Children's Zyrtec dosage, forms, and strengths

Children’s Zyrtec (cetirizine) is an OTC antihistamine used to manage allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy nose, and watery eyes. It can help treat seasonal allergies, often referred to as year-round indoor allergy triggers. This allergy medicine comes in different forms, including syrup and chewable tablets, and the typical dosage varies based on the child’s age and severity of symptoms. 

Children's Zyrtec forms and strengths

Zyrtec comes in various dosage forms for children. These dosage forms may contain different strengths of cetirizine HCl to address varying intensities of symptoms. Some formulations may also be dye-free.

• Liquid/oral solution/syrup: 1 mg/mL

• Chewable tablet: 2.5 mg, 10 mg

• Dissolve tab: 10 mg

• Liquid gel: 10 mg

Children's Zyrtec dosage

Zyrtec is approved for indoor and outdoor allergy symptoms (such as hay fever), including runny nose, sneezing, itchy throat, and watery eyes. It can also help relieve hives and itching of the skin. 

The standard Children's Zyrtec dosage for children ages two to under six years old is 2.5 mg once daily. For more severe symptoms, dosage may be increased to 5 mg once daily or 2.5 mg twice daily (every 12 hours). The maximum Children's Zyrtec dosage for children ages two to under six years old is 5 mg per day.

The standard Children's Zyrtec dosage for children ages six and older is 5 or 10 mg once daily, depending on the severity of symptoms. The maximum Children's Zyrtec dosage for children ages six and older is 10 mg daily.

The correct dosage for children varies and depends on their age, not weight. Below is a breakdown of dosage recommendations by age.

Check our best Children's Zyrtec prices

Consult a healthcare provider if you have concerns about the correct dosage for your child.

Children's Zyrtec dosage restrictions

Zyrtec may only be right for some, and it may come with specific dosage restrictions in pediatric populations. Avoid or adjust Zyrtec dosages if the following apply:

Age restrictions

Children under two years of age should not use Zyrtec. Consult a healthcare provider if your child is under two and is experiencing allergy symptoms. The use of Zyrtec could cause serious side effects or overdose due to the lack of appropriate dosage studies for this age group.

Kidney problems

Children with impaired kidney function may require a lower dose of Zyrtec. The frequency of doses may also need to be adjusted. In children with kidney disease or other problems, the medication could be processed more slowly, resulting in increased drug levels and potential toxicity.

Liver problems

A child with liver disease or other liver problems may process Zyrtec more slowly and have trouble clearing it from the body. As a result, they may need a lower dosage of Zyrtec. Taking a standard dose of Zyrtec may lead to increased side effects of the drug and possible liver toxicity due to impaired drug metabolism.

Hypersensitivity reactions

Children should not take this medication if they have had a history of hypersensitivity or allergic reactions to Zyrtec or its ingredients. Allergic reactions can range from mild to potentially life-threatening. Contact a healthcare provider for potential alternatives.

Use of sedatives

Tell a healthcare provider if your child is also taking any tranquilizers or sedatives before starting Zyrtec. Combining these types of drugs may lead to severe drowsiness. 

Consult a healthcare provider if any of these restrictions apply to your child. 

How to administer Children's Zyrtec

The appropriate way to administer Zyrtec to a child depends on the dosage form used. Always consult the package labeling or a healthcare provider for the correct way to give Children’s Zyrtec. Here are some key points parents and caregivers can keep in mind:

• All forms of Zyrtec can be taken with or without food. 

• If using a chewable form of Children's Zyrtec, ensure the child chews the medication thoroughly before swallowing.

• For liquid Zyrtec, measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup for accuracy.

• If an oral tablet or liquid gel form is used, ensure it’s swallowed whole and not crushed or chewed unless advised by a healthcare provider.

• Zyrtec is typically taken once or twice per day. Choose times of the day that work for the child’s routine to maintain a consistent schedule.

• While Children's Zyrtec can relieve symptoms, you can also take steps to minimize the child's exposure to allergens.

• To avoid potential interactions, check with a healthcare professional before combining Children's Zyrtec with other medications, such as Sudafed or Benadryl.

Children's Zyrtec dosage FAQs

How long does it take Children's Zyrtec to work?

Zyrtec typically begins to alleviate allergy symptoms within 20 minutes to one hour, reaching peak levels in the blood at around one hour after administration. Various factors may influence how quickly a child experiences relief. While taking this medication with food doesn’t affect the amount of medicine that gets into the bloodstream, it may take a bit longer to reach peak levels when taken with food. The liver processes Zyrtec; however, it’s not heavily processed by the CYP450 enzymes, which are often associated with interactions with grapefruit and other substances. 

