Q & A on Children's Allergies  Prevention & Treatment  What
kinds of allergy medications can young children take? What are
other ways to control their allergies?  Not all adult allergy
medicines are appropriate for children. Claritin, which is now
available over the counter, is a very good antihistamine that
may be used for children over 2. (For children under two consult
your pediatrician.) Zyrtec is a prescription antihistamine that
may be used from the age of 2. Benadryl also works to stop
allergy symptoms but can make children sleepy or wired (before
administering to your child, be sure to contact your doctor for
safety and dosage information).  Other medications approved for
children 2 and up include Nasonex, a nasal corticosteroid that
is sprayed into the nose. This medicine relieves the
inflammation in the nasal passages that causes congestion and a
runny nose. Pulmicort Respules, an inhaled corticosteroid, is
approved for bronchial asthma. This medicine relieves the
swelling in baby's airways so he ca