| Citirizine (Zyrtec) Dose Table every 24 hours |
| Child's Age |
2 - 5 |
6 - 12 |
12+ |
Years |
| Liquid 5 mg / 5 milliliters |
2.5 ml |
5 ml |
10 ml |
mg |
| Liquid 5 mg / 1 teaspoon |
1/2 tsp |
1 tsp |
2 tsp |
mg |
| Chewable 5 mg |
- |
1 tablet |
2 tablets |
tablets |
| Tablets 10 mg |
- |
- |
1 tablet |
tablets |
When to Use. Treatment of nasal or eye allergies.
Age Limits. For allergies, do not use under 2 years of age. Reason: not FDA approved. For AGE 2 - 6 years, talk with your child's doctor before using. For colds, not advised at any age. Reason: no proven benefits.
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. Syringes and droppers are better to use than teaspoons. 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 = 5 mL and that ½ teaspoon = 2.5 mL.
How Often. Give once a day in the morning.
Adult Dose. 10 mg
Brand Names. Zyrtec, generic cetirizine
Plus Side. Causes less sedation than older allergy medicines, like Benadryl and chlorpheniramine. It is long-acting and lasts up to 24 hours.
Cost. Use a store brand of cetirizine. Reason: Costs less than brand name, Zyrtec.
