From the Research
For atopic dermatitis, the recommended dose of cetirizine is 10 mg once daily for adults and children 12 years and older, as this dose has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of atopic dermatitis while minimizing the risk of adverse effects, as noted in studies such as 1 and 2. The dosing of cetirizine for children is as follows:
- For children 6-11 years old, the dose is 5-10 mg once daily, as supported by studies such as 3.
- Children 2-5 years old should receive 2.5-5 mg once daily. Cetirizine can be taken with or without food, and it's best to take it at the same time each day for consistent relief. The medication typically starts working within an hour and provides 24-hour relief. While primarily an antihistamine for allergy symptoms, cetirizine can help reduce itching associated with atopic dermatitis. It works by blocking histamine receptors, which are involved in the itch-scratch cycle of atopic dermatitis, as discussed in 4. Some key points to consider when using cetirizine for atopic dermatitis include:
- The medication is generally well-tolerated, but patients should be aware that drowsiness is a common side effect, as noted in 1 and 2.
- If drowsiness occurs, taking the medication at bedtime may be preferable.
- Long-term daily use is generally considered safe and effective for managing chronic atopic dermatitis symptoms, as supported by studies such as 1 and 2. It's also important to note that cetirizine can be used in conjunction with other treatments for atopic dermatitis, such as topical steroids, as discussed in 5. However, the use of topical steroids should be carefully monitored to minimize the risk of adverse effects.