How long does Children's Zyrtec stay in your system?

While Zyrtec starts working within an hour, it typically maintains its effects over 24 hours, so it’s generally taken once a day. Zyrtec typically has a half-life of about eight hours, which means it takes this amount of time for the body to reduce drug levels by half. For the drug to be entirely cleared from the body, it generally takes about five to six half-lives. Therefore, Children's Zyrtec will often be fully processed and cleared from the system within 40 to 48 hours after the last dose.

What happens if I miss a dose of Children's Zyrtec?

If a child misses a dose of Children's Zyrtec, they should take the missed dose as soon as they remember. However, if it's close to the time for the next dose, they should skip the missed dose to avoid taking two doses too close together. Doses should not be doubled as a way to catch up. 

How long can you take Children's Zyrtec?

Zyrtec is typically safe for daily use over extended periods, often throughout allergy season or year-round for persistent symptoms. Healthcare providers can help assess a child's condition and recommend the appropriate length of treatment for allergy relief. Some children may use Zyrtec periodically, only during flare-ups of symptoms, whereas others may be directed to use it more consistently.

How do I stop taking Children's Zyrtec?

When discontinuing Zyrtec, individuals should be aware of potential withdrawal symptoms, such as itching and headaches. A healthcare provider may suggest gradually tapering off the medication. For example, they recommend reducing the daily dose or alternating days before completely stopping the medication. In cases where Zyrtec must be stopped because of side effects or ineffectiveness, alternative options may be used, including other antihistamines like Claritin (loratadine) or Allegra (fexofenadine).

What is the maximum dosage for Children's Zyrtec?

The maximum dosage of Children's Zyrtec varies according to the child’s age. The maximum dosage is 5 mg per 24 hours for children aged two to under six years. Children six years of age and older may take up to 10 mg in 24 hours. Zyrtec can be taken once a day or split into two doses of 2.5 mg for younger children and 5 mg for older children. Always consult a healthcare provider for medical advice before starting new medications for your child.

Can you overdose on Children's Zyrtec?

As with other medicines, it’s possible to take too much and overdose on Zyrtec. Taking too much Zyrtec can lead to specific overdose symptoms, which may vary depending on the individual and the amount taken. Overdosing on Zyrtec can be particularly dangerous for children, so it's essential to keep the medication out of their reach.

Symptoms of a Zyrtec overdose may include:

• Extreme drowsiness

• Agitation or anxiety

• Confusion

• Nausea

• Fast heart rate

• Hallucinations

• Dizziness

• Blurred vision

If an overdose is suspected, contact a healthcare provider or local poison control center immediately for medical advice and possible treatment.

What interacts with Children's Zyrtec?

Zyrtec may interact with other medications, including prescription drugs and OTC medicines. Potential drug interactions may affect the efficacy of Zyrtec or increase the risk of side effects. Zyrtec can interact with the following medications:

• Central nervous system (CNS) depressants: The sedative effects of CNS depressants like benzodiazepines, hypnotics, tranquilizers, or other antihistamines can be amplified when taken with Zyrtec, potentially leading to increased drowsiness. 

• Alcohol: Combining Zyrtec and alcohol may result in reduced alertness and increased drowsiness.

• Opioids: The interaction between Zyrtec and opioids may increase sedation.

• Anticholinergic agents: There may be an additive effect when Zyrtec is used with other drugs that have anticholinergic properties, such as certain antidepressants and antipsychotics.

Consult a healthcare provider before combining Zyrtec with any medications or substances. Parents or guardians should monitor for any signs of adverse reactions when their children take Children's Zyrtec, especially if they take other medications.

Is it safe to take Children's Zyrtec during pregnancy?

Zyrtec, like other antihistamines, is generally considered safe during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown that the medication doesn’t cause adverse effects in a developing fetus. While medications like Zyrtec are available over the counter, they should be taken only after consulting with a healthcare provider during pregnancy. Consult a healthcare provider for the appropriate dosage of Zyrtec while pregnant. 

Sources

• Color additives questions and answers for consumers, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2023)

• Cetirizine, LiverTox (2017)

• Oral bioavailability and pharmacokinetic study of cetirizine HCl in Iranian healthy volunteers, Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences (2009)

• Cetirizine, StatPearls (2023)

• Unintentional cetirizine overdose causing anticholinergic syndrome, American Journal of Emergency Medicine (2022)