Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Allergies and intolerances

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Original poster

Chickenpox itchy - can I give DS hayfever relief??

17 replies

parkj83 · 31/03/2009 23:04

DS, 5.10 has got CP.

He's got it really badly, and he's now at the itchy stage.

It's bad enough to disturb his sleep, even though I've smothered him in calamine, and given calpol.

Would it be ok to give him a hayfever tablet?

Thing is, they're DH's, and he's thrown away the packaging, so I can't see whether they're suitable for kids.

Anyone out there who can give an idea?

I've got:

Asda Non Drowsy Allergy Relief, contains Loratadine.

Sainsbury's Non-Drowsy Hayfever and Allergy Relief, contains Loratadine 10mg

Galpharm Hayfever and Allergy Relief, contains Cetirizine Hydrochloride

The Asda tablets are the same size as the sainsburys, so I'm assuming they're the same dosage of the Loratadine?

Any advice greatly appreciated!

OP posts:
scrooged · 31/03/2009 23:07

Piriton's the best for children. I think the dosages of these are too high for a 5 year old. They are normally for ages 12 plus apart from piriton.

upagumtree · 31/03/2009 23:10

Aloe vera jelly is brilliant for the itch and safe to use on kids. Think you can buy from health stores but make sure whatever you buy contains 80% or more aloe vera. Good luck. Hope he's feeling better soon

MrsMerryHenry · 31/03/2009 23:10

If you add a bit of bicarb of soda to your poor DS's bath (not sure of quantity - maybe a tbsp? You should google it) it will calm the itching. Cheaper than drugs and side-effect free.

changer22 · 31/03/2009 23:13

Not based on anything other than my own thoughts but... I wouldn't give DC any medicine that was for adults.

Sorry, not much help but try to wing it until the morning and then get some Piriton.

I feel for you - I had 2 with CP in February and one of them had scarlet fever at the same time so I know it can be horrible.

Original poster
parkj83 · 31/03/2009 23:21

Oh dear.

I don't have any of those in the house.

Not even bicarb.

I'll have to do without for tonight.

Saying that: does this sound feasible?

If I give him 1/2 a tablet?

He's settled now, but in case he gets up in the night??

OP posts:
Original poster
parkj83 · 31/03/2009 23:22

Ok, changer - sorry was typing when you posted.

That's my intention where possible!

OP posts:
scrooged · 31/03/2009 23:24

No, you don't know the dose of the tablet, it wouldn't be safe. Some are designed to work only when in the stomach. If he's settled now then leave him, pop out and see the pharmacist/herb shop tomorrow if you can.

Original poster
parkj83 · 31/03/2009 23:28

I've just googled piriton to see what's in them, and the Piriteze tablets contain Cetirizine Hydrochloride 10mg. The Galpharm tablets are essentially the same.

They're for 6 years and older - DS is 6 in May, and he's tall for his age - one of the tallest in his class.

Would they be ok??

OP posts:
Original poster
parkj83 · 31/03/2009 23:30

You're probably right, scrooged (and changer too)

I'll leave it, and hope he sleeps through,

Thanks again for the advice!

OP posts:
scrooged · 31/03/2009 23:31

Medication for children (when given in a hospital) are worked out on weight rather then aga as age doses are inaccurate, a small 5 year old shouldn't have the same does as a large 5 year old as their body's will be different (different amount of water/fat etc). If he's tall then it should be fine. I would check this with NHS direct though as I don't work in a childrens hospital anymore and they may have changed the rules. The cetirizine does make some people sleepy aswell by the way.

Original poster
parkj83 · 31/03/2009 23:37

ok, I'll give them a phone,

Thanks x

OP posts:
scrooged · 31/03/2009 23:38

I hope he recovers very soon.

scrooged · 31/03/2009 23:41

It's something like a mg per kg of the child's weight so if the dose is 10mg per tablet then it's safe to give to a child who weighs more then 10kg? Please do check this though, it's been a long time since I've had to think about this.

Original poster
parkj83 · 31/03/2009 23:46

sure, no worries.

Sounds like it works similar to dogs I think (that's my area of greater experience, having spent more time at the vets than at the pharmacy!!) I have 2 dogs of different sizes, and their flea treatment etc is always linked to their weight, although they are each taking the same product, but different amounts. If that makes sense!

Sorry, I'm rambling now. Tired! He's gotten up at this time of night the past 3 nights in a row, and to say it's a little wearing would be an understatement.

Although, his comment earlier today made me smile, but feel bad for him too - "Mum, this has been the worst days of my life"

Poor baby

OP posts:
scrooged · 31/03/2009 23:48

Oh, poor mite

Original poster
parkj83 · 31/03/2009 23:56

'Tis a bit ;)

I'm off now,

Thanks all for listening/reading to me ramble, and helping me process my thoughts - I've ended up where I think I would have done without MNet, but feel better for having discussed it!

'Night! x

OP posts:
scrooged · 31/03/2009 23:57

Night. I hope he's on the mend really soon.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page