Cetirizine (Zyrtec) Dosage

Your pediatrician may give you different dosing instructions.

When to Use: treatment of allergic reactions, nasal allergies, eye allergies, hives and itching

Caution: If you have questions, call your child's doctor.

Always check the concentration on the label before using this dose table.

Important:

• Age Limits: For allergies, don't use under 2 years of age unless otherwise directed.  It should not be given if under 6 months old.
• Reason: It is not FDA approved at younger ages. For colds, not advised at any age, because there are no proven benefits.

Instructions:

• Dose: Find the child's age in the top row of the dose table. Look below the correct age for the dose based on the product you have.
• Measure the Dose: Always use syringes and droppers for liquid medication (teaspoons vary too much, and could lead to incorrect dosing). If possible, use the syringe or dropper that comes with the medicine. If not, you can get a med syringe at a drug store. If you use a teaspoon, it should be a measuring spoon. Reason: regular spoons are not reliable. Keep in mind 1 level teaspoon equals 5 mL and that ½ teaspoon equals 2.5 mL.
• Adult Dose: 5-10mg
• How Often for 6-23 Months: do not use under 2 years unless directed by provider.
• How Often for 2-5 Years: Repeat every 12-24 hours as needed.
• How Often for 6 Years and Older: Repeat every 24 hours as needed.
• Brand Names: Zyrtec, generic cetirizine
• Benefits: Generally works as well as older allergy medicines like Benadryl, but lasts up to 24 hours and causes less sedation.
• Use in Countries Outside the U.S.: Dose tables are based on U.S. products. Concentrations may vary in countries outside the U.S.

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