When to Use. Treatment of nasal or eye allergies, hives, itching and other allergic symptoms.

Table Notes:

• AGE LIMITS. For allergies, don't 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 equals 5 ml and that ½ teaspoon equals 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.
• DOWNSIDE. Doesn't control allergy symptoms as well as older allergy medicines. Use Cetirizine mainly if drowsiness from Benadryl interferes with function.
• COST. Use a store brand of Cetirizine. Reason: Costs less than brand name, Zyrtec.

Author and Senior Reviewer: Barton D. Schmitt, M.D.

Content Set: Child Symptom Checker

Child Symptom Checker