dye-free bubblegum flavor. Taste tests by this 4 y/o say this one tastes best.
Another added support we have is regular Chiropractic care which helps him need less medication over course of year than before.
My kids seem to be allergy free - but I've had terrible allergies my whole life.
(Zyrtec doesn't work on me...)
For me, the Nasal steroids have been enough to help. I haven't needed anything in pill form as long as I'm on a nasal steroid.
So I'm wondering if the reverse advice from your doctor would be better...it's all trial and error.
If congestoin/itchy nose and eyes are the root of his allergy issues (and not asthma), I might try just the Nasonex, and drop the Zyrtec to see if that works.
The other option is to look into something like a Singular or Claritin.
Not all allergy drugs work on all people. Some work better, or don't wory at all.
For me, I've been on steroids nearly my entire life, and I've never had any side effects that I'm aware of while changing meds or transitioning off of something. The doctor's point of view for me has always been that it's better to breathe and be medicated, than struggling and miserable.
I don't know if the nasal steroids have the same effect as oral ones do but I would back off that IF you can. I've taken it and my nose does crack and bleed. Right now I'm on Zyrtec but the last few days the sneezing has started, hayfever is here or around the corner. It doesn't seem to be doing it. Our grandchildren are on nasal sprays, oral medication and the whole bit. They seem fine right now but I worry about down the road as steroids can cause osteoporosis long term. And other side effects. I had a brother on oral steroids for years with asthma and it does have side effects. Ask the doctor about the effects of the nasal spray long term. Or I'd call a pharmacist as they know even bettter probably. Some of our grandchildren also take Zyrtec with Singulair and that helps them. But they are older now. Call a pharmacist and get their opinion and then see your doctor based on what they advise.
Sounds like his allergies may have been controlled under both the Zyrtec and Nasonex. Maybe you ought to consider putting him back on the Nasonex.
If that fails than you may want to take him to an allergist. I've heard that the blood tests are unreliable until about 10/11 but the skin tests are accurate.
My kids (as well as myself) have used allergy medications long term with no side effects.
