Itching/Allergies

Diphenhydramine Dosing (Benadryl and generics)
May give every 6-8 hours as needed
Not for children less than 2 yrs old unless directed by a doctor

CHILDREN'S Liquid 12.5 mg/5 ml (1 tsp)

  • 20-24 lbs - 4 ml (3/4 tsp)
  • 25-37 lbs - 5 ml (1 tsp)
  • 38-49 lbs - 7.5 ml (1 1/2 tsp)
  • 50-99 lbs - 10 ml (2 tsp)
  • 100 lbs and up - 20 ml (4 tsp)

CHILDREN's Chewable Tablets (12.5 mg/tablet)

  • 25-37 lbs - 1 tablet
  • 38-49 lbs - 1 1/2 tablets
  • 50-99 lbs - 2 tablets
  • 100 lbs and up - 4 tablets

ADULT Tablets (25 mg/tablet)

  • 25-37 lbs - 1/2 tablet
  • 38-49 lbs - 1/2 tablet
  • 50-99 lbs - 1 tablet
  • 100 lbs and up - 2 tablets

ADULT Capsules (25 mg/capsule)

  • 50-99 lbs - 1 capsule
  • 100 lbs and up - 2 capsules

 

 
Diphenhydramine HCl Dosing (Benadryl and generics)
May give every 6 - 8 hours as needed
Not for children under 2 years of age unless directed by a doctor
 
Child's Weight (pounds) Children's Liquid
12.5 mg/5 ml (1 tsp)		 Children's Chewable Tablets
12.5 mg/tablet		 Adult Tablets
25 mg/tablet		 Adult Capsules
25 mg/capsule
20-24 lbs 4 ml (3/4 tsp) ---------- ---------- ----------
25-37 lbs 5 ml (1 tsp) 1 tablet 1/2 tablet ----------
38-49 lbs 7.5 ml (1 1/2 tsp) 1 1/2 tablets 1/2 tablet ----------
50-99 lbs 10 ml (2 tsp) 2 tablets 1 tablet 1 capsule
100 lbs and up 20 ml (4 tsp) 4 tablets 2 tablets 2 capsules

 

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

Table Notes:

  • AGE LIMITS. For allergies, do not use under 2 years of age (Reason: can cause drowsiness). For colds, not advised at any age. (Reason: no proven benefits). Do not use any other medicine with diphenhydramine in it. (Reason: FDA recommendations 10/2008).
  • DOSE. Find the child's weight in the dose table. Look for the correct 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 medicine syringe at the drug store. 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 a  ½ teaspoon equals 2.5 mL.  
  • ADULT DOSE. 50 mg
  • HOW OFTEN. Repeat every 6 - 8 hours as needed.
  • CHILDREN’S BENADRYL FASTMELTS. Each fastmelt tablet equals 12.5 mg. They are dosed the same as chewable tablets.

Diphenhydramine Dosing (Benadryl and generics)
May give every 6-8 hours as needed
Not for children less than 2 yrs old unless directed by a doctor

CHILDREN'S Liquid 12.5 mg/5 ml (1 tsp)

  • 20-24 lbs - 4 ml (3/4 tsp)
  • 25-37 lbs - 5 ml (1 tsp)
  • 38-49 lbs - 7.5 ml (1 1/2 tsp)
  • 50-99 lbs - 10 ml (2 tsp)
  • 100 lbs and up - 20 ml (4 tsp)

CHILDREN's Chewable Tablets (12.5 mg/tablet)

  • 25-37 lbs - 1 tablet
  • 38-49 lbs - 1 1/2 tablets
  • 50-99 lbs - 2 tablets
  • 100 lbs and up - 4 tablets

ADULT Tablets (25 mg/tablet)

  • 25-37 lbs - 1/2 tablet
  • 38-49 lbs - 1/2 tablet
  • 50-99 lbs - 1 tablet
  • 100 lbs and up - 2 tablets

ADULT Capsules (25 mg/capsule)

  • 50-99 lbs - 1 capsule
  • 100 lbs and up - 2 capsules

 

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