Can my 4-year-old take claritin and mucinex (guaifenesin)? i think she has allergies and the claritin is not helping her runny nose and she is miserable.

ALLERGIC RHINITIS: Your 4 year old does not respond to claritin? Try giving Benadryl (diphenhydramine) 1 tsp at bedtime and Claritin at daytime. Mucinex is a cough expectorant. She does not need it.

Claritin & mucinex (guaifenesin): Claritin plus Mucinex is safe, but in your case not needed. Try a more potent antihistamine like zyrtec. If runny nose persists, a prescription nasal spray like Flonase or patenase may help. Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is helpful in drying up drainage, but can cause side effects like hyperactivity in kids.