Zyrtec Dosing Charts for Adult & Children’s Cetirizine Products

Products ∕ ZYRTEC® Dosing Charts For Adult and Children’s Cetirizine HCl Products

Whether you need to know ZYRTEC® dosages for adults or children, check out our dosing charts and FAQs for the ZYRTEC® family of products, to find all the information you need.

When taking any medication, it’s important to take the recommended dosage. If you’re in doubt, follow the instructions on the product packaging or our dosage chart below.

Filter by:

Use only as directed.

Under 2
Ask a doctor

2 to under 6 years
2.5 mL once daily. If needed, dose can be increased to a maximum of 5mL once daily or 2.5 mL every 12 hours

Do not give more than 5 mL in 24 hours

6+ years
5 mL or 10 mL once daily depending on severity of symptoms.

Do not give more than 10 ml in 24 hours

Adults 65 years and over
5 mL once daily; do not take more than 5 mL in 24 hours.

Consumers with liver or kidney disease
Ask a doctor.

Use only as directed.

Under 2
Ask a doctor

6+ years
One 10 mg tablet once daily; do not give more than 10 mg tablet in 24 hours. A 5 mg product may be appropriate for less severe symptoms.

Adults 65 years and over
Ask a doctor.

Consumers with liver or kidney disease
Ask a doctor.

Use only as directed.

Under 2
Ask a doctor

2 to under 6 years
2.5 mL once daily. If needed, dose can be increased to a maximum of 5mL once daily or 2.5 mL every 12 hours

Do not give more than 5 mL in 24 hours

6+ years
5 mL or 10 mL once daily depending on severity of symptoms.

Do not give more than 10 ml in 24 hours

Adults 65 years and over
Chew and swallow 2 tablets (5 mg) once daily; do not take more than 2 tablets (5 mg) in 24 hours.

Consumers with liver or kidney disease
Ask a doctor.

Use only as directed.

Under 6 years
Ask a doctor.

6+ years
Chew and swallow 1 tablet (10 mg) once daily; do not give more than 1 tablet (10 mg) in 24 hours. A 5 mg product may be appropriate for less severe symptoms.

Adults 65 years and over
Ask a doctor.

Consumers with liver or kidney disease
Ask a doctor.

Use only as directed.

Children under 6 years of age
Ask a doctor

Adults under 65 and children 6 years and older
One 10 mg tablet once daily; do not take more than one 10 mg tablet in 24 hours. A 5 mg product may be appropriate for less severe symptoms.

Adults 65 years and over
Ask a doctor.

Consumers with liver or kidney disease
Ask a doctor.

Use only as directed.

Children under 6 years of age
Ask a doctor.

Adults under 65 and children 6 years and older
One 10 mg tablet once daily; do not take more than one 10 mg tablet in 24 hours. A 5 mg product may be appropriate for less severe symptoms.

Adults 65 years and over
Ask a doctor.

Consumers with liver or kidney disease
Ask a doctor.

Use only as directed.

Adults under 65 and children 12 years and older
One 10 mg capsule once daily; do not take more than one 10 mg capsule in 24 hours.

Adults 65 years and over
Ask a doctor.

Adults with liver or kidney disease
Ask a doctor.

Children under 12 years of age
Ask a doctor.

Use only as directed.

Adults and children 6 years and older
Chew and swallow 2 tablet (10 mg) once daily; do not take more than 1 tablet (10 mg) in 24 hours. A 5 mg product may be appropriate for less severe symptoms.

Adults 65 years and over
Ask a doctor.

Adults with liver or kidney disease
Ask a doctor.

Children under 6 years of age
Ask a doctor.

Symptoms and what to do

Taking too much antihistamine can lead to adverse side effects and a potential antihistamine overdose.

Antihistamines are a class of medication that treat allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, and itching. As with any medication, taking too much can be harmful. Some antihistamines also work as sleep aids, cold and flu medicine, and motion sickness treatment.

People should follow the dosage guidelines on the packaging or their doctor’s advice to avoid an overdose. They should also keep antihistamines, and all medications, out of reach of children.

Always call a doctor or a poison control center if an antihistamine overdose occurs.

Share on PinterestA person who overdoses on antihistamines may experience fever, dilated pupils, and a fast heart rate.

