FDA approves chewable version of Zyrtec allergy medicine for children
FDA approves chewable version of Zyrtec allergy medicine for children
NEW YORK, N.Y., April 28, 2004 -- The FDA approved a chewable
version of a popular antihistamine for allergies and chronic hives
in children aged 2 years and up. Zyrtec (cetirizine HCl) chewable
tablets are a new option for kids at the in-between stage --
they've outgrown the syrup formulation, but they still aren't ready
to swallow a pill.
The grape-flavored tablets can be taken with or without food or
water. Each dose is individually packaged, obviating the need to
measure doses, and enabling users to carry only what they need.
Zyrtec is approved to treat indoor and outdoor allergies in children as young as two. In studies, side effects included drowsiness, headache, sore throat, and stomachache. Most were mild or moderate. Most children weren't bothered by side effects enough to stop taking Zyrtec.
Source: Pfizer Inc. and UCB Pharma
Posted: April 2004
