How many Zyrtec can I take?

In this article:

• How many Zyrtec can I take at once
• Signs of a Zyrtec overdose
• Why one dose of Zyrtec isn’t working
• What to do if Zyrtec isn’t working
• The bottom line

In this article

• How many Zyrtec can I take at once
• Signs of a Zyrtec overdose
• Why one dose of Zyrtec isn’t working
• What to do if Zyrtec isn’t working
• The bottom line

If sneezing, runny noses, and itchy eyes have become a regular part of life, you might have turned to Zyrtec for relief. As an over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine, Zyrtec is commonly used to manage allergy symptoms. It contains the active ingredient cetirizine, which reduces the inflammatory effects of histamine in the body.

Many people find that one daily dose helps manage year-round and seasonal allergies. However, if one dose is not doing the trick, there could be several reasons. Still, it’s not recommended to take more than what’s recommended on the product label due to the potential risks of an overdose and serious side effects.

How many Zyrtec can I take at once

The usual Zyrtec dosage depends on different factors, such as the dosage form used, your age, and your overall health. Zyrtec (cetirizine HCl) is typically used to treat allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, year-round or during specific seasons. It’s also approved for chronic hives (urticaria).

Zyrtec products can be used by adults and children 2 years and older. It’s important to seek guidance from a healthcare provider for children under 2 years of age. The suggested dosage for adults and children aged 6 years and older is typically 10 mg once daily. It’s not recommended to take more than 10 mg in a 24-hour period due to an increased risk of side effects.

Different Zyrtec products may vary in dosing recommendations. For example, the dosage may depend on whether you or your child takes a chewable tablet, syrup, or combination product containing pseudoephedrine (Zyrtec-D).

Maximum Zyrtec dosage by product
Zyrtec product	Age	Maximum dosage
Zyrtec Chewables 2.5 mg	2 to under 6	5 mg once daily or 2.5 mg every 12 hours
Zyrtec Chewables 2.5 mg	Adults and children 6 and over	10 mg daily
Zyrtec Chewables 2.5 mg	Adults over 65	5 mg once daily
Children’s Zyrtec Syrup	2 to under 6	5 mL once daily or 2.5 mL every 12 hours
Children’s Zyrtec Syrup	Adults and children 6 and over	10 mL once daily
Children’s Zyrtec Syrup	Adults over 65	5 mL once daily
Zyrtec 10 mg Tablet	Adults and children 6 and over	10 mg once daily
Zyrtec 10 mg Dissolve Tabs	Adults and children 6 and over	10 mg once daily
Zyrtec-D Extended-Release Tablets	Adults and children 12 and over	1 tablet every 12 hours; no more than 2 tablets every 24 hours

This may not be a complete list of dosages for Zyrtec products. Be sure to check the product label for the appropriate dosage and directions. Always follow the instructions on the package or consult a healthcare provider for help. 

Adults over 65 and people with liver or kidney disease generally need a lower dosage. A typical dose of Zyrtec may stick around longer in the body, potentially increasing the risk of side effects. Therefore, you should consult a healthcare provider before taking Zyrtec if you have health conditions. 

Signs of a Zyrtec overdose

Taking too much Zyrtec can lead to an overdose. Although uncommon, you may want to know the signs and symptoms to get medical help. 

Common signs of a Zyrtec overdose may include:

• Severe drowsiness or sleepiness
• Restlessness or irritability (in children)
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Blurred vision
• Fast heart rate
• Nausea or vomiting
• Hallucinations
• Seizures
• Coma

The severity of these signs can vary, and most people do not experience all of them. However, if any of these develop, seeking medical attention is important.

The amounts needed to cause serious harm from Zyrtec are much higher than what is typically recommended for use. This means that while severe reactions can occur, they are rare. High doses mainly affect the central nervous system, while repeated high doses can affect the liver.

In one reported case, an adult who consumed 150 mg of Zyrtec became extremely drowsy but did not show other health problems. Meanwhile, a small child who took a high dose of Zyrtec initially showed restlessness and irritability before becoming drowsy.

Why one dose of Zyrtec isn’t working

One dose of Zyrtec might not work as well as expected for several reasons. First, everyone’s body reacts differently to medications, so what helps one person may not help another. 

For some people, the dose of Zyrtec might be too low to fully tackle their allergy symptoms. Another important factor is when Zyrtec is taken. If it’s taken after you’ve already been exposed to allergens, it may not work as effectively. For this reason, it’s often recommended to start taking antihistamines at least a couple of weeks before pollen season starts. 

Sometimes, you need to take Zyrtec for several days in a row before you feel its full effect. If your allergies are very strong or happen because of multiple triggers, a single dose might not be enough. 

What to do if Zyrtec isn’t working

Finding the right allergy relief can be difficult, especially when Zyrtec doesn’t seem to do the job. Here are some steps to take if symptoms persist:

• Split the dose: Try taking Zyrtec twice a day instead of once to find more consistent relief throughout the day and night.
• Add other medications: Complement Zyrtec with other treatments. Nasal sprays like Flonase (fluticasone) or Nasacort (triamcinolone) target nasal symptoms, while eye drops, such as Pataday (olopatadine), focus on itchy or watery eyes.
• Try other antihistamines: Switching to different allergy medications like Allegra (fexofenadine) or Claritin (loratadine) might help. Each person can react differently, so find what works best for you.
• Consult a healthcare professional: Before making changes, it’s important to get medical advice. A healthcare provider can help adjust the allergy treatment plan for better results.
• Think about decongestants: Adding a decongestant may help with severe nasal congestion. Zyrtec comes as a combination drug containing pseudoephedrine, a potent decongestant.
• Consult an allergist: If symptoms persist, an allergist can offer specialized care. They may recommend allergy testing or other treatments to improve relief.

If your symptoms do not improve after taking Zyrtec as indicated for several days, talk to a healthcare provider. They can recommend other treatments or create a plan that meets your needs.

The bottom line

Zyrtec is a popular allergy medicine many people use to relieve their symptoms. If a single dose doesn’t work for you, it could be because of the timing of when you take it, how severe your allergies are, or how your body reacts to the medication. 

It’s important not to take more than the recommended amount, which is typically 10 mg once daily for most adults and children over 6, as doing so may lead to serious side effects. Always stick to the dosing instructions on the package, and if you’re still having problems, consult a healthcare provider for advice on other options or changes to your allergy treatment.