Allergy medicine question...need answer soon

[ProudGrandma]

Can my son use flonase and afrin at the same time? He is on zyrtec too...and usually that with flonase keeps his allergies at bay...but right now something else is really bothering him and he is all congested, so I was wondering if I can give him afrin to help him sleep tonight.

 

Thank you.

[Reefgazer]

Don't know.  Do you have a nurse hotline you can call?

[ProudGrandma]

I don't know of any.

[Ottakee]

We have here. How old? Any other medical concerns or meds?

[Loowit]

I would call a pharmacy or his doctor to check.

 

You can do Benadryl with Zyrtec if that would help.  I have had to do that a few times for DS.  I checked with his allergist first and she said it was okay.  I try not to give him Benadryl because it makes him moody, angry, and hard to be around, but sometimes there aren't a lot of options.

[TechWife]

Call a pharmacist and ask. Most Walgreens have a pharmacist 24/7. 

[ProudGrandma]

He is 12.

[Miss Tick]

Steamy shower?

Vicks plug-in?

Extra pillow under his head (looks more awkward than it is)?

 

Lots of sympathy for him.

[Mandamom]

I do it sometimes when I'm really congested/swollen. Sometimes the Flonase can't even go anywhere :(. 

 

Feel better soon. 

[EKS]

My doctor said I could use both, but I've never tried it.

[Guest]

Yes you can use both. Completely different drugs. Afrin is going to work on the capillaries and reduce the inflammation. It has nothing to do with Zyrtec or Flonase. They're three completely different classes and purposes. Most docs recommend trying to stay on the Afrin for less than five days though- your nose kind of gets hooked on it to explain it simply.

[ktgrok]

Yes,  I generally get bad rebound congestion from it, so I do 1 squirt per nostril instead of two, and only once a day not twice, and neve more than 3 days. Otherwise I end up hooked, and have to wean off, one nostril at a time. 

[NoPlaceLikeHome]

Can he do neilmed saline nasal rinses? My son finally agreed and it makes a difference with a cold and allergies. You should use bottled water and zap for 30 seconds or so to warm and then add saline packet. Test temperature on your wrist to ensure it is not too hot. 

 

Wash afterwards with hot soapy water and sterilize in microwave for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes before re-use. Just google neilmed. he has a detailed webpage with video and written instructions.

 

Also, ask your doctor too.