Itching / Allergies

Dosages for Cetirizine (Zyrtec)

Age Liquid 5 mg/5 mL Chewable tablet 5 mg Tablets 10 mg
6 months - 2 years 2.5 mL - -
2-5 years 2.5-5 mL - -
6-11 years 5-10 mL 1 or 2 tablets -
12+ years 10 mL 2 tablets 1 tablet

When to Use. Treatment of allergic reactions, nasal allergies, hives and itching.

Table Notes:

  • Cetirizine should not be used under 6 months of age
  • MEASURE the DOSE. Syringes and droppers are more accurate than teaspoons. If possible, use the syringe or dropper that comes with the medicine. If not, you can get a med syringe at drug stores. If you use a teaspoon, it should be a measuring spoon. (Reason: regular spoons are not reliable.) Keep in mind 1 level teaspoon equals 5 mL and that ½ teaspoon equals 2.5 mL. 
  • HOW OFTEN. Repeat once daily or every 24 hours as needed.

Customized from Itching Allergies v0.1 7/8/2025

Dosages for Loratidine/Claritin

Age Liquid 5 mg/5 mL Chewable tablet 5 mg Tablets 10 mg
2-5 years 5 mL - -
6-11 years 10 mL 2 tablets -
12+ years 10 mL 2 tablets 1 tablet

When to Use. Treatment of nasal allergies, hives and itching.

Table Notes:

  • Do not use under age 2
  • MEASURE the DOSE. Syringes and droppers are more accurate than teaspoons. If possible, use the syringe or dropper that comes with the medicine. If not, you can get a med syringe at drug stores. If you use a teaspoon, it should be a measuring spoon. Keep in mind 1 level teaspoon equals 5 mL and that ½ teaspoon equals 2.5 mL. 
  • HOW OFTEN. Repeat once daily or every 24 hours as needed.

Customized from Itching Allergies v0.1 7/8/2025

Dosages for Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

Medicine Name: Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) May Give Every 22-31 lbs 32-43 lbs 44-54 lbs 55-109 lbs 110+ lbs.
Benadryl Liquid 12.5 mg/5 mL 6-8 hours 3.75 mL 5 mL 7.5 mL 10 mL 20 mL
Benadryl Chewable 12.5 mg 6-8 hours - 1 (12.5 mg) 1 1/2 (18.75 mg) 2 (25 mg) 4 (50 mg)
Benadryl Capsules 25 mg 6-8 hours - - - 1 (25 mg) 2 (50 mg)
Benadryl Quick Dissolve Strips 25 mg 6-8 hours - - - 1 strip (25 mg) 2 strips (50 mg)

When to Use. Treatment of allergic reactions, nasal allergies, hives and itching.

Table Notes:

  • AGE LIMITS. Do not use for infants. (Reason: it causes most babies to be sleepy). For colds, use is not advised at any age. (Reason: no proven benefits). We recommend discussing with your doctor, as Zyrtec can be more effective with fewer side effects for allergy symptoms.
  • DOSE. Find the child's weight in the top row of the dose table. Look below the correct weight for the dose based on the product you have.
  • MEASURE the DOSE. Syringes and droppers are more accurate than teaspoons. If possible, use the syringe or dropper that comes with the medicine. If not, you can get a med syringe at drug stores. If you use a teaspoon, it should be a measuring spoon. (Reason: regular spoons are not reliable.) Keep in mind 1 level teaspoon equals 5 mL and that ½ teaspoon equals 2.5 mL. 
  • HOW OFTEN. Repeat every 6-8 hours as needed.
  • CHILDREN’S BENADRYL FASTMELTS. Each fastmelt tablet equals 12.5 mg. They are dosed the same as chewable tablets.

Customized from Itching Allergies v0.1 7/8/2025