Question 1

how much is too much zyrtec (cetirizine) for a three year old?

Accepted Answer

Zyrtec (cetirizine) overdose: The dose of zyrtec (cetirizine) for a 3 year old is 2.5 -5.0 mg( 1/2 -1 tsp). More than that would be considered to be "too much." however, much more than that has been known to be accidentally ingested by a young child (150 mg by an 18 month old) without causing severe symptoms or death. http://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/druginfo.cfm?id=2115#nlm34088-5.

Question 2

can i give my 3 year old 1/2 tsp of zyrtec at night and then follow up with a 5mg chewable claritin (loratadine) tablet in the am?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Yes, one can do this.  Instead consider 2.5 ml of zyrtec twice daily as the maximum daily dose of zyrtec at this age is 5 ml.  If you have to use this high of a dose to control allergies consider seeing your doctor for other prescription options like nasal steroids.  As always, treatment of allergies includes avoidance  of the allergen in addition to medications.

Question 3

how long can a 3 year old use zyrtec (cetirizine) for? is it safe to use it for few months or longer? any side effects to look out for?

Accepted Answer

Yes: 2.5 mg is likely ok for long term use.  
Most common side effect is drowsiness or fatigue.

Question 4

what can i   do as a nurse  if a 3 year old child is brought to the emergency room being overdose on zyrtec (cetirizine) and has a bp of 70/42 , pulse 70 , 35 resp?

Accepted Answer

IV fluids: If the medication has already been absorbed and is causing irritability, drowsiness and pumping the stomach is not an option, administer supportive care based on the child's symptoms. Iv fluids will help.

Question 5

my son is 3 years old and is on zyrtec (cetirizine) for seasonal allergy .but he woke up with hives on the side of his face . should i take him back to the doctor?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Or at least call the doctor's office with the new development. Your son could have an allergy to the zyrtec (cetirizine) or if could be from the initial seasonal allergies or it might be from any number of things. His doctor needs to make the call on how to proceed.

Question 6

is it safe to give 3 yr old zyrtec (cetirizine) for more then 1 month?

Accepted Answer

Zyrtec (cetirizine): Zyrtec (cetirizine) is approved for patient use to age 2.  Because the drug is now over-the-counter, the fda considers it a pretty safe drug with a good safety profile.  The drug is designed for chronic use in patients who have allergies and i think this is a pretty good choice, if your 3-year-old needs it.  If the medicine is helping, great, continue.  If not, it may be something else that needs to be eval'd.

Question 7

hi...my 3y old son normally gets 5ml of zyrtec (cetirizine) a night on doctor's advice. today we have 10ml by mistake. is it ok? or should we go to the er? thanks.

Accepted Answer

Do not worry: Zyrtec (cetirizine) is quite safe and 10 ml will do him no harm. There is no need to go to emergency room. It may make him slightly drowsy or dry his mouth but usually will cause no problems. It is a non sedating type of an antihistamine. Try to be careful with all medications.

Question 8

is giving a 3 yr old benadryl (diphenhydramine) and zyrtec in the same day okay? the zyrtec was prescribed to him by his doctor but its not helping much

Accepted Answer

See pediatrician or: I do not recommend combining medications without first checking with your pediatrician or allergist. It may be that your 3yo needs additional medicines to control his symptoms, but that medicine may not be benadryl (diphenhydramine). Play it safe.

Question 9

can my 3 year old take cetirizine hcl 1mg/ml and children's tylenol 5ml together?

Accepted Answer

: The two medications may be taken together. Check the dose with your Pediatrician, Pharmacist or during a virtual consult with Healthtap. The reason for the fever should be evaluated. Watch for signs of shortness of breath and prolonged fever.

Question 10

can a 10mg dissolvable zyrtec be cut in half in order to give 5mg to a 3yo?

Accepted Answer

: It would be much easier to use 5 mg/5 ml syrup, cutting pills can be quite inaccurate in dosing, it seems wiser to give the right amount of medication that the child will take easily

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Doctor answers about:

Zyrtec for 3 year old

A member asked:

How much is too much zyrtec (cetirizine) for a three year old?

A member asked:

Can i give my 3 year old 1/2 tsp of zyrtec at night and then follow up with a 5mg chewable claritin (loratadine) tablet in the am?

A member asked:

How long can a 3 year old use zyrtec (cetirizine) for? is it safe to use it for few months or longer? any side effects to look out for?

A member asked:

What can i do as a nurse if a 3 year old child is brought to the emergency room being overdose on zyrtec (cetirizine) and has a bp of 70/42 , pulse 70 , 35 resp?

A member asked:

My son is 3 years old and is on zyrtec (cetirizine) for seasonal allergy .but he woke up with hives on the side of his face . should i take him back to the doctor?

A member asked:

Is it safe to give 3 yr old zyrtec (cetirizine) for more then 1 month?

A member asked:

Hi...my 3y old son normally gets 5ml of zyrtec (cetirizine) a night on doctor's advice. today we have 10ml by mistake. is it ok? or should we go to the er? thanks.

A member asked:

Is giving a 3 yr old benadryl (diphenhydramine) and zyrtec in the same day okay? the zyrtec was prescribed to him by his doctor but its not helping much

A member asked:

Can my 3 year old take cetirizine hcl 1mg/ml and children's tylenol 5ml together?

A member asked:

Can a 10mg dissolvable zyrtec be cut in half in order to give 5mg to a 3yo?

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