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Claritin Dosage Charts for Infants and Children

Medically reviewed by Judith Stewart, BPharm. Last updated on Nov 29, 2022.

Use these dosage guides for infants and children younger than 12 years old.

Claritin (loratadine) is an antihistamine used for the temporary relief of symptoms due to hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies:

Always read the label on the packaging and follow the directions for use carefully before giving a dose.

Children’s Claritin Dosage

Children’s Claritin Chewables 24-Hour (loratadine 5 mg)

  • Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child.
  • Claritin is usually taken once per day. Follow your doctor's instructions.
  • Find the right dose on the chart below.
  • The chewable tablet must be chewed before you swallow it. Do not swallow the chewable tablets whole.
Age Dose
children under 2 years of age ask a doctor
children 2 years to under 6 years of age chew 1 tablet daily; not more than 1 tablet in 24 hours
adults and children 6 years and over chew 2 tablets daily; not more than 2 tablets in 24 hours
consumers with liver disease or kidney disease ask a doctor

DO NOT TAKE more than directed. Taking more than directed may cause drowsiness.
DO NOT GIVE this medicine to a child younger than 2 years old.
FOR ADDITIONAL WARNINGS and more detailed information, please see Claritin Chewables Product Label.
IN CASE OF OVERDOSE, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center on 1-800-222-1222 right away. Urgent medical attention is required even if you do not notice any signs or symptoms.

Children’s Claritin Syrup 24-Hour (loratadine 5 mg in 5 mL)

  • Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
  • Claritin is usually taken once per day. Follow your doctor's instructions.
  • Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child.
  • Find the right dose on the chart below.
Age Dose
children under 2 years of age ask a doctor
children 2 years to under 6 years of age 5 mL once daily; do not take more than 5 mL in 24 hours
adults and children 6 years and over 10 mL once daily; do not take more than 10 mL in 24 hours
consumers with liver disease or kidney disease ask a doctor

DO NOT TAKE more than directed. Taking more than directed may cause drowsiness.
DO NOT GIVE this medicine to a child younger than 2 years old.
DO NOT USE if tape imprinted with “SEALED FOR YOUR PROTECTION” on top and bottom flaps of carton is not intact.
FOR ADDITIONAL WARNINGS and more detailed information, please see Children Claritin Allergy Product Label.
IN CASE OF OVERDOSE, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center on 1-800-222-1222 right away. Urgent medical attention is required even if you do not notice any signs or symptoms.

Claritin RediTabs for Juniors 12-Hour (loratadine 5 mg)

  • Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child.
  • Find the right dose on the chart below.
  • Use tablet immediately after opening individual blister
  • Place 1 tablet on tongue; no water needed the tablet melts in your mouth
Age Dose
children under 6 years of age ask a doctor
adults and children 6 years and over 1 tablet every 12 hours; not more than 2 tablets in 24 hours
consumers with liver disease or kidney disease ask a doctor

DO NOT TAKE more than directed. Taking more than directed may cause drowsiness.
DO NOT GIVE this medicine to a child younger than 2 years old.
DO NOT USE if tape imprinted with “SEALED FOR YOUR PROTECTION” on top and bottom flaps of carton is not intact.
IN CASE OF OVERDOSE, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center on 1-800-222-1222 right away. Urgent medical attention is required even if you do not notice any signs or symptoms.

Claritin RediTabs for Juniors 24-Hour (loratadine 10 mg)

  • Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child.
  • Find the right dose on the chart below.
  • Use tablet immediately after opening individual blister
  • Place 1 tablet on tongue; no water needed the tablet melts in your mouth
Age Dose
children under 6 years of age ask a doctor
adults and children 6 years and over 1 tablet daily; not more than 1 tablet in 24 hours
consumers with liver disease or kidney disease ask a doctor

DO NOT TAKE more than directed. Taking more than directed may cause drowsiness.
DO NOT GIVE this medicine to a child younger than 2 years old.
DO NOT USE if tape imprinted with “SEALED FOR YOUR PROTECTION” on top and bottom flaps of carton is not intact.
IN CASE OF OVERDOSE, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center on 1-800-222-1222 right away. Urgent medical attention is required even if you do not notice any signs or symptoms.

 

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Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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