Cetirizine Dosage

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 21, 2023.

Usual Adult Dose for Allergic Rhinitis

5 to 10 mg orally once a day

• Maximum dose: 10 mg/day

Uses:

• Relief of symptoms associated with perennial allergic rhinitis due to allergens (e.g., sneezing, rhinorrhea, postnasal discharge, nasal pruritus, ocular pruritus, tearing)
• Treatment of uncomplicated skin manifestations of chronic idiopathic urticaria

Usual Adult Dose for Urticaria

5 to 10 mg orally once a day

• Maximum dose: 10 mg/day

Uses:

• Relief of symptoms associated with perennial allergic rhinitis due to allergens (e.g., sneezing, rhinorrhea, postnasal discharge, nasal pruritus, ocular pruritus, tearing)
• Treatment of uncomplicated skin manifestations of chronic idiopathic urticaria

Usual Geriatric Dose for Allergic Rhinitis

5 to 10 mg orally once a day

• Maximum dose: 10 mg/day

Comment:

• Some experts recommend: Patients over 65 years of age should start with 5 mg orally once a day.

Uses:

• Relief of symptoms associated with perennial allergic rhinitis due to allergens (e.g., sneezing, rhinorrhea, postnasal discharge, nasal pruritus, ocular pruritus, tearing)
• Treatment of uncomplicated skin manifestations of chronic idiopathic urticaria

American Academy of Otolaryngology (AAO) and Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (HNSF) recommendations:
66 to 76 years: 5 to 10 mg orally per day
77 years and older: 5 mg orally per day
Duration of therapy: 6 months or longer

Comment:

• Intranasal antihistamines may be used concomitantly for patients with episodic, perennial, and/or seasonal allergic rhinitis.

Use: Treatment of allergic rhinitis and sneezing and itching

Usual Geriatric Dose for Urticaria

5 to 10 mg orally once a day

• Maximum dose: 10 mg/day

Comment:

• Some experts recommend: Patients over 65 years of age should start with 5 mg orally once a day.

Uses:

• Relief of symptoms associated with perennial allergic rhinitis due to allergens (e.g., sneezing, rhinorrhea, postnasal discharge, nasal pruritus, ocular pruritus, tearing)
• Treatment of uncomplicated skin manifestations of chronic idiopathic urticaria

American Academy of Otolaryngology (AAO) and Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (HNSF) recommendations:
66 to 76 years: 5 to 10 mg orally per day
77 years and older: 5 mg orally per day
Duration of therapy: 6 months or longer

Comment:

• Intranasal antihistamines may be used concomitantly for patients with episodic, perennial, and/or seasonal allergic rhinitis.

Use: Treatment of allergic rhinitis and sneezing and itching

Usual Pediatric Dose for Allergic Rhinitis

6 months to 2 years:

• Initial dose: 2.5 mg orally once a day
• Maintenance dose: 2.5 mg orally once to 2 times a day
• Maximum dose: 5 mg/day

2 to 5 years:

• Initial dose: 2.5 mg orally once a day
• Maintenance dose: 2.5 mg orally 2 times a day OR 5 mg orally once a day
• Maximum dose: 5 mg/day

6 years and older: 5 to 10 mg orally once a day

• Maximum dose: 10 mg/day

Uses:

• Relief of symptoms associated with perennial allergic rhinitis due to allergens (e.g., sneezing, rhinorrhea, postnasal discharge, nasal pruritus, ocular pruritus, tearing) in patients 2 years and older
• Treatment of uncomplicated skin manifestations of chronic idiopathic urticaria in patients 6 months and older

Usual Pediatric Dose for Urticaria

6 months to 2 years:

• Initial dose: 2.5 mg orally once a day
• Maintenance dose: 2.5 mg orally once to 2 times a day
• Maximum dose: 5 mg/day

2 to 5 years:

• Initial dose: 2.5 mg orally once a day
• Maintenance dose: 2.5 mg orally 2 times a day OR 5 mg orally once a day
• Maximum dose: 5 mg/day

6 years and older: 5 to 10 mg orally once a day

• Maximum dose: 10 mg/day

Uses:

• Relief of symptoms associated with perennial allergic rhinitis due to allergens (e.g., sneezing, rhinorrhea, postnasal discharge, nasal pruritus, ocular pruritus, tearing) in patients 2 years and older
• Treatment of uncomplicated skin manifestations of chronic idiopathic urticaria in patients 6 months and older

Renal Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Liver Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Precautions

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

• Hypersensitivity to the active component, hydroxyzine-containing antihistamines, or any of the ingredients

Safety and efficacy of prescription formulations have not been established in patients younger than 6 months, and with over-the-counter formulations in patients younger than 6 years.

Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.

Dialysis

Data not available

Other Comments

Administration advice:

• This drug may be taken with or without food.
• Capsules should be taken with a glass of water.

Storage requirements:

• Oral solution: Protect from light.
• Oral liquid gel tablets: Protect from humidity, light, and temperatures above 40C.

Patient advice:

• Inform patients that this drug may cause drowsiness, and they should avoid driving or operating machinery until the full effects of the drug are seen.
• Patients should be told to report allergic reactions.

Frequently asked questions

• Should cetirizine be taken at bedtime or upon awakening?
• Can you take antihistamines when pregnant?
• Is Generic Zyrtec Available?

See also:

Further information

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

Medical Disclaimer