From Sneezes to Smiles—Let’s Talk Antihistamines!
July 2, 2025While temperatures may be rising, allergy season is here to stay. More time outside this summer may mean more runny noses, itchy eyes, dry coughs and those never-ending sneezes. As a parent, it can be tough to tell if your kiddo is dealing with a cold, allergies or both! Back in the day, our parents often reached for their go-to remedy—Benadryl. While it used to be considered the gold standard, newer-generation allergy medications are changing the game (and giving us more tools in the parenting toolbox!). Let's talk antihistamines and what may be best to give your child to help with their allergies all year long!
The Scoop on Older Antihistamines (like Benadryl)
Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is an older antihistamine that’s been used for decades to treat a variety of allergy symptoms including:
- Sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, itchy nose or throat, hives or other itchy rashes
While it’s versatile, there are some important things to keep in mind:
- It causes drowsiness. Some parents have used it hoping for better sleep at bedtime, but Benadryl is not recommended as a sleep aid.
- Not safe for kids under 2. It can cause serious side effects in infants and toddlers.
- More side effects. Dry mouth, dizziness and even hyperactivity (especially in younger children) are more common.
- Best for occasional use. It's not typically the go-to for daily allergy management.
Meet the Newer Generation Antihistamines
These newer options—loratadine (Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec), and fexofenadine (Allegra)—are the ones most pediatricians reach for these days, and for good reason!
- Longer-lasting relief. They work for 18–24 hours compared to Benadryl’s 4–6.
- Less drowsiness. These meds are less likely to make kids (or adults!) sleepy.
- Kid-tested and parent-approved. They’ve been studied extensively in children and shown to be both safe and effective.
What’s Best for Your Child?
Choosing the right medication depends on your child’s age, symptoms, and overall health. If you’re not sure what to use—or when—your healthcare provider is your best resource. Together, you can come up with a plan that helps your child feel better and keeps you feeling confident as a parent.
