Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

For patients using the oral disintegrating tablet form of this medicine:

  • Make sure your hands are dry.
  • Do not push the tablet through the foil backing of the package. Instead, gently peel back the foil backing and remove the tablet.
  • Immediately place the tablet on top of the tongue.
  • The tablet will dissolve in seconds, and you may swallow it with your saliva. You do not need to drink water or other liquid to swallow the tablet.

For patients using the syrup form of this medicine: Use a calibrated measuring dropper or syringe to measure the direct dose for your child based on your doctor's instructions. Do not use a regular teaspoon. If you are unsure about how much of the syrup to give to your child, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

  • For oral dosage form (oral disintegrating tablets):
    • For symptoms of chronic hives:
      • Adults and children 12 years of age and older—5 milligrams (mg) once a day.
      • Children 6 to 11 years of age—2.5 mg once a day.
      • Children 4 to 6 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
      • Children and infants up to 4 years of age—Use is not recommended .
    • For symptoms of hay fever:
      • Adults and children 12 years of age and older—5 mg once a day.
      • Children 6 to 11 years of age—2.5 mg once a day.
      • Children 4 to 6 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
      • Children and infants up to 4 years of age—Use is not recommended .
  • For oral dosage form (tablets):
    • For symptoms of chronic hives:
      • Adults and children 12 years of age and older—5 mg once a day.
      • Children 4 to 12 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
      • Children and infants up to 4 years of age—Use is not recommended .
    • For symptoms of hay fever:
      • Adults and children 12 years of age and older—5 mg once a day.
      • Children 4 to 12 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
      • Children and infants up to 4 years of age—Use is not recommended .
  • For oral dosage form (syrup):
    • For symptoms of chronic hives:
      • Adults and children 12 years of age and older—2 teaspoonfuls (5 milligrams [mg] in 10 milliliters [mL]) once a day.
      • Children 6 to 11 years of age—1 teaspoonful (2.5 mg in 5 mL) once a day
      • Children 4 to 5 years of age—½ teaspoonful (1.25 mg in 2.5 mL) once a day
      • Children and infants up to 4 years of age—Use is not recommended .
    • For symptoms of hay fever:
      • Adults and children 12 years of age and older—2 teaspoonfuls (5 milligrams [mg] in 10 milliliters [mL]) once a day.
      • Children 6 to 11 years of age—1 teaspoonful (2.5 mg in 5 mL) once a day
      • Children 4 to 5 years of age—½ teaspoonful (1.25 mg in 2.5 mL) once a day
      • Children and infants up to 4 years of age—Use is not recommended .

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Portions of this document last updated: March 01, 2024

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