| Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) Dose Table | | Child's weight (pounds) | 20-24 | 25-37 | 38-49 | 50-99 | 100+ | lbs. | | Liquid 12.5 mg/ 1 teaspoon (tsp) | ¾ | 1 | 1½ | 2 | -- | tsp | | Liquid 12.5 mg/5 milliliters (ml) | 4 | 5 | 7.5 | 10 | -- | ml | | Chewable 12.5 mg | -- | 1 | 1½ | 2 | 4 | tablets | | Tablets 25 mg | -- | ½ | ½ | 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.
Author and Senior Reviewer: Barton D. Schmitt, M.D.
Content Set: Child Symptom Checker
Child Symptom Checker
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