People can overdose on any type of antihistamine. Antihistamines are a drug, and there is a safe limit to how much a person can take at one time.

This limit depends on several factors, including:

• the age and size of the person
• the type of antihistamine they took and how much
• any health conditions they have
• other medication the person takes

If a healthy adult takes only a slightly higher dose of antihistamine, such as accidentally taking two pills instead of one, their symptoms may not be serious, or they may not have any symptoms.

However, a larger overdose, especially in children or older adults, may cause serious symptoms. Toxic doses of antihistamines may happen when a person takes 3 to 5 times the normal amount.

No matter how much a person overdoses, they should seek medical help or call a poison control center.

A position statement from the Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (CSACI) states that first generation antihistamines can have “intolerable and potentially life threatening adverse effects.”

Research shows that first generation antihistamines can have effects on the central nervous system in large doses.

Examples of first generation antihistamines include:

• diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
• chlorpheniramine
• brompheniramine

These antihistamines may cause jitteriness or drowsiness.

Second generation antihistamines do not usually have these effects. Second-generation antihistamines are commonly used medications, including:

• loratadine (Claritin)
• cetirizine (Zyrtec),
• fexofenadine (Allegra)

Signs and symptoms of antihistamine overdose in children may include:

• being very excited or jittery
• a fast heart rate
• irritability
• hallucinations
• seizures

After these symptoms appear, a child may experience:

• drowsiness
• slowed breathing
• coma

Symptoms of antihistamine overdose in adults may include:

• fever
• flushing
• dilated pupils
• fast heart rate (tachycardia)
• low blood pressure (hypotension)
• coma
• an inability to empty the bladder completely (urinary retention)

Second generation antihistamines tend to be less serious with an overdose. However, any overdose can be dangerous, and people should seek help from a medical professional or poison control immediately.

If a person suspects an antihistamine overdose, they should call the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) at 1-800-222-1222. The AAPCC helpline is open 24 hours and is toll-free.

If a person has severe symptoms, such as trouble breathing, fast or slow heart rate, seizures, or loss of consciousness, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Some antihistamines are safe for children to take. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) caution that just because a product says it is for children does not mean a child of any age can take it.

Research on antihistamines says that children and older adults are more at risk of an antihistamine overdose than adults.

One study found that children have experienced heart problems, seizures, and even death from an antihistamine overdose. The most common reactions are mild, however, and include:

• rashes
• sleepiness
• headache

Second generation antihistamines are less likely to cause toxicity in children than first generation ones, according to a study of more than 9,000 children.

However, another study foundthat second generation antihistamines can cause dangerous symptoms when children overdose on them.

Diagnosing an antihistamine overdose usually starts with a discussion about all medications the person is taking and not just the antihistamines. This is because some other medications, such as cold, flu, and sleep medications, contain antihistamines.

If a person takes one of these other medications and also takes an allergy medication, they may accidentally overdose.

Other medications, such as certain antidepressants and motion sickness drugs, can also cause an overdose if a person mixes them with antihistamines.

If someone is not sure about the amount of antihistamine they took, a doctor may need to conduct a physical exam. They may look for signs such as drowsiness, irritability, blurred vision, or seizures. They may also check the heart rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure.

In some cases, a person may need blood tests or further observation in a hospital.

In mild cases, an individual may be able to use self-care at home. However, they should always call the AAPCC or a doctor to be sure this is safe.

If the person is experiencing serious symptoms, they may need hospitalization, including heart monitoring, intravenous (IV) fluids, and medication.

In some cases, doctors may give a person activated charcoal, which helps prevent the absorption of some medications and chemicals in the gut. They may also use ipecac syrup, which causes the person to vomit. This can cause any excess medication to leave the body in the vomitus.

Antihistamines may be first generation (sedating) or second generation (nonsedating). These two types may lead to different reactions if a person takes too much.

First generation antihistamines are more likely to cross the blood-brain barrier. This means they can make people dizzy or drowsy, even in normal doses.

Second generation antihistamines are newer drugs and are less likely to have these effects. Nonetheless, people can overdose on both types.

