PO (Adults and Children ≥12 yr): 5 mg once daily in the evening; some patients may respond to 2.5 mg once daily.
PO (Children 6–11 yr): 2.5 mg once daily in the evening.
PO (Children 6 mo–5 yr): 1.25 mg (oral solution) once daily in the evening.
Renal Impairment
(Adults and Children ≥12 yr): CCr 50–80 mL/min: 2.5 mg once daily; CCr 30–50 mL/min: 2.5 mg every other day; CCr 10–30 mL/min: 2.5 mg twice weekly (every 3–4 days).
Availability⬆⬇
(Generic available)
Tablets : 5 mg OTC
Oral solutiontutti-frutti, grape, and bubble gum flavors: 2.5 mg/5 mLOTC
Assessment⬆⬇
Assess allergy symptoms (rhinitis, conjunctivitis, hives) before and periodically during therapy.
Assess lung sounds and character of bronchial secretions. Maintain fluid intake of 1500–2000 mL/day to decrease viscosity of secretions.
Lab Test Considerations:
May cause false-negative result in allergy skin testing.
May cause transient ↑ in serum bilirubin and transaminases.
Implementation⬆⬇
PO: Administer once daily in the evening without regard to food. Oral solution is clear and colorless; administer undiluted.
Patient/Family Teaching⬆⬇
Instruct patient to take medication as directed. Do not increase doses; may cause increased drowsiness.
May cause drowsiness. Caution patient to avoid driving or other activities requiring alertness until response to medication is known.
Advise patient to avoid taking alcohol or other CNS depressants concurrently with this drug.
Advise patient that good oral hygiene, frequent rinsing of mouth with water, and sugarless gum or candy may minimize dry mouth. Patient should notify dentist if dry mouth persists >2 wk.
Rep: Advise females of reproductive potential to notify health care professional if pregnancy is planned or suspected or if breastfeeding.
Evaluation/Desired Outcomes⬆⬇
Decrease in allergic symptoms.
Resolution of uncomplicated skin manifestations of chronic idiopathic urticaria.
