Claritin Dosage

The Claritin dosage that you are prescribed will be affected by factors such as your age and if any other medical conditions are present. For example, the recommended dose for adults and children age six and over is 10 mg a day. If you have medical conditions like liver or kidney disease, you may require a lower Claritin dosage.

 

Claritin Dosage: An Introduction

The dose of Claritin® (loratadine) that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Your age
  • Other medical conditions you may have.
     
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 

Claritin Dosage for Adults and Older Children

The recommended dose of Claritin for most adults and children age six and over is Claritin 10 mg once daily. This dose is equivalent to one Claritin 10 mg tablet or Claritin RediTab®, two teaspoonfuls (10 mL) of Claritin syrup, or two Claritin chewable tablets. If you have liver or kidney disease, you should consult your healthcare provider before taking Claritin, as you may need a lower dosage.
 
If you are using Claritin 12-Hour RediTabs, the recommended dose is one tablet (5 mg) twice daily.
 

Claritin Dosage for Young Children

The recommended dose of Claritin for children ages two through five is Claritin 5 mg once daily. This dose is equivalent to one Claritin chewable tablet or one teaspoonful (5 mL) of Claritin syrup. Consult your child's healthcare provider if your child has liver or kidney problems, as a lower dosage may be recommended.
 

General Information on Dosing With Claritin

Considerations for people taking Claritin include the following:
 
  • Claritin comes in several forms, including tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, and syrup. It is usually taken by mouth once daily.
     
  • You can take Claritin with or without food. If the medication seems to bother your stomach, try taking it with food.
     
  • Claritin RediTabs (orally disintegrating tablets) dissolve rapidly on the tongue with no need for water. They are a good option for people who have trouble swallowing tablets.
     
  • Try to take Claritin at the same time each day to keep an even level in your blood.
     
  • Some people need to take Claritin all year long, while others take it only during allergy season.
     
  • For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as directed by the package labeling. Please read the label closely.
     
  • If you are unsure about anything related to your Claritin dosage, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
     
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;