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Child Is Autistic And Has Allergies. Getting Temporary Relief From Medicine. Effective Medication?

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Posted on Fri, 8 Mar 2013
Question: My granddaughter is l5 years old, weighs around 118, is autistic and has allergies. The doctor prescribed use of either zyrtec or clairitin and 50 mcg of fluticasone propionate nasal spray. It worked for a while, but isn't working lately. Am wondering if I can use a stronger antihistamine than the zyrtec or clairitin and what would that be?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (18 minutes later)
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic

Zyrtec and Claritin are second generation anti histamine. The original or first generation antihistamines are stronger but are associated with drowsiness which is why the second generation was created.
She can use one of the first generation antihistamine such as benadryl which contains an antihistamine called diphenyhdramine. It is more likely to make her sleepy however but would provide greater relief of symptoms.

In addition, you can consider allergy testing to determine exactly what she is allergic to so that she can avoid that particular allergen if possible.
The recurrence of symptoms may be because of increased exposure to the allergen.

i hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (10 minutes later)
She has also been prescribed singular, but know that takes time to build up in your body. Don't know if it will work or not once it is built up, and will she be taking that forever? Also on first question, why not two zyrtec. Would that help?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (17 minutes later)
Singulair is a good medication that would stop the histamine from being released in the first place. It would take about 24 hrs before an effect is seen.
Two zyrtec cannot be used because it would be an overdose of that particular medication.
Each medication has a specific half life (time taken for its concentration to decrease by half in the blood), if used in excess then it tends to build up in the blood and would be associated with increase in side effects.

Please feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (10 minutes later)
A druggist said singular would take a month to build up. That is too long. Your answer is more helpful and can you explain why someone would say a month?
Would she have to take this forever or as long as she has the allergy?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (11 minutes later)
It does not take a month, the prescribing information states that it takes up to 3 to 4 hrs for peak effect but we normally say at least 24hrs because this can vary in some persons.
I am not sure why some one would say a month, if it took so long , it would almost make no sense taking it..

She would have to take for as long as she is highly exposed to the allergen. In some persons the allergic response diminishes and medication can be decreased.

Please feel free to ask any thing else
Note: For further information on diet changes to reduce allergy symptoms or to boost your immunity, Ask here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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Child Is Autistic And Has Allergies. Getting Temporary Relief From Medicine. Effective Medication?

Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic

Zyrtec and Claritin are second generation anti histamine. The original or first generation antihistamines are stronger but are associated with drowsiness which is why the second generation was created.
She can use one of the first generation antihistamine such as benadryl which contains an antihistamine called diphenyhdramine. It is more likely to make her sleepy however but would provide greater relief of symptoms.

In addition, you can consider allergy testing to determine exactly what she is allergic to so that she can avoid that particular allergen if possible.
The recurrence of symptoms may be because of increased exposure to the allergen.

i hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions