Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Use this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it and do not use it more often, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Take the tablet and oral syrup on an empty stomach with water.

Measure the oral liquid with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. The teaspoons and tablespoons that are used for serving and eating food do not measure exact amounts.

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 treatment of allergies:
    • For oral dosage form (extended-release suspension):
      • Adults and children 12 years of age and older—6 to 16 milligrams (mg) or 7.5 to 20 milliliters (mL) every 12 hours. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
      • Children 6 to 11 years of age—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 6 to 12 mg or 7.5 to 15 mL every 12 hours. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
      • Children 4 to 5 years of age—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 3 to 8 mg or 3.75 to 10 mL every 12 hours. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
      • Children 2 to 3 years of age—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 3 to 4 mg or 3.75 to 5 mL every 12 hours. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
      • Children younger than 2 years of age—Use is not recommended.
    • For oral dosage form (solution):
      • Adults and children 12 years of age and older—4 to 8 milligrams (mg) (1 or 2 teaspoonfuls) 3 to 4 times a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
      • Children 6 to 11 years of age—2 to 4 mg (½ to 1 teaspoonful) 3 to 4 times a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
      • Children 2 to 5 years of age—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 1 to 2 mg (¼ to ½ teaspoonful) 3 to 4 times a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
      • Children younger than 2 years of age—Use is not recommended.
    • For oral dosage form (tablets):
      • Adults and children 12 years of age and older—4 to 8 milligrams (mg) (1 or 2 tablets) 3 to 4 times a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
      • Children 6 to 11 years of age—2 to 4 mg (½ to 1 tablet) 3 to 4 times a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
      • Children younger than 2 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.