Cetirizine (Zyrtec) Dosing for a 12-Year-Old
For a 12-year-old child, the recommended dose of Zyrtec (cetirizine) is 10 mg once daily. 1
Dosing Guidelines
- The FDA-approved dosage for cetirizine in children 6 years and older is one 10 mg tablet once daily 1
- For children weighing >40 kg (which typically includes most 12-year-olds), the standard dose is 10 mg once daily 1
- Do not exceed one 10 mg tablet in a 24-hour period 1
- A 5 mg dose may be appropriate for less severe symptoms 1
Clinical Considerations
- Cetirizine may cause mild sedation in some patients, unlike completely non-sedating antihistamines such as fexofenadine 2
- Studies have shown cetirizine 10 mg may be associated with mild drowsiness in 13.7% of patients age 12 years and older compared with placebo (6.3%) 2
- For school-aged children, consider timing administration in the evening if sedation is a concern 3
Special Populations
- No dosage adjustment is needed based on age alone for a 12-year-old 1
- For children with liver or kidney disease, consult a doctor for potential dosage adjustments 1
Safety Profile
- Cetirizine is considered a third-generation antihistamine with an improved safety profile compared to first-generation antihistamines 3
- It has minimal risk of cardiotoxicity compared to older second-generation antihistamines like terfenadine and astemizole 3
- In cases of accidental overdose, patients should be monitored for 2-3 hours and advised about potential sedation 3
Administration Tips
- Cetirizine can be taken with or without food 1
- For children who have difficulty swallowing tablets, cetirizine is available in liquid formulation 4
- Consistent daily dosing provides better symptom control for chronic allergic conditions 2