First generation antihistamines available over-the-counter include:

• diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
• chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton)
• brompheniramine (Dimetapp)
• clemastine (Tavist)
• doxylamine (Unisom)
• hydroxyzine (Vistaril)
• promethazine (Promethegan)
• triprolidine (Actidil)

These medications can act as sedatives, so they can make a person feel tired or dizzy.

Some experts say first generation antihistamines are more likely to result in death from accidents or overdoses than their second generation counterparts.

Second and third generation antihistamines available over the counter include:

• cetirizine (Zyrtec)
• fexofenadine (Allegra)
• loratadine (Claritin)

These newer antihistamines are less likely to cause drowsiness and dizziness. Research has found them less likely to cause dangerous effects if a person takes too much.

Antihistamines are typically safe when a person takes the correct amount. However, as with any medication, they can cause serious adverse effects if someone takes too much.

People must keep antihistamines and all medications out of reach of children. Some antihistamines are safe for children to take, but it is important to ask a doctor or pharmacist about the right dose.

Different antihistamines have different dosages. It is vital to read labels carefully to be sure a person is not taking too much.

If an overdose happens, seek immediate medical attention or call the AAPCC at 800-222-1222.

Dosage, analogues, active substance, for which it is prescribed

Date of publication: 25.08.2022 POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS. A SPECIALIST’S CONSULTATION IS REQUIRED.

• Zyrtec: what is it for
• Zyrtec: active ingredient
• Zyrtec: composition
• Zirtek: dosage
• Zirtek: drops for children
• Zirtek: analogues
• Zirtek or Zodak: which is better
• Zirtek or Cetrin: which is better
• Zirtek or Erius: which is better 9 0016
• Summary
• Ask an expert on the topic of the article

Allergic rhinitis is a disease accompanied by itching in the nasal cavity, endless watery discharge from the nose, paroxysmal sneezing and absolute nasal congestion. And such symptoms appear with the beginning of flowering plants. It’s all about the reaction of the body to irritating factors from the outside. In the case of allergic rhinitis, this is plant pollen.

During this period, people suffering from this disease are helped by antihistamines. One of them is Zyrtec. We asked pharmacist Kristina Khokhrina to tell us more about it, and this is what she told us: what it is used for, what is included in the composition of the product, in what dosage it is used and whether it is suitable for children. We also provided a small list of similar antihistamines and found differences between Zirtek and Zodak, Citrine and Erius.

All products Zyrtec

3 reviews

Zyrtec: what

Zyrtec is used for for allergies. The main indications for the use of Zirtek:

• allergic rhinitis
• allergic conjunctivitis
• symptoms of chronic urticaria

The drug acts on the skin one hour after ingestion. Maximum efficiency is achieved within 2-12 hours. The effect gradually decreases, but persists for a day.

Zyrtec: active ingredient

Zyrtec: composition

Zyrtec is available in two forms: drops and tablets. Let’s talk about the composition of both drugs. The active substance in both forms is the same, only the auxiliary components change, since they determine the form of the drug.

Zyrtec drops: glycerol, propylene glycol, sodium saccharinate, methylparabenzene, propylparabenzene, sodium acetate, glacial acetic acid, purified water.

Zyrtec tablets: microcrystalline cellulose, lactose monohydrate, colloidal silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, titanium dioxide, macrogol.

Zyrtec: dosage

The dosage of Zyrtec is determined by the amount of active ingredient per 1 ml drops or 1 tablet. In both cases, cetirizine is contained in a dosage of 10 mg.

The drug is prescribed for adults and children from 6 months. For each age, a certain dose is established. The manufacturer recommends taking Zirtek in the evening, as the symptoms of allergic diseases are most pronounced at night. It is taken with or without food and can be taken with water as needed.

Adults are advised to take 20 drops or 1 tablet once a day, which corresponds to a dosage of the substance 10 mg. Reception Zirtek in drops can be single in the evening or divided into 2 doses. For example, 10 drops in the morning and evening.

Zyrtec side effects

Zyrtec may rarely cause the following side effects:

• general fatigue
• dizziness
• headache
• abdominal pain
• dry mouth
• nausea
• drowsiness

Children may additionally develop diarrhea. When taking medication, pay attention to your condition. If any changes appear, described or not described in the instructions, or if allergy symptoms increase, consult a doctor.

