Use age-appropriate antihistamine doses for children

What to Do

Use only second-generation antihistamines at the correct pediatric dose:

• Cetirizine (Zyrtec): Ages 6-23 months: 2.5mg/day. Ages 2-5: 2.5-5mg/day. Ages 6+: 5-10mg/day
• Loratadine (Claritin): Ages 2-5: 5mg/day. Ages 6+: 10mg/day
• Fexofenadine (Allegra): Ages 2-11: 30mg twice daily. Ages 12+: 180mg/day

Why It Works

Second-generation antihistamines are proven safe and effective in children with minimal sedation. Liquid formulations allow precise weight-based dosing for young children.

Tips

• Never use first-generation antihistamines (Benadryl) routinely in children — sedation, paradoxical excitation, and cognitive impairment
• Always use a measuring syringe for liquid dosing, not household spoons
• Cetirizine liquid is approved from age 6 months, making it the earliest-available option