Zyrtec Dosage

Your Zyrtec dosage will be based on several factors, such as the severity of your symptoms. The recommended dose for most adults and children age six and over is Zyrtec 10 mg once daily. For children age two through five years old, a lower Zyrtec dosage is recommended, and only the syrup form of the drug is approved for this age group.

 

Zyrtec Dosage: An Introduction

The recommended dose of Zyrtec® (cetirizine hydrochloride) will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Your age
  • The severity of your symptoms
  • 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.
 

Zyrtec Dosing for Adults and Older Children

The recommended dose of Zyrtec for most adults and children age six and over is Zyrtec 10 mg once daily. For mild symptoms, Zyrtec 5 mg once daily may be sufficient. Check with your healthcare provider if you have liver or kidney disease, as a lower dose may be recommended.
 
The label of Zyrtec recommends that people age 65 and older check with their healthcare providers before taking the drug in order to determine the best dose. It is common for liver and kidney function to decline with age, and a lower Zyrtec dosage may be recommended.
 

Zyrtec Dosing for Young Children

The recommended dose of Zyrtec for children age two through five years old is Zyrtec 2.5 mg once daily. This dose is equivalent to half a teaspoonful (2.5 mL) of Zyrtec syrup. Consult your child's healthcare provider if your child has liver or kidney problems, as a lower dosage may be recommended. Only Children's Zyrtec Allergy syrup is approved and labeled for this age group. Other Zyrtec products are not approved for this age range.
 
(Zyrtec Dosage Continued: Page 2)
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;