Zyrtec contains cetirizine hydrochloride and is available in both 5 mg and 10 mg strengths. It comes in either a tablet or syrup and functions as an antihistamine by blocking histamine receptors, according to RxList. It reaches maximum concentration in the body within an hour of administration. Regular dosing treatment for adults and children older than 12 years of age is a single 5 mg or 10 mg intake per day. Children 2- to 5-years-old usually require 2.5 mg, but may increase up to 5 mg per day if necessary. If used in excess, Zyrtec will exhibit side effects of an overdose.
Drowsiness
The primary symptom of Zyrtec overdose is extreme sleepiness, Drugs.com says. Cetirizine is a second-generation antihistamine, meaning that it causes minimal to no drowsiness when taken appropriately. First-generation antihistamines work heavily in the area of the brain that controls nausea and vomiting, whereas second-generation drugs do not cross the blood-brain barrier to the same extent as their predecessors resulting in less drowsiness, a 2000 National Institutes of Health study concluded. Individuals experiencing a profound sense of sleepiness should contact a medical professional for possible overdose treatment.
Restlessness and Nervousness
In children, the most notable overdose symptom of Zyrtec is restlessness and nervousness, although it may also be present in adults. It usually precedes the drowsiness. Since children require significantly less dosing throughout the day, parents can easily monitor overdose potential by carefully administering the drug. Children 5 years of age and younger with liver or kidney conditions should not take Zyrtec at all and can experience significant complications. Children 6-years-old and older with kidney and liver problems may take minimal dosing under the close supervision of a physician, but are at a greater risk of overdose and side effects if not closely monitored.
Irritability
Similar to restlessness and nervousness, irritability is usually an indicator of overdose in children, although it can appear in adults as well. It too is followed by extreme fatigue. Children younger than the age of 5-years-old should not take more than 5 mg of Zyrtec per day. Drugs.com recommends splitting administration into two dosings of 2.5 mg every 12 hours. If a child exhibits irritability, especially after taking Zyrtec, parents should immediately seek medical attention.
Member Comments