I have already did research regarding this but haven't been satisfied with the results I've?

obtained. My 5-yr-old has been taking cetirizine (Zyrtec) antihistamine for a few months already, every night, for his allergic rhinoconjuctivitis. We've recently moved residency, so we've had to visit a new allergologist. She told us to stop the use of Zyrtec (as prescribed by our prior allergologist) and she's switched my son to taking one tablet of 5 mg Montelukast every day, instead. I'm not comfotable with her decision, because Montelukast is antiasthma. My son doesn't have asthma. And I don't know why she had to switch his medication, anyway.Montelukast has more potential for bad side effects. Any views and/or explanations on this? We just visited this new Dr. yesterday.

Answers:
I agree with some of the other responses...talk to your old doctor before filling the script, to see what he/she thinks, since they know your child better. Also, talk with your new doctor about your questions/concerns and how you feel. If they aren't willing to explain their decision or answer your questions/concerns..then it's time to find another new allergist. My daughter (will be 6 next month) was on Zyrtec all last summer, due to severe allergies that made her vomit each morning from drainage. She was prescribed both the Zyrtec and Nasonex nightly, which helped A LOT! If we missed a night, she was vomitting again. So, we kept with it all summer, into early Oct., and it worked wonderfully. We haven't had to use it once this summer, thankfully, but would use it again in a heartbeat if she had the same problems. As far as using Montelukast...the only reason I could see your doctor using it is to help expand the airway, possibly making it easier to breath through his/her nose...but a lot of antiasthma meds are for expanding the bronchioli, which wouldn't affect the nose...so it's a good concern to have. Also, those side effects...so many doctors are quick to prescribe without telling patients of the side effects or even making themselves aware of the side effects! So, ask lots of questions or find someone else who will answer them! It's no use having a doctor who won't listen to you or that you can't voice your concerns to. Good luck!

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Instead of filling the prescription, go back and talk it over with the doctor. If your son was doing well on the Zyrtec she needs top explain the benefits of switching drugs.

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