Zyrtec Dosage (Cetirizine 5 mg, 10 mg)

Zyrtec (cetirizine) is a medication available without prescription which is used to treat the symptoms produced by allergies as well as hay fever. It is a member of the antihistamine class of drugs and more specifically is classified as a second-generation antihistamine. When first produced it was not available in most countries without a prescription. Zyrtec achieves most of its benefits through it action at the H1 receptor. This allows it to reduce the amount of histamine produced by the body which in turn relieves the symptoms experienced from allergies and hay fever. One advantage that Zyrtec has over other antihistamines is that it does not produce large amounts of drowsiness. Zyrtec is available in a variety of forms and doses designed for the treatment of different situations.

Zyrtec (cetirizine) dosing

Zyrtec should be taken whenever symptoms of allergies are experienced. Generally it only needs to be taken once during the day. The preferred time to take it is in the morning as the effects will generally last throughout the day. There are several forms of Zyrtec available. The most common and readily available form is tablets. The tablets can be swallowed with a glass of water or taken with a small snack. Zyrtec is also manufactured in chewable tablets. Chewable tablets are ideal for those who cannot swallow tablets or do not wish to do so. In many cases this is the preferred root of administration for this medication in children. There are also dissolving tablets of Zyrtec which can be placed upon the tongue for administration. Dissolvable tablets will reach the system quicker and may be ideal when quick relief is needed from allergy symptoms. The final form that Zyrtec comes in is a syrup. This is another option for children or those who cannot tolerate swallowing pills.

Zyrtec (cetirizine) 5 mg

The recommended dose for children to treat allergy symptoms or hay fever is 5mg of Zyrtec. For this reason the majority of chewable Zyrtec tablets come in 5mg doses. Zyrtec syrup is dosed at 1mg/ml of solution. The best way to get the dosage right is to use a syringe to measure 5ml of the solution. If a syringe is not available a teaspoon can be use for dosing. One level teaspoon of the syrup of Zyrtec equals 5mg of Zyrtec. Smaller children under six years of age should be started with half the dosage of the medication at 2.5mg. 5mg is also the dosage used when Zyrtec is combined with a decongestant. Some adults may also find 5mg to be adequate in removing allergic symptoms. It is best to stick with the lowest effective dose as this will reduce the amount of possible side effects occurring.

Zyrtec (cetirizine) 10 mg

The most common and effective dose for adults taking Zyrtec is 10mg. For relieving symptoms of allergies and hay fever 10mg should be adequate for the majority of individuals. It is not recommended to exceed a dosage of 10mg a day as the chance of stomach ache and drowsiness occurring increases as dosages increase. Zyrtec 10mg doses are available in all the standard forms that Zyrtec is commonly manufactured in. The most common form to find 10mg doses of Zyrtec in is tablets however. If Zyrtec cannot be found in 10mg doses you can take two 5mg doses.