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Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
Child's age | 6 months-less than 2 years | 2-6 years | 6-12 years | > 12 years |
Total Amount (mg) | Please ask CPCMG triage nurse or healthcare provider | 2.5-5 mg | 5-10 mg | 10 mg |
Liquid 5mg/5ml | 2.5-5 mL | 5-10 mL | 10 mL | |
Chewable 5 mg | 1 tablet | 1-2 tablets | 2 tablets | |
Tablet 10 mg | — | 1 tablet | 1 tablet |
Uses: Antihistamine for the treatment of allergic reactions, nasal allergies, hives and itching. Give once daily as needed.
NOTES:
1) Dosing is based on AGE, not weight.
2) Consult a healthcare provider for children less than 2 years.
3) WARNING: Be aware that many OTC medications such as cold preparations may contain other antihistamines, which can lead to double dosing. Read all OTC labels carefully. The FDA advises against using multi-ingredient OTC medications in children less than 6 years of age.
Loratadine (Claritin)
Child's age | 2-6 years | 6-12 years | > 12 years |
Total Amount (mg) | 5 mg | 10 mg | 10 mg |
Liquid 5mg/5ml | 5 mL | 10 mL | 10 mL |
Chewable 5 mg | 1 tablet | 2 tablets | 2 tablets |
Redi-tabs 10 mg | — | 1 tablet | 1 tablet |
Tablet 10 mg | — | 1 tablet | 1 tablet |
Uses: Antihistamine for the treatment of allergic reactions, nasal allergies, hives and itching. Give once daily as needed.
NOTES:
1) Dosing is based on AGE, not weight.
2) Consult a healthcare provider for children less than 2 years.
3) WARNING: Be aware that many OTC medications such as cold preparations may contain other antihistamines, which can lead to double dosing. Read all OTC labels carefully. The FDA advises against using multi-ingredient OTC medications in children less than 6 years of age.
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
Child's weight is more than (LBS) | 20 pounds | 25 pounds | 38 pounds | 50 pounds | 100 pounds |
Total Amount (mg) | 10 mg | 12.5 mg | 19 mg | 25 mg | 25-50 mg |
Liquid 12.5mg/5ml | 3.75 mL | 5 mL | 7.5 mL | 10 mL | — |
Chewable 12.5 mg | — | 1 tablet | 1 ½ tablets | 2 tablets | 2-4 tablets |
Capsules 25 mg | — | — | — | 1 capsule | 2 capsules |
Uses: Antihistamine for the treatment of allergic reactions, nasal allergies, hives and itching. Give every 6-8 hours as needed.
NOTES:
1) Dosing is based on WEIGHT, not age. Keep note of your child's most recent weight.
2) Adult dose may be 25 or 50 mg because of sedating effects. Start with 25 mg for children >100 pounds.
3) Consult a healthcare provider for infants <12 months of age due to sedating effects.
4) Benadryl Children's FastMelts: each contains the equivalent of 12.5 mg of diphenhydramine and is dosed like the chewable tablet.
5) WARNING: Be aware that many OTC medications such as cold preparations may contain diphenhydramine, which can lead to double dosing. Read all OTC labels carefully. The FDA advises against using multi-ingredient OTC medications in children less than 6 years of age.
📚 References
This content was adapted from https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/services/pediatrics-general/dosage-charts.html.
Reviewed by JW MD, Patient Education Committee.