Zyrtec Drops for Children

Zyrtec should only be used in children aged 6 to 12 months on prescription and under the supervision of a physician. The drug is prescribed depending on age:

• 6 to 12 months: Take 5 drops (2.5 mg) once a day
• 1 to 6 years: Take 5 drops (2.5 mg) twice a day in the morning and evening, or 10 drops (5 mg) once a day in the evening
• 6 to 12 years: Take 20 drops (10 mg) once daily
• over 12 years old: take 20 drops (10 mg) once a day

Zyrtec may be used during pregnancy after consulting a physician only if the intended benefit to the mother outweighs the potential risk to the fetus. The same applies to use during lactation, since cetirizine passes into the mother’s breast milk.

Zyrtec: analogues

Zyrtec is one of the representatives of the group of antihistamines. Its analogues contain the same active ingredient: cetirizine:

• Cetirizine
• Zincette
• Zodak
• Cetrin
• Sensor
• Soloneks

Preparations with a different composition, for example, Erius, can also be analogues of Zirtek. Let’s compare Zodak with some of the remedies from this list.

Zyrtec or Zodak: which is better

The preparations have the same active substance, which defines them as antiallergic agents. Indications for use, dosage of the active substance, side effects and other characteristics of Zirtek and Zodak are the same.

The drugs are as similar as possible and even have the same forms of release: drops and tablets. The only difference is the manufacturers. Zyrtec is made in Switzerland, and Zodak is made in Russia, which is reflected in the price of the funds. Therefore, when choosing what is better to buy: Zodak or Zirtek, be guided by your preference, since the drugs are identical in terms of effectiveness.

Zyrtec or Cetrin: which is better

Similar to Zyrtec, Cetrin contains the same active ingredient in the same dosage of tofu. According to their characteristics, the preparations are identical, except that only Cetrin’s indications are slightly wider. It is additionally used for:

• itching allergic dermatoses: atopic dermatitis, etc.
• angioedema angioedema

Cetrin is available in tablet form only and is indicated for use in adults and children over 6 years of age, just like Zyrtec tablets. Manufacturers of drugs are also different, Citrine is produced in India. When choosing products, pay attention to the age of the patient and your preference in the manufacturer.

Zirtek or Erius: what is better

Zirtek and Erius are drugs for allergic manifestations. Their most important difference is the active substance.

Erius – contains desloratadine. It is produced in the form of tablets and syrup. The dosage of the active substance is 5 mg per 1 tablet and 0.5 mg per 1 ml of syrup. Erius is used by adults and children from 12 years old, and syrup can be given from 1 year old. The use of Erius does not adversely affect driving.

The method of administration depends on the age of the patient. Of course, manufacturers also differ: Erius is a Belgian drug.

Zyrtec – contains cetirizine. There are much more contraindications for use than Erius. Caution should be exercised when driving vehicles, as cetirizine causes drowsiness.

Thus, when choosing an antihistamine Erius or Zodak, pay attention to the list of contraindications and side effects. Especially if your activity is connected with increased concentration of attention.

All products Cetrin

20 reviews

All products Zodak

20 reviews

All products Erius

20 reviews

Summary

• Zirtek is an antihistamine that is used to eliminate allergic reactions in allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis, as well as urticaria.
• The active substance of Zyrtec is cetirizine, and the auxiliary components depend on the form of release: drops or tablets.
• The dosage of Zyrtec is the same, for example, 1 tablet or 20 drops of the drug contains 10 mg of the active ingredient.
• Both forms of Zyrtec are suitable for children, tablets can be taken from 6 years and drops from 6 months.
• Zyrtec analogues include many products, some of them have different active ingredients.
• When comparing Zyrtec with Zodak, we found differences only in drug manufacturers. Cetrin is distinguished by the absence of a release form in the form of drops and also by the manufacturer. But Erius has the largest number of differences, which we described in the article.

Ask an expert about Article

Still have questions? Ask them in the comments below and our experts will answer you. There you can also share your experience with other readers of Megasovets.

Share the mega tip

Like this article? Tell mom, dad, grandma and aunt Galya from the third entrance

Copy link

How long can you take allergy pills?

