Although antihistamines are considered the most safe mode of medications to relieve symptoms and prevent allergies, certain antihistamines are not recommended for infants and young children. One of the safest representatives of the group of antihistamines - cetirizine, second-generation antihistamine sold under the brand name Zyrtec.

Cetirizine - one of the few second-generation antihistamines having pronounced sedative effect: it can cause excessive sleepiness in infants. Generally, cetirizine is used for the treatment of urticaria (allergic skin rash) in infants and young children, as well as for the treatment of allergic rhinitis Rhinitis: a runny nose - is quite serious .

The dosage of antihistamines for infants and children

The dosage and frequency of administration of cetirizine depends on the age of the child:

• The six - twelve months: 2, 5 milligrams once a day (maximum dose - five milligrams per day)
• One - two years: 2, 5 milligrams of the drug once or twice a day (maximum dose - five milligrams per day)
• From two to six: 2, 5-5 milligrams of the drug per day (maximum dose - five milligrams per day)
• For children aged six years and older: five - ten milligrams per day (the maximum dose - ten milligrams per day)

Cetirizine (Zyrtec) is discharged as droplets in a concentration ratio of one milligram per milliliter of the preparation liquid (therefore 2, 5 milligrams of 2, 5 milliliters). Moreover, the drug comes in the form of droplets in a concentration ratio of ten milligrams per milliliter of fluid (5 milligrams are 0, 5 milliliters). Before taking cetirizine check the concentration of the solution.

Cetirizine is not recommended for children under the age of six years with liver or kidney disease. For children over the age of six years, with liver and kidney recommended dose of the drug reduced.

Side effects of cetirizine for newborns

One of the main side effects of cetirizine - drowsiness. In addition, when receiving antihistamines may experience dry mouth, nausea Nausea - there may be problems with the nervous system , Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain Abdominal pain: Types and Symptoms . In rare cases, there are more serious side effects - hepatitis Hepatitis - the scourge of our time   or bronchospasm.

Treatment of dry cough in children at home

In most cases, cure a dry cough in a child can be on its own, at home. First of all, in the children's room is recommended to install a humidifier - a dry cough can cause increased dryness of the air. From the bathroom, you can make a guy - including hot water, close the door, so that the steam did not go out and sit with your child in a steam-filled bathroom for fifteen to twenty minutes. The hot water can add some essential oils Essential oils and conception: can help the roses?   eucalyptus, rosemary or peppermint helps treat cough.

An indispensable tool for dry cough in children - a variety of herbal teas, soothing an irritated throat and cough suppressants. For the treatment of dry cough in children suit tea with ginger, mint Mint and its useful properties: aromatic freshness , Raspberry leaves. The hot tea, you can add a little lemon juice to taste and a teaspoon of honey, softening the unpleasant feeling sore throat, often accompanied by a dry cough.

Drug treatment of dry cough in children

The pediatrician may porekomandovat medical treatment of dry cough Drug treatment of dry cough   children - antitussive drugs that suppress the symptoms of dry cough. These drugs are not recommended for children younger than four years.

• If a child's cough is caused by asthma, it can be used to treat a nebulizer for inhalation.
• If a dry cough Dry cough - whether to worry about it?   a child - a consequence of an allergic reaction, it can be cured only by removing the cause of allergies. To suppress symptoms in these cases apply special antihistamines. Antihistamines may be recommended for treatment of dry cough in children and in the case where the cough worse at night, interfering with sleep baby.
• In older children, a dry cough can be treated with cough drops, which, however, it is better not to give children under three years.
• Common side effects of drugs that suppress the cough - dizziness, lethargy, drowsiness, so the child is better to give these drugs just before bedtime.
• Very often a dry cough - a direct consequence of a viral infection. If a child's cough is caused by a cold or a viral infection, antibiotics to treat dry cough useless. If a child's cough is accompanied by fever, you should seek medical attention - in such cases a dry cough can be a symptom of serious diseases of the respiratory tract (eg, pneumonia).