Itching/Allergies

 
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) Dose Table for every 6 - 8 hours
Child's Weight (pounds) 20 - 24 25 - 37 38 - 49 50 - 99 100+ lbs.
Liquid 12.5 mg/ 1 teaspoon (tsp) 3/4 1 1 1/2 2 -- tsp
Liquid 12.5 mg/ 5 milliliters (mlL 4 5 7.5 10 -- mL
Chewable 12.5 mg -- 1 1 1/2 2 4 tablets
Tablets 25 mg -- 1/2 1/2 1 2 tablets
Capsules 25 mg -- -- -- 1 2 caps
 

When to Use. Treatment of allergic reactions, nasal allergies, hives and itching.

Table Notes:

  • AGE LIMITS. For allergies, don't use under 1 year of age. (Reason: it causes most babies to be sleepy). For colds, not advised at any age. (Reason: no proven benefits). They should be not be given if under 4 years old. If under 6 years, don't give products with more than one ingredient in them. (Reason: FDA recommendations 10/2008).
  • DOSE. Find the child's weight in the top row of the dose table. Look below the correct weight for the dose based on the product you have.
  • MEASURE the DOSE. Syringes and droppers are more accurate than teaspoons. If possible, use the syringe or dropper that comes with the medicine.  If not, you can get a med syringe at drug stores. If you use a teaspoon, it should be a measuring spoon. (Reason: regular spoons are not reliable.) Keep in mind 1 level teaspoon equals 5 mL and that ½ teaspoon equals 2.5 mL.  
  • ADULT DOSE. 50 mg
  • HOW OFTEN. Repeat every 6 hours as needed.
  • CHILDREN’S BENADRYL FASTMELTS. Each fastmelt tablet equals 12.5 mg. They are dosed the same as chewable tablets.

Benadryl (red) Syrup 12.5 mg/5 mL / 1 tsp   

May Give Every 6 - 8 hours     
  • 20-24 lbs. - 3/4 tsp.
  • 25-37 lbs. - 1 tsp.
  • 38-49 lbs. - 1 1/2 tsp.
  • 50-99 lbs. - 2 tsp.
  • 100+ lbs. - ------

Benadryl Chews 12.5 mg 

May Give Every 6 - 8 hours                 
  • 20-24 lbs. - ------
  • 25-37 lbs. - 1 tablet
  • 38-49 lbs. - 1 1/2 tablets
  • 50-99 lbs. - 2 tablets
  • 100+ lbs. -  4 tablets

Benadryl Tablets 25 mg 

May Give Every 6 - 8 hours                 
  • 20-24 lbs. - ------
  • 25-37 lbs. - 1/2 tablet
  • 38-49 lbs. - 1/2 tablet
  • 50-99 lbs. - 1 tablet
  • 100+ lbs. -  2 tablets

Benadryl Capsules 25 mg 

May Give Every 6 - 8 hours                 
  • 20-24 lbs. - ------
  • 25-37 lbs. - ------
  • 38-49 lbs. - ------
  • 50-99 lbs. - 1 capsule
  • 100+ lbs. -  2 capsules

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