Komsomolskaya Pravda

Search results

HealthMedicine NewsDIRECT LINE

Ekaterina SIMOKHINA

June 2, 2010 1:00

Candidate of Medical Sciences, Director of the Center for Allergology and Immunology, Chief Children’s Allergist of the Volgograd Health Department Tatyana Sadchikova answered our readers’ questions.

HOW TO SAVE FROM ALLERGY TO MOSQUITO BITES

– Nina Nikolaevna is calling from the city of Kotovo. My granddaughter is 2 years and 7 months old. As soon as mosquitoes and midges appeared, she was all swollen. The bites blew his entire forehead. Mom thinks she’s allergic. What drugs can we use?

– External swelling of the forehead is removed by “Advantan” in the form of an emulsion or cream. Apply the product to the bite site 1 time per day. In addition, take “Zirtek” or “Zodak” orally, 10 drops 1 time per day for two weeks. Use a mosquito repellent before going outside.

– Could a bite cause angioedema?

– If an insect bites on the eyelid, it can. Then you need to take an antihistamine and consult a doctor.

– Hello, my name is Elena. Can you tell me if you are allergic to cold? I have serious problems with the onset of bad weather: watery eyes, a constant runny nose, and so on almost until spring.

– Allergies to cold occur, but very rarely. More often it is a pseudo-allergic reaction caused by other causes (infections, parasites, etc.). You should contact both an allergist and other specialists: a dentist, an ENT specialist, a gynecologist, a gastroenterologist. If latent infections are not found, then we should already talk about allergies. But it is necessary to be examined during the summer period, in order to have time to carry out treatment by winter.

– In spring and autumn, as soon as the first fogs begin, I suffer from a cough. I have been going to a therapist for three years in a row, they treat me for ARVI, a cold. No antiviral agents and antibiotics help. Maybe it’s an allergy?

– You may have an allergic cough. You definitely need to consult a specialist. Most likely, you have a reaction to fungal allergens. This is how it manifests itself – cough, runny nose, watery eyes. The only thing – there is no weakness, lethargy and fever. If the disease recurs for several years in a row at the same time, then there is a big risk that this is an allergy that cannot be started. Otherwise, the case may end with asthma.

ASTHMATICS ARE IN NEED TO BE AFRAID OF HORMONES

– My name is Dasha, I am 18 years old. I was prescribed inhaled hormones for allergies. I’m afraid they might add weight. How do these drugs affect the hormonal background?

– Fear not, inhaled glucocosteroids have very low bioavailability and do not suppress the function of our adrenal glands. Therefore, height and weight are not affected. The only side effect is thrush in the oral cavity, which does not require discontinuation of the drug. Just after inhalation, you need to rinse your mouth, and if thrush appears, consult a doctor.

– Good afternoon! Tell me, please, can you really cure bronchial asthma with nothing but hormones? So says the allergist in our clinic. Is there no other means?

– You can treat other means, but it all depends on the severity of the disease. If this is a form of moderate severity, then nothing but hormones will help. With a mild degree, when attacks occur sporadically, bronchodilators can be used for the duration of an exacerbation. Also, instead of hormones, they take the drug “Tayled”, but only in mild cases. But hormones are afraid in vain and unreasonably. They have no side effects, but the disease is quickly suppressed and the quality of life improves markedly.

– Is it possible to go to the swimming pool with bronchial asthma? What activities are good for asthmatics?

– You can. The main thing is that there is no reaction in the form of a cough to physical activity and fungal allergies. Chlorine can also act as an irritant and lead to coughing. It’s worth a try. If everything is in order, then swimming is very useful because of breathing exercises. Swimming strengthens the muscles of the shoulder girdle. Also, as an option, asthmatics are recommended to play wind instruments. All kinds of pipes, flutes, saxophone, etc. train the respiratory system well.

IT IS BETTER TO BE TREATED IN SPRING AND AUTUMN

– Viktor Nikolayevich worries you. In April, I was in a clinic in Moscow, underwent a course of injections. It became easier to tolerate allergies, but the symptoms remained. You still have to take the pills anyway. Why are injections so weak?

