Zyrtec Dosage

Each patient is given a different Zyrtec dosage based on several factors that include the patient’s age, weight the severity of symptoms and other existing medical conditions.

As with any other medication, do not take more than the recommended dose, unless specifically instructed by your healthcare provider.  Below is the usual Zyrtec dose as recommended by the manufacturer. However, it is possible for you to get a different prescription, therefore, do not adjust or increase your dose without consulting your healthcare provider.

Zyrtec Dosage For Adults and Children Older Than 12 Years

The recommended starting dose ranges from 5 to 10 mg per day, depending on the severity of symptoms. Usually, Zyrtec is taken as a single daily dose. It can be taken at anytime of the day to suit the need of the patient.

Zyrtec Dosage For Children

• Children 6 – 11 years: The recommended starting dose ranges from 5 to 10 mg once a day depending on the severity of symptoms. It can be taken at anytime of the day to suit the need of the patient.
• Children 2 – 5 years: The recommended starting dose is 2.5 mg (1/2 teaspoon) syrup once a day. Depending on the child’s response to treatment, the dose may be increased up to a maximum of 5 mg (1 teaspoon) syrup taken once a day or in two divided doses (1/2 teaspoon every 12 hours), or 5 mg chewable tablet once a day.
• Children 6 months – 23 months: The recommended dose is 2.5 mg (1/2 teaspoon) syrup once a day. Depending on the child’s response to treatment, the dose may be increased up to a maximum of 5 mg per day, given in two divided doses (1/2 teaspoon every 12 hours). For children younger than 2 years, syrup is the recommended drug preparation.

Use in Special Populations

Kidney or Liver Impairment: People with history or existing liver or kidney impairment may need a lower dosage of Zyrtec. For patients who have decreased renal function, are undergoing hemodialysis, or hepatically impaired, the recommended dose is 5 mg once a day. Children aged 6 to 11 years with impaired hepatic or renal function should be given lower doses, usually less than 2.5 mg (1/2 teaspoon) of Zyrtec syrup. However, for children below 6 years of age with liver or kidney disease, use of Zyrtec is not recommended.

Older Adults: Liver and kidney function may decline with age; as such, people age 77 and older may need lower dose of Zyrtec (Cetirizine). The manufacturer recommends that older adults consult their healthcare provider to determine the best dose.