BNF for Children 2011-2012

BNFC 2011–2012 3.4.1 Antihistamines 155Indication and doseSymptomatic relief of allergy such as hay fever,urticaria. By mouthChild 2–6 years 1.25 mg twice dailyChild 6–18 years 5 mg once dailyLevocetirizine Hydrochloride (Non-proprietary) ATablets, levocetirizine hydrochloride 5 mg, net price30-tab pack = £4.39. Counselling, skilled tasksXyzal c (UCB Pharma) ATablets, f/c, levocetirizine hydrochloride 5 mg, netprice 30-tab pack = £4.39. Counselling, skilled tasksOral solution, sugar-free, levocetirizine hydrochloride2.5 mg/5 mL, net price 200 mL = £6.00. Counselling,skilled tasksLORATADINECautions see notes aboveContra-indications see notes aboveHepatic impairment reduce dose frequency to alternatedays in severe impairmentPregnancy see notes aboveBreast-feeding see notes aboveSide-effects see notes aboveIndication and doseSymptomatic relief of allergy such as hay fever,chronic idiopathic urticaria. By mouthChild 2–12 yearsBody-weight under 30 kg 5 mg once dailyBody-weight over 30 kg 10 mg once dailyChild 12–18 years 10 mg once dailyLoratadine (Non-proprietary)Tablets, loratadine 10 mg, net price 30-tab pack =£1.20. Counselling, skilled tasksDental prescribing on NHS Loratadine 10 mg tablets maybe prescribedSyrup, loratadine 5 mg/5 mL, net price 100 mL =£2.65. Counselling, skilled tasksExcipients may include propylene glycol (see Excipients, p. 2)MIZOLASTINECautions see notes aboveContra-indications see notes above; also susceptibilityto QT-interval prolongation (including cardiacdisease and hypokalaemia)Hepatic impairment manufacturer recommendsavoid in significant impairmentPregnancy see notes aboveBreast-feeding see notes aboveSide-effects see notes above; weight gain; anxiety,asthenia; less commonly arthralgia and myalgiaIndication and doseSymptomatic relief of allergy such as hay fever,urticaria. By mouthChild 12–18 years 10 mg once dailyMizollen c (Sanofi-Aventis) ATablets, m/r, scored, mizolastine 10 mg, net price 30-tab pack = £5.77. Label: 25, counselling, skilled tasksRUPATADINECautions see notes above; also susceptibility to QTintervalprolongation (including cardiac disease andhypokalaemia)Hepatic impairment manufacturer advises avoid—noinformation availableRenal impairment manufacturer advises avoid—noinformation availablePregnancy manufacturer advises caution—limitedinformation available; see also notes aboveBreast-feeding manufacturer advises caution; seealso notes aboveSide-effects see notes above; also asthenia; lesscommonly pyrexia, irritability, increased appetite,arthralgia, and myalgiaIndication and doseSymptomatic relief of allergic rhinitis and urticaria. By mouthChild 12–18 years 10 mg once dailyRupafin c (GSK) TATablets, salmon, rupatadine (as fumarate) 10 mg, netprice 30-tab pack = £5.00. Counselling, skilled tasksSedating antihistaminesSkilled tasks Drowsiness may affect performance ofskilled tasks (e.g. cycling or driving); sedating effectsenhanced by alcohol.ALIMEMAZINE TARTRATE(Trimeprazine tartrate)Cautions see notes aboveContra-indications see notes aboveHepatic impairment see notes aboveRenal impairment avoidPregnancy see notes aboveBreast-feeding see notes aboveSide-effects see notes aboveLicensed use not licensed for use in children under 2yearsIndication and doseUrticaria, pruritus. By mouthChild 6 months–2 years 250 micrograms/kg(max. 2.5 mg) 3–4 times daily—specialist use onlyChild 2–5 years 2.5 mg 3–4 times dailyChild 5–12 years 5 mg 3–4 times dailyChild 12–18 years 10 mg 2–3 times daily, insevere cases up to max. 100 mg dailyPremedication section 15.1.4. By mouthChild 2–7 years up to max. 2 mg/kg 1–2 hoursbefore operation3 Respiratory system