Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) Dosage

Your pediatrician may give you different dosing instructions.

When to Use: treatment of allergic reactions, nasal allergies, hives and itching

Caution: If you have questions, call your child's doctor.

Always check the concentration on the label before using this dose table.

Important:

• Age Limits: For allergies, don't use under 1 year of age unless otherwise instructed.  It should not be given if under 6 months old.
• Reason: It causes most babies to be too sleepy (dangerously so). For colds, not advised at any age, because there are no proven benefits.

Instructions:

• 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: Always use syringes and droppers for liquid medication (teaspoons vary too much, and could lead to incorrect dosing). If possible, use the syringe or dropper that comes with the medicine. If not, you can get a med syringe at a 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 that ½ teaspoon equals 2.5 mL.
• Adult Dose: 50mg
• How Often for Under 6 Years: Repeat every 6-8 hours as needed. (Exception: do not use under 1 year unless directed by provider.)
• How Often for 6 Years and Older: Repeat every 4-6 hours as needed.
• Brand Names: Benadryl, generic diphenhydramine
• Children’s Benadryl Fastmelts: Each Fastmelt tablet equals 12.5mg. They are dosed the same as chewable tablets.
• Use in Countries Outside the U.S.: Dose tables are based on U.S. products. Concentrations may vary in countries outside the U.S.

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