Can you give zyrtec and motrin together

It’s sometimes hard to tell if your child’s runny nose and sneezes are coming from their allergies or possibly a winter cold. But knowing the difference is critical to avoid over-medication, warns the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The FDA is cautioning parents about the dangerous health consequences of kids taking more than one medication at a time, especially if those meds have the same active ingredient.

The danger happens when children are given over-the-counter drugs for both colds and allergies at the same time. Parents run the risk of providing a double dose of an active ingredient, says the FDA.

“It’s imperative for parents to check the active ingredients on all medications before giving them to their children,” says Dr. Jennifer DeBruler, an internal medicine physician with Advocate Medical Group  “If you’re not sure how certain medications will interact with each other, reach out to your doctor for advice.”

An active ingredient is defined as the component that makes the drug effective at treating the illness. Inactive ingredients are used to make the drug dissolve faster or taste better.

Antihistamines pose a particular problem. “Too much antihistamine can cause sedation and—paradoxically—agitation. In rare cases, it can cause breathing problems, including decreased oxygen or increased carbon dioxide in the blood, says Dr. Hari Cheryl Sachs, an FDA pediatrician in a news release.

“Many parents may be giving their children at least one product with an antihistamine in it,” Sachs said.

Doubling up on other active ingredients such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen can also cause problems. An overdose of acetaminophen can cause damage to the liver and too much ibuprofen can cause nausea, diarrhea, and even kidney failure the FDA says.

Common decongestants like pseudoephedrine taken in large quantities can lead to severe drowsiness and can disrupt heart rhythms, the FDA warns.

These dosage charts are for both Tylenol (and its generic equivalents) and Ibuprofen (such as Motrin or Advil).

DO NOT Give Tylenol to a baby younger than 3 MONTHS without first consulting a doctors.

DO NOT give ibuprofen to a baby under 6 MONTHS of age.

When you child's fever is high (103 or more) it may be helpful to alternate the medications every 3 hours. This way, each medication is given every 6 hours and the temperature is kept more stable. Remember, the goal is not to make the fever go away, but to keep the child comfortable.

These charts are not specific to your child but provides general information. If you have any questions please call Pediatrics of Greater Houston at 713-630-0660.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol or another brand)

Give every 6 hours as needed (also available in suppositories; use the same number of mg.)
*Do not give more than 4 doses in 24 hours

Acetaminophen (Tylenol or another brand)Weight in pounds (lbs.)Elixir
1 teaspoon = 160 mg/5mlChewable
1 tablet = 80 mgJr. Strength
1 caplet = 160 mgReg. Strength
1 tablet = 325 mg6-11 lbs.1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml)12-17 lbs.1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml)18-23 lbs.3/4 teaspoon (3.75 ml)24-35 lbs.1 teaspoon (5 ml)2 tablets36-47 lbs.1 1/2 teaspoons (7.5 ml)3 tablets48-59 lbs.2 teaspoons (10 ml)4 tablets2 caplets1 tablet60-71 lbs.2 1/2 teaspoons (12.5 ml)5 tablets2 1/2 caplets1 tablet72-95 lbs.3 teaspoons (15 ml)6 tablets3 caplets1 1/2 tablets96+ lbs.4 caplets2 tablets

Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, or another brand)

Give every 6 to 8 hours as needed; always with food. Other strengths available by prescription.
*Do not give more than 4 doses in 24 hours

Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, or another brand)Weight in pounds (lbs.)Infant drops
(40 mg/1ml)Children's Liquid
1 teaspoon = 100mg/5mlChewable Tablets
1 tablet = 100mgTablets
1 tablet = 200mg11-21 lbs.1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml)1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml)1/2 tablet22-32 lbs.1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml)1 teaspoon (5 ml)1 tablet33-43 lbs.1 1/2 teaspoons (7.5 ml)1 1/2 tablets44-54 lbs.2 teaspoons (10 ml)2 tablets1 tablet55-65 lbs.2 1/2 teaspoons (12.5 ml)2 1/2 tablets66-87 lbs.3 teaspoons (15 ml)3 tablets1 1/2 tablets88+ lbs.4 teaspoons (20 ml)4 tablets2 tablets

Children's Loratadine/Cetirizine (Claritin/Zyrtec) Dosing

Children's Loratadine/Cetrizine (Claritin/Zyrtec) DosingAgeDose1-2 years1/2 teaspoon or 2.5 mg daily. Do not take more than 5mg in 24 hrs.2-6 years1/2 - 1 teaspoon or 2.5mg-5mg daily. Do not take more than 5mg in 24 hrs.6+ years1-2 teaspoons or 5-10mg daily. Do not take more than 10 mg in 24 hrs.

Children's Diphenhydramine HCL (Benadryl) Allergy Dosing (1+ Years Old)WeightDose - Liquid 12.5mg/5ml)Dose Chewable (12.5mg)20-24 lbs3/4 teaspoon every 6 hours, do not take more than 3 teaspoons in 24hours.N/A25-37 lbs1 teaspoon every 6 hours, do not take more than 4 teaspoon in 24 hours.1 tablet every 6 hours, do not take more than 4 tablets in 24 hours.38-49 lbs1 1/2 teaspoons every 6 hours, do not take more than 6 teaspoons in 24 hours.1 1/2 tablet every 6 hours, do not take more than 6 tablets in 24 hours.50-99 lbs2 teaspoons every 6 hours, do not take more than 8 teaspoons in 24 hours.2 tablets every 6 hours, do not take more than 8 tablets in 24 hours.100+ lbsN/A4 tablets every 6 hours, do not take more than 16 tablets in 24 hours. Can a child take Motrin and Zyrtec together?

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