Recommended Dosage of Atarax (Hydroxyzine) Syrup for a 10-Month-Old Baby
For a 10-month-old baby, the recommended dose of Atarax (hydroxyzine) syrup (10 mg/5mL) is 0.6 mg/kg of body weight per dose. 1
Dosing Guidelines for Hydroxyzine in Infants
- For infants under 6 years of age, hydroxyzine should be administered at a total daily dose of 50 mg divided throughout the day 1
- For a 10-month-old specifically, the FDA-approved dosing is 0.6 mg/kg per dose when used as a sedative 1
- The dosage should be adjusted according to the patient's response to therapy 1
Calculating the Specific Dose
To calculate the exact dose for a 10-month-old:
- Multiply the baby's weight (in kg) by 0.6 mg/kg 1
- For example:
- If the baby weighs 8 kg: 8 kg × 0.6 mg/kg = 4.8 mg per dose
- Using the 10 mg/5mL concentration: 4.8 mg would equal approximately 2.4 mL per dose
Administration Considerations
- Hydroxyzine syrup can be administered without regard to meals 1
- The medication is typically administered in divided doses throughout the day 1
- The frequency of administration depends on the indication:
Efficacy and Safety Considerations
- In pediatric studies, hydroxyzine at 0.7 mg/kg was shown to effectively suppress pruritus for up to 24 hours, with peak effect between 2-12 hours after administration 2
- The elimination half-life of hydroxyzine in children increases with age, with a mean half-life of approximately 7.1 hours 2
- The most common adverse effect reported in children is sedation 2
Important Precautions
- Start with the lowest effective dose and adjust based on clinical response 1
- Monitor for excessive sedation, which is the most common side effect 2
- Avoid combining with other central nervous system depressants, as hydroxyzine can cause significant drowsiness 3
- Be aware that hydroxyzine may impair cognitive function, which is particularly important to consider when caring for young children 3
Follow-up Recommendations
- Evaluate the clinical response within 48-72 hours of initiating therapy 4
- If the desired therapeutic effect is not achieved, consult with the prescribing physician before adjusting the dose 1
- Regular follow-up is recommended to assess ongoing need for the medication and to monitor for any adverse effects 2