Dose of citrizine
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cetirizine dose adults children prescribing information
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Here is a complete dosing reference for Cetirizine (also spelled Cetirizine):
Cetirizine - Dosing Guide
Adults and Children ≥ 12 years
| Indication | Dose | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Allergic rhinitis, urticaria | 10 mg | Once daily |
| Severe symptoms (e.g., chronic urticaria) | Up to 20 mg (max 4x normal dose) | Once daily or divided |
Children (Pediatric)
| Age Group | Dose |
|---|---|
| 6-12 years | 5-10 mg once daily |
| 2-5 years | 2.5 mg once daily (up to 5 mg/day) |
| 1-2 years | 2.5 mg once daily (specialist use) |
Renal / Hepatic Impairment
- Renal impairment (CrCl 11-31 mL/min) or hemodialysis: Reduce to 5 mg once daily
- Severe hepatic impairment: Use with caution; dose reduction may be needed
- CrCl < 10 mL/min: Contraindicated
Key Pharmacology Points
- Class: Second-generation piperazine H1 antihistamine (non-sedating class, but slightly more sedating than loratadine/fexofenadine at ~10-15% of users)
- Mechanism: Selective peripheral H1 receptor antagonist + mast cell stabilizing + anti-inflammatory properties
- Onset: 1-3 hours after oral dose
- Duration: Up to 24 hours (once daily dosing sufficient)
- Active enantiomer: Levocetirizine can be used at half the dose (5 mg) with even less sedation
Available Forms
- Tablets: 5 mg, 10 mg
- Syrup/oral solution: 1 mg/mL (for children)
- Chewable tablets: 5 mg, 10 mg
Notes
- Can be taken with or without food
- Minimal anticholinergic effects compared to first-generation antihistamines
- For chronic urticaria, dose escalation up to 4x the normal daily dose may be considered under specialist guidance (per Textbook of Family Medicine & Fitzpatrick's Dermatology)
Source: Goodman & Gilman's Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics; Fitzpatrick's Dermatology; Textbook of Family Medicine
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