Hydroxyzine Dosage for a 10-Month-Old Baby Weighing 8.5 kg
For a 10-month-old baby weighing 8.5 kg, the recommended dose of Atarax (hydroxyzine) is 0.6 mg/kg per dose, which equals approximately 5 mg per dose.
Dosage Calculation
- According to the FDA drug label, hydroxyzine dosing for children under 6 years is 50 mg daily in divided doses 1
- For sedative purposes (which is a common use in pediatrics), the recommended dose is 0.6 mg/kg of body weight 1
- For this 10-month-old weighing 8.5 kg:
- 0.6 mg/kg × 8.5 kg = 5.1 mg per dose (rounded to 5 mg for practical administration) 1
Administration Schedule
- For most indications, hydroxyzine should be administered in divided doses throughout the day 1
- Typically administered 2-3 times daily depending on the indication 2
- For pruritus or allergic conditions, three times daily dosing has shown efficacy in pediatric patients 2
Clinical Considerations
- Hydroxyzine has been studied in children with atopic dermatitis at doses of 0.7 mg/kg three times daily with good efficacy and minimal sedation 2
- The elimination half-life of hydroxyzine in children is approximately 7.1 ± 2.3 hours, which supports multiple daily dosing 2
- The most common adverse effect is sedation, which should be monitored closely, especially in young infants 2
Safety Precautions
- Start at the lower end of the dosing range to ensure safety while maintaining efficacy 3
- Administer with meals to improve gastrointestinal tolerability 3
- Monitor for excessive drowsiness, as hydroxyzine has significant sedative properties 4, 5
- Avoid exceeding the recommended dose to prevent adverse effects 3
Monitoring
- Evaluate clinical response within 48-72 hours of initiating therapy 3
- If no improvement is observed, consider alternative medications or diagnoses 3
- Be aware that hydroxyzine may cause more pronounced sedation when administered in the morning compared to evening doses 5
Cautions
- Hydroxyzine is associated with CNS depressant effects including fatigue, sedation, and impaired concentration 4
- Careful dosing is particularly important in this age group (under 1 year) as they may be more sensitive to medication effects 3
- Complete the full course of medication as prescribed, even if symptoms improve before completion 3