Cetirizine (ie Zyrtec) and Loratidine (ie Claritin)
| Child's Age | 4-5 months | 6 months - 2 years | 2 - 5 years | 5 years and up |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cetirizine Liquid 5mg/5mL | 1.25 mL | 2.5 mL | 5 mL | 10 mL |
| Cetirizine Chewable Tablet 5mg | -- | -- | 1 tablet | 2 tablets |
| Cetirizine Chewable Tablet 10mg | -- | -- | -- | 1 tablet |
| Cetirizine Tablet/Capsule 10mg | -- | -- | -- | 1 tablet/capsule |
| Loratidine Liquid 5mg/5mL | -- | -- | 5 mL | 10mL |
| Loratidine Chewable Tablet 5mg | -- | -- | 1 tablet | 2 tablets |
| Loratidine Chewable Tablet 10mg | -- | -- | -- | 1 tablet |
| Loratidine Tablet/Capsule 10mg | -- | -- | -- | 1 tablet/capsule |
When to Use. Treatment of allergic reactions, nasal allergies, hives and itching.
Table Notes:
- AGE LIMITS. Cetirizine (Zyrtec) may be given to children 4 months and older. Loratadine (Claritin) may be given to children 2 years and older. Cetirizine is preferred for allergic reactions and hives. Data shows cetirizine is slightly more effective than loratidine for nasal allergies and itching.
- HOW OFTEN. Give every 24 hours as needed.
- We no longer recommend diphenhydramine (Benadryl) for treatment of allergies, hives, and itching because of increased side effects including drowsiness, irritability, and hyperactivity and because it is given more frequently than cetirizine and loratidine.
Cetirizine (Zyrtec) and Loratidine (Claritine) are used to treat allergic reactions, nasal allergies, hives and itching
Cetirizine (Zyrtec) Liquid 5 mg/5 mL
May Give Every once every
24
hours
- 4-5 months - 1.25 mL
- 6 months - 2 years - 2.5 mL
- 2 - 5 years - 5 mL
- 5 years and up - 10 mL
Loratidine (Claritin) Liquid 5 mg/5 mL
- Under 2 years - do NOT give
- 2 - 5 years - 5 mL
- 5 years and up - 10 mL
Cetirizine (Zyrtec) and Loratidine (Claritin) 5 mg chewable tablets
May Give Every once every 24 hours- Under 2 years - do NOT give
- 2 - 5 years - 1 tablet
- 5 years and up - 2 tablets
Cetirizine (Zyrtec) and Loratidine (Claritin) 10 mg chewable tablets
May Give Every once every 24 hours- Under 5 years - do NOT give
- 5 years and up - 1 tablet
Cetirizine (Zyrtec) and Loratidine (Claritin) 10mg tablets/capsules
May Give Every once every 24 hours- Under 5 years - do NOT give
- 5 years and up - 1 tablet/capsule
