The typical cetirizine dose for allergies and hives is 5 to 10 milligrams (mg). Cetirizine comes in several oral forms and is usually taken once per day. It’s important that you don’t take more than 10 mg of cetirizine per day.
Over-the-counter (OTC) cetirizine is used in adults and certain children to temporarily relieve symptoms of upper respiratory allergies, such as:
- runny nose
- sneezing
- itchy, watery eyes
- itching of the nose or throat
It’s also used to ease itchiness from hives.
Cetirizine is a generic drug and belongs to a drug class called antihistamines. Some forms of cetirizine are available as the brand-name version Zyrtec. You don’t need a prescription to get cetirizine.
This article describes the dosages of cetirizine, its strengths, and how to take it.
The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended for OTC cetirizine. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor recommends. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs. In some cases, doctors may adjust your dosage from those mentioned here.
Cetirizine forms and strengths
OTC cetirizine comes in several forms and strengths:
| Cetirizine form | Strengths |
|---|---|
| oral tablet | • 5 mg • 10 mg |
| chewable tablet | • 2.5 mg • 5 mg • 10 mg |
| orally disintegrating tablet | • 10 mg |
| oral capsule | • 5 mg • 10 mg |
| oral solution | 5 mg per 5 milliliters (5 mg/5 mL) |
The typical cetirizine dosage for adults with respiratory allergies or hives is 5 to 10 mg once per day depending on how severe your symptoms are. The maximum dose of cetirizine in 24 hours is 10 mg.
If you’re taking the oral solution form, the typical dosage is 1 or 2 teaspoons (5 or 10 mL) once per day depending on how severe your symptoms are. The maximum dose of cetirizine oral solution in 24 hours is 2 teaspoons (10 mL).
If you have questions about the dosage of cetirizine, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also check the dosage instructions on the drug’s packaging. If you’re an older adult (ages 65 years or older) or have liver or kidney problems, talk with your doctor before taking OTC cetirizine.
Cetirizine is used to ease symptoms of respiratory allergies or hives in certain children. For children ages 6 years and older, the dosage is the same as adults. See the “Cetirizine dosage for allergies or hives” for details.
There isn’t typically a recommended dosage of cetirizine for children younger than 6 years old unless they’re taking the oral solution form.
For children between 2 to 6 years old, the typical dosage of cetirizine oral solution is half a teaspoon (2.5 mL) once per day. If needed, the dose can be increased to a maximum of 1 teaspoon (5 mL) once per day or half a teaspoon (2.5 mL) every 12 hours. Do not give your child more than 1 teaspoon (5 mL) in 24 hours.
For children younger than 2 years old, talk with your child’s doctor about the right dosage of cetirizine oral solution.
If you have questions about your child’s dosage of cetirizine, talk with your child’s doctor or pharmacist. You can also check the dosage instructions on the drug’s packaging.
Your doctor or pharmacist will give you specific instructions for taking cetirizine. Typically, recommendations for taking cetirizine depend on the form you’re using.
| Cetirizine form | How to take |
|---|---|
| oral tablet | Swallow whole. You can take it with water. |
| chewable tablet | Chew or crush the tablets completely before swallowing. You can take it with or without water. |
| orally disintegrating tablet | Melt the tablet in your mouth before swallowing. You can take it with or without water. |
| oral capsule | Swallow whole. You can take it with water. |
| oral solution | Use the dosing cup that comes with the medication to measure your dose and then swallow it. |
How long do you take cetirizine?
Cetirizine is typically used for a limited time. If your allergy symptoms don’t ease, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may recommend another treatment option or check if your symptoms are caused by something else.
Do not take more cetirizine than your doctor or pharmacist recommends, as this can lead to harmful effects.
What to do in case you take too much cetirizine
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much cetirizine. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.