Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSide EffectsZyrtec TypesDosageDrug InteractionsSeeking Medical Care
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Side Effects
Zyrtec Types
Dosage
Drug Interactions
Seeking Medical Care
Zyrtec(cetirizine) is an over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine commonly used to treat allergy symptoms, such as runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, and itchy eyes or throat.
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Zyrtec is considered to be safe and well-tolerated in children.Common side effects of Zyrtec include:
Parents may want to know if Zyrtec will cause anxiety or behavioral issues. Generally, these issues should not occur with the proper dosage. However, an overdose of Zyrtec may cause symptoms such as irritability, restlessness, and extreme drowsiness.
Experiencing an allergic reaction is a rare but serious potential side effect. If your child experiences hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling around the face, lips, tongue, or throat, get emergency medical help.
Can Children Overdose on Zyrtec?
It is important to follow the dosing instructions properly to ensure your child takes the correct dose of Zyrtec. If you use the liquid formulation, measure the dose with a medicine measuring device, such as the measuring cup enclosed with the liquid or given to you at the pharmacy. Using a household measuring device like a kitchen spoon can prove inaccurate and may result in incorrect dosing.
Symptoms of a Zyrtec overdose may include restlessness, irritability, and/or drowsiness.
When to Seek HelpIf you think your child took too much Zyrtec, call Poison Control at800-222-1222. If your child collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or cannot wake up, call 911.
When to Seek Help
If you think your child took too much Zyrtec, call Poison Control at800-222-1222. If your child collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or cannot wake up, call 911.
Other Precautions
Some things to consider before your child takes Zyrtec are:
Types of Zyrtec for Children
According to the manufacturer’s website, four types of Zyrtec are specifically formulated for children, including:
Dosage guidance for Children’s Zyrtec 2.5 mg chewables is:
Dosage guidance for Children’s Zyrtec Allergy Relief syrup is:
Dosage guidance for Children’s Zyrtec 10 mg chewables for ages 6 and older is to chew and swallow one tablet once a day.
Dosage guidance for Children’s Zyrtec Dissolve tabs for ages 6 and older is to let one tablet dissolve in the mouth once daily.
Additional tips for Zyrtec dosing are:
Will Any Drugs Interact With Zyrtec?
Before your child takes Zyrtec, check with a healthcare provider or pharmacist to ensure there are no possible drug interactions. Be sure to mention all prescription drugs, OTC medicines, vitamins, and supplements your child is taking. Let your healthcare provider or pharmacist know if your child takes any of the following:
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Along with taking allergy medicine, additional measures can be taken to prevent and control allergies, such as avoiding triggers.
According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, you or your child should see an allergist if:
Summary
Zyrtec is a commonly used OTC antihistamine for managing allergy symptoms in adults and children. Several Zyrtec products, including chewable tablets, syrup, and Dissolve Tabs, are formulated for children.
Common side effects like drowsiness and dry mouth are generally mild, but an overdose can lead to more severe symptoms such as irritability, restlessness, and extreme drowsiness.
9 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Cetirizine.Parisi GF, Leonardi S, Ciprandi G, et al.Cetirizine use in childhood: an update of a friendly 30-year drug.Clin Mol Allergy. 2020;18:2. doi:10.1186/s12948-020-00118-5Safe Medication.Liquid medications.DailyMed.Childrens Zyrtec Allergy tablet, orally disintegrating.DailyMed.Childrens Zyrtec Allergy syrup.Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc.Zyrtec products: children.DailyMed.Children’s Zyrtec -cetirizine hydrochloride tablet, chewable.DailyMed.Children’s Zyrtec- cetirizine hydrochloride tablet, chewable.American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.When to see an allergist.
9 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Cetirizine.Parisi GF, Leonardi S, Ciprandi G, et al.Cetirizine use in childhood: an update of a friendly 30-year drug.Clin Mol Allergy. 2020;18:2. doi:10.1186/s12948-020-00118-5Safe Medication.Liquid medications.DailyMed.Childrens Zyrtec Allergy tablet, orally disintegrating.DailyMed.Childrens Zyrtec Allergy syrup.Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc.Zyrtec products: children.DailyMed.Children’s Zyrtec -cetirizine hydrochloride tablet, chewable.DailyMed.Children’s Zyrtec- cetirizine hydrochloride tablet, chewable.American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.When to see an allergist.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
MedlinePlus.Cetirizine.Parisi GF, Leonardi S, Ciprandi G, et al.Cetirizine use in childhood: an update of a friendly 30-year drug.Clin Mol Allergy. 2020;18:2. doi:10.1186/s12948-020-00118-5Safe Medication.Liquid medications.DailyMed.Childrens Zyrtec Allergy tablet, orally disintegrating.DailyMed.Childrens Zyrtec Allergy syrup.Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc.Zyrtec products: children.DailyMed.Children’s Zyrtec -cetirizine hydrochloride tablet, chewable.DailyMed.Children’s Zyrtec- cetirizine hydrochloride tablet, chewable.American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.When to see an allergist.
MedlinePlus.Cetirizine.
Parisi GF, Leonardi S, Ciprandi G, et al.Cetirizine use in childhood: an update of a friendly 30-year drug.Clin Mol Allergy. 2020;18:2. doi:10.1186/s12948-020-00118-5
Safe Medication.Liquid medications.
DailyMed.Childrens Zyrtec Allergy tablet, orally disintegrating.
DailyMed.Childrens Zyrtec Allergy syrup.
Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc.Zyrtec products: children.
DailyMed.Children’s Zyrtec -cetirizine hydrochloride tablet, chewable.
DailyMed.Children’s Zyrtec- cetirizine hydrochloride tablet, chewable.
American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.When to see an allergist.
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