| My eight-year-old child was given some preparations for his runny nose. They are loratadine syrup and oxymetazoline nose-drops. What are the uses of these preparations? What precautions should I take when using them? What else can I do? |
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Question:
My
eight-year-old child was given some preparations for his runny nose. They are
loratadine syrup and oxymetazoline nose-drops. What are the uses of these
preparations? What precautions should I take when using them? When should I
stop giving the medications to my child? What else can I do?
Answer:
Loratadine is an anti-histamine indicated to reduce
sneezing
and runny nose. It has the benefit of causing
less sedation as compared to other anti-histamines like diphenhydramine and
promethazine and thus, it can be used by your child in the day when he attends
school. Another less sedating option for anti-histamine is cetirizine.
Oxymetazoline nose-drops are topical decongestants,
usually given to provide relief for nasal stuffiness. However, such products are
not to be administered for longer than 3-5 days as it will cause “rebound
congestion”, a condition also known as “rhinitis medicamentosa”.
As both of these medications are indicated for
symptomatic relief, once your child stops to experience the corresponding
symptoms of his condition, you should stop the medications for him.
When using the nose-drops, avoid touching the tip of
the dropper with your hands. You do not have to rinse the dropper after use too.
In addition, you can caution your child to wash his
hands before he comes into contact with other people or objects for good
hygiene. Encourage him to have enough rest as well as to consume more fluids.
For further inquiry, you can email your question to admin@pss.org.sg
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