Can Cetirizine Tablets Be Crushed for Infant Administration?
Cetirizine tablets can be crushed for administration to infants when liquid formulations are unavailable, though liquid formulations (syrup/oral solution) are strongly preferred when accessible. 1, 2
Formulation Considerations
Cetirizine is available as both tablets (5 mg, 10 mg) and syrup/elixir formulations specifically designed for pediatric use, making liquid forms the first-line choice for infants who cannot swallow tablets. 2, 3
The syrup formulation eliminates the need for tablet manipulation and provides more accurate dosing for weight-based pediatric administration. 2
When liquid formulations are unavailable or cost-prohibitive, tablets can be crushed and mixed with a small amount of soft food or liquid vehicle for administration, similar to practices established for other pediatric medications. 1, 4
Safety Profile Supporting Crushing
Cetirizine is not a sustained-release, enteric-coated, or gastro-resistant formulation, which are the primary tablet types that should never be crushed due to risk of overdose or underdosing. 5
The drug has a rapid onset of action (within 20 minutes) and does not require special release mechanisms to maintain efficacy, making it suitable for crushing without altering pharmacokinetics. 3
Cetirizine has been extensively studied and proven safe in infants aged 6-24 months, with a tolerability profile similar to placebo in this age group. 2
Practical Administration Guidelines
Mix crushed tablets immediately before administration to minimize degradation from light or moisture exposure. 5
Use a small volume of vehicle (soft food or liquid) to ensure the entire dose is consumed. 4
The person crushing tablets should take precautions to avoid inhaling drug particles, though cetirizine is not classified as carcinogenic, teratogenic, or highly allergenic. 5
Critical Caveats
Always verify the specific tablet formulation before crushing—while standard cetirizine tablets can be crushed, any extended-release or specially coated versions must not be altered. 5
Crushing tablets introduces potential for dosing errors; precise measurement and complete administration of the crushed dose is essential. 4
Coordinate with a pharmacist to confirm the specific product can be safely crushed and to explore liquid formulation availability. 4