Loratadine Dosage for Children: Safe Dosing Guide and What Parents Need to Know

When your child has runny nose, itchy eyes, or sneezing fits from allergies, loratadine, a non-drowsy antihistamine used to treat allergy symptoms in children and adults. Also known as Claritin, it’s one of the most common over-the-counter options parents turn to. But getting the dose right matters—too little won’t help, and too much can cause side effects like drowsiness, headache, or even faster heartbeat. Unlike adult doses, children’s dosing isn’t just a smaller pill—it’s based on age, weight, and how their bodies process the medicine.

Children’s antihistamine, a category of medications designed to block histamine release in kids with allergic reactions like loratadine works differently than adult versions. Kids under 2 shouldn’t take it unless a doctor says so. For kids 2 to 5 years old, the standard dose is 5 mg once daily, usually as a liquid or chewable tablet. Kids 6 and older can take the adult dose of 10 mg, unless they weigh less than 30 kg (about 66 lbs)—then stick with 5 mg. Always check the label: some brands make 5 mg and 10 mg tablets, while others mix it into syrups with flavors kids like. Don’t guess—use the measuring cup or syringe that comes with the bottle. A teaspoon from your kitchen isn’t accurate enough.

Pediatric dosing, the science of calculating safe and effective medication amounts for children isn’t just about weight and age. It also considers liver function, other meds your child is on, and whether they have asthma or kidney issues. If your kid is on other antihistamines, cough syrups, or even herbal supplements, talk to your doctor. Some cold medicines already contain loratadine or similar drugs, and mixing them can lead to overdose. Also, don’t give loratadine just because a friend’s kid takes it. Every child’s body reacts differently. If symptoms don’t improve after a few days, or if your child gets dizzy, irritable, or has trouble sleeping, stop and call your pediatrician.

You’ll find real-world advice in the posts below—from how loratadine compares to other allergy meds like cetirizine, to what parents actually do when their child’s nose won’t stop running. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but with the right info, you can make smarter, safer choices without guessing.