Which is the best antihistamine for children?

Depends.: Short or long acting? Sedating or non-sedating. That is the question. There are advocates that do not feel evidence based literature substantiates the use of antihistamines in infants/children. Otc: benadryl/zyrtec are great choices for nite. Claritin/allegra are nonsedating and best for am. Consult with your doctor before moving forward with you choice to understand the correct dose/efficacy.

It depends: There is no best drug for everyone. A little or non-sedating antihistamine is advisable - Cetirizine (zyrttec), fexofenadine (allegra) or Loratadine (claritin, alavert). All are available without a prescription. By prescription, levocetirizine (xyzal) and desloartadine (clarinex). Deongestant combinations (d) not reommended, nor the sedating antihistamines such as Diphenhydramine (benadryl).

Several are good: Loratedine (Alavert,Claritin), Cetirizine( Zyrtec)and Fexofenadine (Allegra)are all effective. Dyphenhydramine (Benadryl) is short acting so if you want the reaction not to come back in the middle of the night then one of the above would be better. Remember that you should not give children under 2 antihistamines without checking with your doctor. Between 2-4 y/o you should also ask. Not for colds