Children’s Zyrtec is one of the over-the-counter oral medicine recommended by pediatricians to be used for relieving allergies in children. It can provide relief from allergies caused by pollen, pets, dust mites and more for up to 24 hours. Children’s Zyrtec comes in two flavors that is made without sugar, dye and alcohol. In this article, we will discuss the ingredients in this medicine, dosage, side effects, how it works and other things.
WHAT IS CHILDREN’S ZYRTEC?
Children’s Zyrtec is a medicine used in treating allergies in children, it can be easily gotten as it is an over-the-counter medicine.
Children’s Zyrtec comes in three forms which are:
- Children’s Zyrtec Allergy Syrup
- Children’s Zyrtec Allergy Dissolve Tabs
- Children’s Zyrtec Allergy Dye-Free Chewables
This medicine also comes in two flavors, they are:
- Grape which is available in 4 fl oz and 8 fl oz
- Bubble gum which comes in 4 fl oz
1. Children’s Zyrtec Tablets
This is a form of Children’s Zyrtec , it is taken without water and dissolves within seconds of being placed in the mouth. It has a citrus flavor that makes it easier for children to take without water. It is recommended that only children from the age of 6 and above can take this tablet.
The active ingredient in this medicine is 10 mg of Cetirizine HCl which is an antihistamine. Other ingredients include amino methacrylate copolymer, anhydrous citric acid, colloidal silicon dioxide, crospovidone, flavors, hydroxypropyl cellulose, magnesium stearate, mannitol, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium bicarbonate, sodium starch glycolate, sucralose.
2. Children’s Zyrtec Liquid
This is a syrup that comes in a friendly flavor that can be easily taken by children. There is no sugar, dye or alcohol in this medicine. This allergy syrup comes with a dosing cup that will be used to measure the dose. The cup has doses written in millimeters, it is recommended that you stick to the right dose.
The active ingredient for Children’s Zyrtec allergy syrup is 5 mg of cetirizine HCl which serves as antihistamine. Other ingredients are anhydrous citric acid, flavours, propylene glycol, purified water, sodium benzoate, sorbitol solution, sucralose.
3. Children’s Zyrtec Allergy Dye-Free Chewables
This comes in two forms, one in a 2.5 mg which can be used by children who are from the ages of 2 and older. The medicine is chewable and have a fruity flavor that children loves. The active ingredient is 2.5 mg of Cetirizine HCl. Other ingredients are Betadex, corn starch, flavor, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, mannitol, silicified microcrystalline cellulose, sucralose.
The other form is Children’s Zyrtec Allergy Dye-Free Chewable for ages 6+. It is made with 10 mg of cetirizine HCl antihistamine for each tablet. The ingredients for this form is the same as 2.5 mg chewable but 10 mg of cetirizine is used instead of 5 mg.
INGREDIENTS AND USES OF CHILDREN’S ZYRTEC
The active ingredient in this medicine is Cetirizine HCl 5 mg (in each 5 mL), this acts as an antihistamine. Other inactive ingredients are anhydrous citric acid, flavors, propylene glycol, purified water, sodium benzoate, sorbitol solution, sucralose. According to the official website of the manufacturers, this medicine is used temporarily relieve symptoms caused by hay fever or other allergies that affect the upper respiratory for 24 hours.
Some uses of Children’s Zyrtec are to relieve symptoms like:
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Itching of the nose or throat
HOW DOES CHILDREN’S ZYRTEC WORK?
The active ingredient used in making Children’s Zyrtec is an antihistamine known as cetirizine. This ingredient works in the body by blocking or inhibiting a substance in the body known as histamine. This substance is responsible for causing allergic reactions and effects when you expose yourself to allergens.
It blocks this substance (histamine) and relieve symptoms. Note that this medicine cannot treat or prevent serious allergies like anaphylaxis. Always see your doctor if you have any serious allergies.
GENERIC CHILDREN’S ZYRTEC
The generic name for this drug is Cetirizine, it is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an over-the-counter medicine that can treat minor and seasonal allergies. It contains an active ingredient known as antihistamine which can be used to treat hives, itchy eyes or conjunctivitis, cold and other allergic reactions.
The active ingredient (Cetirizine) works in the body by inhibiting the activities of a substance known as histamine. This substance is produced in the body when there is an allergic reaction. There are other medicines with this same generic like Zyrtec, Zyrtec Allergy, Children’s Zyrtec Allergy, Children’s Zyrtec Hives Relief, PediaCare Children’s 24 Hour Allergy, Aller-Tec, and Wal-Zyr.