– The effectiveness of these allergen injections is not evaluated until after two years of treatment. It is necessary to pierce two courses and see: if it becomes easier, then continue treatment for up to 5 years. In general, such injections can be done in Volgograd on an outpatient basis, it is not necessary to go to Moscow.

– My name is Anna, I’m from the Dzerzhinsky district. I have suffered from hay fever since childhood. From May to September – severe rhinitis. This year, a cough has been added to the runny nose. Is this a prerequisite for the development of asthma, and what prophylaxis can be done so as not to start the disease?

– If allergic rhinitis is present, you can be 95% sure that you will have asthma. This year, to stop the cough, you need to do inhalations with glucocosteroids after consulting an allergist, and in the fall, be sure to do specific immunotherapy.

– How long can I take allergy medication? I give the child “Ksizal” for almost two months, I’m afraid that it can be addictive.

-This drug is not addictive. Especially if you drink occasionally, then it’s okay. “Ksizal” is an active drug. It acts immediately, it does not need to be activated in the liver, like all other medicines, so it is the most gentle for the body.

– I have heard that allergy medicines do not work immediately, but must be accumulated in the body.

– No, all drugs except Ketotifen, rapid response. They all have an onset time of 5 to 15 minutes after taking the medication.

– Irina is bothering you, Krasnooktyabrsky district. My child has an obvious allergy. Last year, we went to the doctor, we were prescribed pills and told to come in the fall for an examination. But the doctor went on maternity leave, and now there is no specialist of this profile in the children’s clinic at all. Where to go, what tests should be taken? The child suffers from the end of March until October.

– In summer, samples can only be taken in the form of a blood test. Skin tests are usually done in early spring or late autumn. But this does not mean that you need to endure until autumn. Go to the allergist now, he will prescribe you a nasal spray and allergy pills to stop the aggravation. And in the fall, you definitely need to do allergy therapy, make tests.

– Maybe, for now, something to drink to increase the child’s immunity?

– Fortifying agents and vitamins will not help you in terms of allergies. Here we need antihistamines, anti-inflammatory, antiallergic drugs, which the doctor should prescribe. If your clinic does not have a specialist, contact any city children’s clinic where an allergist sees you. You must be accepted under the policy.

ALLERGIC DIET IS THE BEST MEDICINE

– Hello, my niece has atopic dermatitis. She’s 4 years old. She keeps a diet, goes to the sea, takes pills, but there is no sense. He cannot go to the kindergarten, there is no opportunity to eat dietary food. Tell me how to cure allergies? At what age can immunotherapy be used?

– If you mean immunotherapy with allergens, then they are allowed from the age of 5.

– What tests should be done?

– First, it is necessary to confirm that the child has a household allergy – to house dust or pollen. It is necessary to identify a causally significant allergen. Because no one in our city conducts therapy with food allergens. In Russia, there are no standard food allergens for treatment at all. In a situation with dermatitis, there must be a very strict diet. If the child has an allergy to cereals, milk, then do not make any indulgences. Even if he really asks. And constantly take care of the skin, use ointments and creams and do not quit at the first improvement. Bathe your baby with special products with a neutral pH.

Prepared by Ekaterina SIMOKHINA.

Age category of the site 18+

Online publication (website) registered by Roskomnadzor, certificate El No. FS77-80505 dated March 15, 2021 LAVOVNA.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OF THE SITE – KANSK VICTOR FYODOROVICH.

THE AUTHOR OF THE MODERN VERSION OF THE EDITION IS SUNGORKIN VLADIMIR NIKOLAEVICH.

Messages and comments from site readers are posted without
preliminary editing. The editors reserve
the right to remove them from the site or edit them if the specified
messages and comments are an abuse of freedom
mass media or violation of other requirements of the law.

EDITORIAL ADDRESS: “Komsomolskaya Pravda” in Volgograd”, Krasnoznamenskaya str., 7, 7th floor, Volgograd ZIP code: 400031 Contact phone: +7 (8442) 91-94-63, 91-94 65. [email protected]

Exclusive rights to materials posted on the website
www.kp.ru, in accordance with the legislation of the Russian
Federation for the Protection of the Results of Intellectual Activity
belong to JSC Publishing House Komsomolskaya Pravda, and do not
be used by others in any way
form without the written permission of the copyright holder.