Is Allegra Safe for My 6-Year-Old with Allergic Rhinitis?

Q: Is Allegra Safe for My 6-Year-Old with Allergic Rhinitis?

Hello： I can sense your anxiety from your message. <br>The medication Allegra works by being rapidly absorbed after administration, with less than 5% metabolized in the body. <br>It is a new generation antihistamine. <br>It has no side effects on the heart or liver. <br>Unlike ol

Medications for allergic rhinitis and nosebleeds include: 1. Antihistamines: These help relieve symptoms of allergic rhinitis, such as sneezing and runny nose. Common options include cetirizine, loratadine, and fexofenadine. 2. Nasal

Hello, my daughter is 6 years old and has an allergic constitution.
Recently, she experienced severe nosebleeds and visited the hospital.
The doctor prescribed Allegra (60 mg) 0.5 tablet twice a day and Transamin (250 mg) 0.5 tablet twice a day.
I found online that Allegra is indicated for adults and children over 12 years old.
Since my daughter is only 6, can she take this medication? She has been taking it for 4 days now, but the effects have not been as significant as the doctor mentioned.
Is it possible that this medication is not suitable for her? Thank you for your explanation! Grace

grace, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2004/06/21

Dr. Hou Fangmin reply Pharmacology

Hello: I can sense your anxiety from your message.
The medication Allegra works by being rapidly absorbed after administration, with less than 5% metabolized in the body.
It is a new generation antihistamine.
It has no side effects on the heart or liver.
Unlike older antihistamines, it does not produce cardiac toxicity or cause arrhythmias; it also does not have sedative side effects and does not burden heart or liver function.

Indications for use include allergic rhinitis, relief of seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms in adults and children over 12 years old, and chronic spontaneous urticaria.
This medication is commonly used for desensitization in individuals with allergies.
Although the literature does not specify its use in children under 12 years old, many physicians have extensive clinical experience with it.
If you find it ineffective, please communicate with your physician.
I hope this response addresses your concerns.
Thank you for your guidance.
If you have any questions, feel free to call 22294411-2128; I am happy to assist you.

Reply Date: 2004/06/21

More Info

Allegra, known generically as fexofenadine, is a second-generation antihistamine commonly used to treat allergic rhinitis and chronic urticaria (hives). It is effective in alleviating symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy or watery eyes. While Allegra is primarily indicated for adults and children aged 12 years and older, it can be prescribed to younger children under certain circumstances, depending on the clinical judgment of the healthcare provider.

In your case, your 6-year-old daughter has been prescribed Allegra (60 mg) at a dosage of 0.5 tablets twice a day (bid), along with Transamin (aminocaproic acid) for her severe nosebleeds. It's understandable to be concerned about the safety and efficacy of Allegra for a child of her age, especially since the official labeling suggests it is not typically recommended for children under 12. However, many healthcare providers may use their clinical experience to prescribe medications off-label when they believe the benefits outweigh the risks.

The safety profile of Allegra is generally favorable. It is less likely to cause sedation compared to first-generation antihistamines, making it a preferred choice for many patients. Allegra is also not associated with significant cardiovascular or hepatic toxicity, which is a concern with some other medications. However, the lack of a robust clinical trial specifically studying its effects in children under 12 means that its use in younger patients should be approached with caution.

If your daughter has been taking Allegra for four days without significant improvement in her symptoms, it may be worth discussing this with her healthcare provider. The effectiveness of antihistamines can vary from person to person, and if Allegra is not providing the desired relief, alternative treatments or medications may be more appropriate. Additionally, the underlying cause of her allergic rhinitis should be evaluated, as environmental factors or other allergens may be contributing to her symptoms.

In the case of Transamin, it is used to help reduce bleeding by stabilizing blood clots. If your daughter has experienced frequent nosebleeds, it is crucial to monitor her condition closely and ensure that the underlying cause of the bleeding is addressed. Nosebleeds in children can be caused by various factors, including dry air, allergies, or even anatomical issues, and understanding the root cause can help in managing her symptoms effectively.

In summary, while Allegra can be prescribed to younger children, its use should be closely monitored by a healthcare professional. If your daughter is not experiencing the expected benefits, it is advisable to consult her doctor for further evaluation and potential adjustments to her treatment plan. Always prioritize open communication with her healthcare provider to ensure the best care for her specific needs.

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