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Antihistamine for kids: children's Zyrtec, Allegra and Xyzal compared

By the Life in Good Form editors. Updated 2026-10-15.

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Three children's liquids compared

Details are from each product's DailyMed Drug Facts label. Always follow the label on the box you buy.

Doses for older children

• Children's Zyrtec, ages 6 and over: 5 mL or 10 mL once daily depending upon severity of symptoms; do not take more than 10 mL in 24 hours.
• Children's Allegra, ages 12 and over: 10 mL every 12 hours; do not take more than 20 mL in 24 hours.
• Children's Xyzal, ages 6 to 11: 5 mL once daily in the evening; do not take more than 5 mL in 24 hours. Ages 12 to 64: 5 mL or 10 mL once daily in the evening.

Use only the enclosed dosing cup, as all three labels direct, and shake Children's Allegra well before using.

Drowsiness and other cautions

• Zyrtec and Xyzal. Both labels say drowsiness may occur, and that alcohol, sedatives and tranquilizers may increase drowsiness.
• Allegra. Do not give at the same time as aluminum or magnesium antacids, and do not take with fruit juices.
• Xyzal. Do not use if the child has kidney disease. Ask a doctor before use if the child has ever had trouble urinating or emptying the bladder. The label also notes that in rare cases, itching may occur after stopping levocetirizine.
• Zyrtec. Do not use if the child has ever had an allergic reaction to an antihistamine containing hydroxyzine; ask a doctor first for liver or kidney disease.

The FDA notes that children are more sensitive than adults to many drugs, and that some antihistamines can cause excitability or excessive drowsiness in young patients at lower doses.

FDA tips for parents

• Check the age on the label. The FDA says some OTC allergy medicines are approved for children as young as 6 months, but not all, and that a box saying it is for children does not mean it is for children of all ages.
• Avoid doubling up. If your child takes more than one medicine, read labels to be sure the active ingredients are not the same.
• Know when to see a professional. If symptoms are persistent and not relieved by nonprescription medicines, see a health care professional.

The FDA says up to 40% of children suffer from allergic rhinitis, and that children are more likely to develop allergies if one or both parents have allergies.

Avoiding triggers

The FDA suggests paying attention to pollen counts and keeping your child inside when levels are high. It notes ragweed pollen levels are highest in the morning in late summer and early fall, and grass pollen levels are highest in the evening in spring and summer. Keeping windows closed in your house and car and running the air conditioner may help.

Indoor triggers such as mold, dust mites and pet dander can cause year-round symptoms, the FDA says. For bedding, see our mattress protector guide.

Allergies and asthma

The FDA notes that in some children, allergies can also trigger symptoms of asthma, which causes wheezing or difficulty breathing, and that not controlling the allergies can make asthma worse. If your child wheezes or has trouble breathing, talk to their doctor promptly.

For children who do not respond to medicines, the FDA says allergy shots may be an option after allergy testing. For nose sprays with child dosing, see our nasal allergy spray guide, and for adults, our allergy relief tablets guide.

What to look for when you buy

Questions people ask

What antihistamine is safe for a 2 year old?

Children's Zyrtec, Allegra and Xyzal liquids all have label directions from age 2; follow the exact dose on the box.

Can I give my baby an antihistamine?

For under 2, Zyrtec and Allegra labels say ask a doctor and Xyzal says do not use.

Do children's antihistamines cause drowsiness?

Zyrtec and Xyzal labels say drowsiness may occur; the FDA notes some antihistamines can cause excitability in children.

Can I use a kitchen spoon to measure?

No. All three labels say to use only the enclosed dosing cup.

When should my child see a doctor for allergies?

The FDA says see a health care professional if symptoms are persistent and not relieved by nonprescription medicines.

Sources

• Allergy Relief for Your Child (fda.gov), U.S. Food and Drug Administration
• Children's Zyrtec (cetirizine HCl) syrup label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine
• Children's Allegra Allergy (fexofenadine HCl) oral suspension label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine
• Children's Xyzal Allergy (levocetirizine) liquid label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine

Sources checked 2026-10-15.