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Chewable Zyrtec Approved for Children Over 2

March 19, 2004 -- Allergy sufferers have a new chewable option for relief from runny noses, itching, and hives. The FDA has approved a chewable version of the prescription antihistamine Zyrtec.

According to the manufacturer, Pfizer, the approval makes Zyrtec the first and only prescription antihistamine available in both syrup and chewable form.

The agency approved the grape-flavored chewable tablets for the treatment of seasonal and year-round allergies as well as persistent hives in children aged 2 and older.

The tablets are intended to be taken once daily with or without food or water. They will be available in both 5-milligram and 10-milligram doses.

New Chewable Zyrtec Approved

Zyrtec is a prescription antihistamine for the treatment of seasonal and chronic allergies as well as hives in children and adults.

Zyrtec syrup is approved for use in treating year-round allergies and persistent hives in babies as young as 6 months old, but the new chewable form is only approved for use in children over the age of 2.

Studies show that the side effects of Zyrtec in infants under 2 years old were similar to those with a sugar pill and include being cranky, fussy, and not able to sleep. In children aged 2 to 11 years old, the most common side effects include drowsiness, headache, sore throat, and stomach ache.