CHILDREN’S ZYRTEC DOSAGE BY AGE
The dosage depends on the type of the drug used. The Children’s Zyrtec allergy syrup is 5 mg of cetirizine hydrochloride in 5 mL. It comes with a dosing cup that is used for measuring the medicine.
The dosage for this type according to age are:
- Children who are under 2 years of age should only use the dosage recommended by a doctor. See a doctor first before giving Children’s Zyrtec to children who are younger than 2 years old.
- Children from the age of 2 till under 6 years of age should be given 2.5 ml once a day. In some cases, this dose can be increased to 5 ml. You can decide to give the 5 ml once or split it to 2.5 ml every 12 hours. You should never exceed 5 ml in 24 hours.
- Children from the age of 6 and above can take 5 ml or 10 ml once in a day. The severity of the symptoms will determine if 5 ml or 10 ml should be given but the maximum dose is 10 ml.
The dosage for children’s zyrtec dissolve tablets have 10 mg of cetirizine hydrochloride. The dosage is different from the syrup. It dissolves in the mouth, you just have to place the tablet in your mouth without water while the medicine dissolves in seconds.
The dosage are:
- Children who are under the age of 6 should not take it unless approved by a doctor and the dosage should be prescribed as well.
- Children from the age of 6 and above should be given one 10 mg tablet once in a day. If the symptoms are less severe and minor, then 5 ml should be taken. The maximum dose is 10 mg.
CHILDREN’S ZYRTEC DOSAGE BY WEIGHT
Sometimes, the weight of the child can be considered when giving this medicine. The chart below shows how it is given based on weight.
- 14 to 16 lbs (6-11 months)
- 18 to 23 lbs (12 -23 months)
- 24 to 35 lbs (2-3 yrs)
- 36 to 47 lbs (4-5 yrs)
- 48 to 59 lbs (6-8 yrs)
- 60 to 85 lbs (9-11 yrs)
- 85+ lbs (12 yrs+)
- Children’s Zyrtec Allergy Syrup 5ml
- 1/2 tsp (Half teaspoon)
- 1 tsp
- 1 tsp
- 1 tsp
- 1 to 2 tsp
- 1 to 2 tsp
- 1 to 2 tsp
- Children’s zyrtec dissolve tablets 5mg
- 1 tablet
- 1 tablet
- 1 tablet
- 1 to 2 tablet
- 1 to 2 tablet
- 1 to 2 tablet
- Children’s Zyrtec dissolve tablets 10 mg
- 1 tablet
- 1 tablet
- 1 tablet
SIDE EFFECTS OF CHILDREN’S ZYRTEC
The side effects can either be minor or severe, these side effects occur and go away on their own but if they continue after some days, you should discontinue using the medicine and see a doctor.
Some common side effects are:
- Dry mouth
- Dryness of the nose
- Dry throat
- Drowsiness
Severe side effects include:
- Diarrhea
- Irritation of the throat
- Difficulty in sleeping
- Bleeding of the nose
- Nausea
- Severe pain in the abdomen
- Increase in heart rate
- Jittery feeling
- Trouble with breathing
CAN CHILDREN’S ZYRTEC BE TAKEN OVERDOSE?
There can be situation where the child takes more than the recommended dose or overdose, this can cause some reactions and effects like:
- Extreme drowsiness
- Irritability
- Restlessness
When this happens, you should take your child to a doctor as soon as possible especially if these symptoms are severe.
CAN CHILDREN’S ZYRTEC INTERACT WITH OTHER DRUG?
It can interact with other herbs, supplements, vitamins or medications. This is why you should see a doctor before use especially if the child is taking other medicines.
Some drugs that can interact with Children’s Zyrtec are:
Opiates such as hydrocodone or oxycodone. Drugs with antihistamine like dimenhydrinate, doxylamine, diphenhydramine, or loratadine. Thiazide diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide or chlorthalidone, or other blood pressure medications.
Sedatives such as zolpidem or temazepam, or medications that cause drowsiness. If you child is to take any monoamine oxidase inhibitors, you should not use it within 2 weeks of using Children’s Zyrtec. There are some health conditions that does not work well with Children’s Zyrtec.
There may be health complications and problems. Do not use Children’s Zyrtec if you have:
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
You should talk to a doctor first and use alternatives if possible.
CONCLUSION
Children’s Zyrtec is used to treat seasonal and minor allergies. It comes in many forms and their dosages are different as well. There are flavors that makes it easier for children to take this medicines. It is advised that you stick to the recommended dosage and warnings to avoid health complications.