Cetirizine Dosage

Usual Adult Dose for Allergic Rhinitis

5 to 10 mg orally once a day
-Maximum dose: 10 mg/day

-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

Usual Adult Dose for Urticaria

5 to 10 mg orally once a day
-Maximum dose: 10 mg/day

-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

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

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.