Antihistamine Dosing for Allergies and Hives:

  • Once-daily dosing unless noted.
  • Use only one antihistamine at a time.
  • Always double-check concentration on the bottle.

Pediatric Antihistamine Dosing Chart

Cetirizine (Zyrtec®)

AgeDoseMax Daily Dose
6-23 months2.5 mg once daily2.5 mg
2-5 years2.5 mg once daily (may increase to 5 mg/day)5 mg
6-11 years5-10 mg once daily10 mg
≥12 years10 mg once daily10 mg

 

Common formulations 

  • Liquid: 1 mg/mL or 5 mg/5 mL
  • Chewable: 5 mg
  • Tablet: 10 mg 

Note: Slightly more sedating than loratadine/fexofenadine in some kids.

Loratadine (Claritin®)

AgeDoseMax Daily Dose
2-5 years5 mg once daily5 mg
6-11 years10 mg once daily10 mg
≥12 years10 mg once daily10 mg

 

Common formulations

  • Liquid: 5 mg/5 mL
  • Chewable: 5 mg
  • Tablet: 10 mg

Note: Least sedating for many patients.

Fexofenadine (Allegra®)

AgeDoseMax Daily Dose
6 months - 2 years15 mg twice daily30 mg
2-11 years30 mg twice daily60 mg
≥12 years60 mg twice daily or 180 mg once daily180 mg

 

Common formulations

  • Liquid: 30 mg/5 mL
  • Tablet: 30 mg, 60 mg, 180 mg

Note: Least sedating overall; avoid giving with fruit juice (↓ absorption).

Quick Comparison

MedicationSedation RiskDosing Frequency
CetirizineLow-moderateOnce daily
LoratadineLowOnce daily
FexofenadineMinimalOnce or twice daily