Antihistamines (Zyrtec, Allegra, Claritin) Dosing Tables

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Antihistamine Dosing for Allergies and Hives:

  • Once-daily dosing  unless noted.
  • Use  only one antihistamine at a time.
  • Always double-check  concentration on the bottle.

Pediatric Antihistamine Dosing Chart

Cetirizine (Zyrtec®)

Age Dose Max Daily Dose
6-23 months 2.5 mg once daily 2.5 mg
2-5 years 2.5 mg once daily (may increase to 5 mg/day) 5 mg
6-11 years 5-10 mg once daily 10 mg
≥12 years 10 mg once daily 10 mg

 

Common formulations 

  • Liquid: 1 mg/mL or 5 mg/5 mL
  • Chewable: 5 mg
  • Tablet: 10 mg 

Note: Slightly more sedating than loratadine/fexofenadine in some kids.

Loratadine (Claritin®)

Age Dose Max Daily Dose
2-5 years 5 mg once daily 5 mg
6-11 years 10 mg once daily 10 mg
≥12 years 10 mg once daily 10 mg

 

Common formulations

  • Liquid: 5 mg/5 mL
  • Chewable: 5 mg
  • Tablet: 10 mg

Note: Least sedating for many patients.

Fexofenadine (Allegra®)

Age Dose Max Daily Dose
6 months - 2 years 15 mg twice daily 30 mg
2-11 years 30 mg twice daily 60 mg
≥12 years 60 mg twice daily  or  180 mg once daily 180 mg

 

Common formulations

  • Liquid: 30 mg/5 mL
  • Tablet: 30 mg, 60 mg, 180 mg

Note: Least sedating overall; avoid giving with fruit juice (↓ absorption).

Quick Comparison

Medication Sedation Risk Dosing Frequency
Cetirizine Low-moderate Once daily
Loratadine Low Once daily
Fexofenadine Minimal Once or twice daily