From the FDA Drug Label
Directions Adults and children 6years and overone 10 mg tablet once daily, do not take more than one 10 mg tablet in 24 hours. For a 6-year-old male weighing 19kg, the recommended dose of cetirizine is 10 mg once daily, as the child is over 6 years old 1.
- The dose is not weight-based according to the label, but rather age-based.
- The child's weight does not affect the recommended dose in this case.
From the Research
For a 19kg 6-year-old male, the recommended dose of Reactine (cetirizine) is 5 mg once daily, as this dosing is appropriate for children 6 years and older, with the lower end of the range being suitable for this child's weight [ 2 ]. This can be given as half of a 10 mg tablet or 5 mL (1 teaspoon) of the children's liquid formulation (which typically contains 5 mg per 5 mL). Cetirizine is a second-generation antihistamine used to treat allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itching, and hives. The medication can be given with or without food, and is typically taken at the same time each day for consistent relief.
Some key points to consider when administering cetirizine to children include:
- The medication is generally well-tolerated, with mild side effects such as drowsiness, dry mouth, or mild stomach discomfort [ 3 ].
- Cetirizine has been shown to be effective in treating seasonal allergic rhinitis in children aged 6 to 11 years [ 3 ].
- The dosing of cetirizine for children 2-5 years is typically 2.5 mg daily, while children 6 years and older usually receive 5-10 mg daily [ 2 ].
- It is essential to consult a healthcare provider if symptoms do not improve after a few days or worsen.
It is also worth noting that cetirizine has been studied in various populations, including infants, and has been found to be safe and well-tolerated [ 4 ]. However, the current recommendation is based on the most recent and highest-quality study available, which supports the use of 5 mg once daily for a 19kg 6-year-old male [ 2 ].