Children's Zyrtec (Cetirizine) Dosage Chart
Children's Zyrtec is labeled by age: 2-5 years, 2.5 mL (2.5 mg) of 1 mg/mL liquid once daily, up to 5 mL (5 mg) a day; 6 years and older, 5-10 mL (5-10 mg) once daily. Under 2 years, only if a doctor directs.
Zyrtec (cetirizine) dosage chart by age
| Age | Dose | Interval | Max daily | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 6 months | Do not use | — | — | Not established under 6 months (label). |
| 6-11 months | 2.5 mg (2.5 mL) | once daily | 2.5 mg/day | Only if a doctor directs (OTC label: under 2 years ask a doctor). |
| 12-23 months | 2.5 mg (2.5 mL) | once daily; may go to every 12 h | 5 mg/day | Only if a doctor directs (OTC label: under 2 years ask a doctor). |
| 2-5 years | 2.5 mg (2.5 mL); may increase to 5 mg | once daily (or 2.5 mg every 12 h) | 5 mg/day | Liquid or 2.5 mg chewable only (10 mg chewables and ODT are for 6 years and older). |
| 6 years and older | 5 or 10 mg (5-10 mL) | once daily | 10 mg/day | — |
Cetirizine is labeled by age, not weight. Check the bottle: 1 mg/mL (5 mg/5 mL) liquid; 10 mg/mL drops sold outside the US are 10 times stronger.
Sources: Medicines for Children; NHS (links below). . This chart does not replace the product label or your clinician's advice.
Is there a Zyrtec dosage chart by weight?
The Zyrtec (cetirizine) label doses by age, not weight. Pediatric offices sometimes print a weight column next to the age rows as a guide, but the dose still follows the age group on the label. If your child is much smaller or larger than others their age, or is under 2 years, ask your pediatrician or pharmacist for the right dose.
Check the bottle first
Which bottle do I have?
- Liquid 1 mg/mL (5 mg/5 mL)
- Chewable 2.5 mg (ages 2-5)
- Chewable 10 mg and ODT 10 mg (6 years and older only)
- Tablets 10 mg
Match the strength printed on your bottle or package (mg per mL, per 5 mL, or per tablet) before using the chart.
Safety checks before dosing
- Dose once daily; consider bedtime dosing if mild drowsiness occurs.
- Avoid combining with other daily antihistamines unless directed.
- Liver or kidney disease: ask a doctor before use (label).
When to call a doctor
- Symptoms get worse or do not improve after appropriate dosing.
- Your child has a chronic condition, kidney or liver disease, or takes other medicines.
- You are unsure about the concentration or the correct dose.
Need a dose for your child's age and product?
- Cetirizine (Zyrtec) dose calculator — enter age and weight to check the label dose and the mL for your bottle.
- Printable Zyrtec dosing chart
- All children's OTC dosing charts
Frequently asked questions
Cetirizine (Zyrtec) is commonly dosed once daily by age bands. Always confirm the product label and follow clinician guidance.
Yes. Zyrtec is a brand name for cetirizine.
Yes, daily use is common during allergy seasons. Recheck the dose when your child moves into the next age group.
Most children remain alert, but some feel drowsy. Give the dose at night if needed.
Avoid stacking oral antihistamines. Nasal sprays and saline can be combined safely; ask your clinician about combinations.