ZYRTEC® Dosage Guide
For Adult and Children's Cetirizine HCl Products and Adult Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Products
Whether you need to know ZYRTEC® dosages for adults or children, check out our dosing charts and FAQs for the ZYRTEC® family of products, to find all the information you need.
When taking any medication, it’s important to take the recommended dosage. If you’re in doubt, follow the instructions on the product packaging or our dosage chart below.
Additional ZYRTEC® Dosing Information & Warnings
Use this guide to determine the correct ZYRTEC® dosage for children younger than 12 years of age. Children’s ZYRTEC® dosage is based on age not weight. If you have any concerns about how weight may impact the dosage, please speak to your doctor.
Children’s ZYRTEC® products are not indicated for infants (i.e., those under the age of 2). Please speak with a doctor, if your child is under the age of 2, before giving them Children’s ZYRTEC®. Always read the label on the packaging & follow directions for use carefully before you give a dose.
Do not give a child more than directed
If you are wanting to give these products to a child younger than 2 years old, ask a doctor
Do not use if the package unit is opened, or contents are broken or missing
Do not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this product or any of its ingredients, or to an antihistamine containing hydroxyzine
Ask a doctor before use if you have liver or kidney disease. Your doctor should determine if you need a different dose
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are taking tranquilizers or sedatives
When using this product:
drowsiness may occur
avoid alcoholic drinks
alcohol, sedatives and tranquilizers may increase drowsiness
be careful when driving a motor vehicle or operating machinery
Stop use and ask a doctor if an allergic reaction to this product occurs. Seek medical help right away.
If pregnant or breast-feeding:
if breast-feeding: Not recommended
if pregnant: ask a health professional before use
Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away. (1-800-222-1222)
Use this dosage chart to determine the correct dosage of ZYRTEC® for adults. Remember to always read the label on the packaging & follow directions for use carefully before you take a dose.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are taking sedatives or tranquilizers
Do not use if the package unit is opened, or contents are broken or missing
Do not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this product or any of its ingredients, or to an antihistamine containing hydroxyzine
Ask a doctor before use if you have liver or kidney disease. Your doctor should determine if you need a different dose
When using this product:
drowsiness may occur
avoid alcoholic drinks
alcohol, sedatives and tranquilizers may increase drowsiness
be careful when driving a motor vehicle or operating machinery
Stop use and ask a doctor if an allergic reaction to this product occurs. Seek medical help right away.
If pregnant or breast-feeding:
if breast-feeding: Not recommended
if pregnant: Ask a health professional before use
Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away. (1-800-222-1222)
ZYRTEC® Dosing FAQs
If you are using ZYRTEC-D® Allergy Relief Tablets with Decongestant and Cetirizine HCl, take 1 tablet every 12 hours. Do not take more than 2 tablets in 24 hours.
With Children’s ZYRTEC® Allergy Syrup, do not exceed 5 ml in 24 hours for children aged 2 to under 6, or 10 ml in 24 hours for children aged 6 and over.
For all Adult or Children’s ZYRTEC® 10 mg products, do not exceed one dose per 24 hours.
Children’s ZYRTEC® Chewables 2.5 mg
Children 2 to under 6 years of age may chew and swallow 1 tablet (2.5 mg) once daily; If needed, dose can be increased to a maximum of 2 tablets (5 mg) once daily or 1 tablet (2.5 mg) every 12 hours.
Do not give more than 2 tablets (5 mg) in 24 hours.
Adults and children 6 years and over may chew and swallow 2 tablets (5 mg) or 4 tablets (10 mg) once daily depending upon severity of symptoms; do not take more than 4 tablets (10 mg) in 24 hours.
Adults 65 years and over may chew and swallow 2 tablets (5 mg) once daily; do not take more than 2 tablets.
Children’s ZYRTEC® Syrup
Children 2 to under 6 years of age may take 2.5 mL once daily. If needed, dose can be increased to a maximum of 5 mL once daily or 2.5 mL every 12 hours.
Adults and children 6 years and over: 5 mL or 10 mL once daily depending upon severity of symptoms. For adults 65 years and over, 5 mL once daily; do not take more than 5 mL in 24 hours.
The ZYRTEC® (cetirizine) family of products temporarily relieve the following symptoms, caused by hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies:
Runny nose
Itchy nose
Itchy throat
Itchy eyes
Watery eyes
ZYRTEC-D® is a 2-in-1 allergy medicine, combining cetirizine HCl with a nasal decongestant. In addition to the above symptoms, it can also help alleviate:
Nasal congestion
Sinus congestion
Sinus pressure
Find out more on our ZYRTEC® uses page.
It is generally fine to take an oral antihistamine together with a nasal steroid spray, however it is best to ask questions and discuss the medications you are taking with a doctor or pharmacist. 1
You can take most ZYRTEC® products with Mucinex, as they are different medications with different ingredients. However, do not take ZYRTEC-D® together with Mucinex D, as both contain pseudoephedrine. If you are unsure, speak to a doctor or pharmacist.
Per the ZYRTEC® OTC Drug Facts label, only one dose of ZYRTEC® should be taken per day, as it is a 24h medication. You can take two doses of ZYRTEC-D®, but only one dose every 12 hours.
With Children’s ZYRTEC® Syrup, for children 2 to under 6 years of age: 2.5 mL once daily is the recommended dose. If needed, however, dose can be increased to a maximum of 5 mL once daily or 2.5 mL every 12 hours.
Additionally, Children’s ZYRTEC® 2.5 mg Chewable Tablets can be taken 2.5 mg every 12 hours for children 2 to under 6 years of age.
You can take most ZYRTEC® products with SUDAFED, as they are different medications with different ingredients. However, do not take ZYRTEC-D® with SUDAFED, as both contain a nasal decongestant. If you are unsure, speak to a doctor or pharmacist.
Depending on your symptoms and provided the dosage instructions on the product packaging are followed, you can take antihistamines daily1. However, ZYRTEC-D® contains pseudoephedrine, which is only for short-term use. Stop use and ask a doctor if symptoms do not improve within 7 days or are accompanied by fever.
Like with any drug, an overdose can occur if more than the recommended amount is taken. Taking over the recommended amount may increase the risk and severity of side effects.
Warning signs of an overdose may include issues with vision, severe drowsiness, pains in the stomach, a rapid heartbeat – and even trouble walking, speaking or swallowing.
In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away (1-800-222-1222).