Itching/Allergies
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) Dose Table for every 6 - 8 hours
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