Proper Use
Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®
You should always take this medicine with water. Do not take it with juice such as grapefruit, orange, or apple juice .
You should NOT take antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium hydroxide within 15 minutes of taking this medicine. If you are uncertain about this, ask your doctor or pharmacist .
For patients using the oral disintegrating tablet form of this medicine:
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Make sure your hands are dry.
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Do not push the tablet through the foil backing of the package. Instead, gently peel back the foil backing and remove the tablet.
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Immediately place the tablet on top of the tongue. Do not chew or break the tablet.
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The tablet will dissolve in seconds, and you may swallow it with your saliva. You may drink a glass of water after the tablet has dissolved.
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Always take this tablet on an empty stomach .
Shake the oral liquid well before using it. Measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup .
Dosing
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
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For symptoms of hay fever:
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For oral dosage form (capsules, tablets):
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Adults and children 12 years of age and older—60 milligrams (mg) two times a day, or 180 mg once a day.
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Children 6 to 11 years of age—30 mg two times a day.
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Children 4 to 6 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor .
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Children and infants up to 4 years of age—Use is not recommended .
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For oral dosage form (disintegrating tablets):
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Children 6 to 11 years of age—30 milligrams (mg) two times a day, on an empty stomach.
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Children 4 to 6 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor .
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Children and infants up to 4 years of age—Use is not recommended .
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For oral dosage form (suspension):
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Children 4 to 11 years of age—30 milligrams (mg) or 5 milliliters (mL) two times a day.
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Children younger than 4 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor .
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For symptoms of chronic hives:
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For oral dosage form (capsules, tablets):
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Adults and children 12 years of age and older—60 milligrams (mg) two times a day, or 180 mg once a day.
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Children 4 to 11 years of age—30 mg two times a day.
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Children younger than 4 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor .
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For oral dosage form (disintegrating tablets):
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Children 4 to 11 years of age—30 milligrams (mg) two times a day, on an empty stomach.
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Children younger than 4 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor .
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For oral dosage form (suspension):
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Children 4 to 11 years of age—30 milligrams (mg) or 5 milliliters (mL) two times a day.
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Children 6 months to 4 years of age—15 mg or 2.5 mL two times a day.
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Children younger than 6 months of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor .
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.
Portions of this document last updated: May 01, 2024
Copyright: © Merative US L.P. 1973, 2024. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.