Benadryl
Benadryl is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose. It also has sedative and antiemetic properties.
Dosage by Body Weight
Adults and children 12 years and over: 25 mg to 50 mg every 4 to 6 hours, not to exceed 300 mg in 24 hours. Children 6 to under 12 years: 12.5 mg to 25 mg every 4 to 6 hours, not to exceed 150 mg in 24 hours. Children under 6 years: consult a physician.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Do not use
- Frequency
- N/A
- Tracking Notes
- Contraindicated in newborns and infants. Consult a pediatrician.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- Do not use unless directed by a doctor
- Frequency
- Use only if prescribed
- Tracking Notes
- Safety and efficacy of OTC antihistamines in children under 2 years have not been established.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- Consult doctor (typically 3.125 mg to 6.25 mg if directed)
- Frequency
- Every 4 to 6 hours as needed
- Tracking Notes
- Do not use without direct pediatric supervision. Use oral syringe for precise measuring.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 6.25 mg (2.5 mL of 12.5 mg/5 mL liquid)
- Frequency
- Every 4 to 6 hours as needed
- Tracking Notes
- Always consult a doctor before administering to children under 6 years of age. Do not exceed 4 doses in 24 hours.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 12.5 mg (5 mL of 12.5 mg/5 mL liquid)
- Frequency
- Every 4 to 6 hours as needed
- Tracking Notes
- Always consult a doctor before administering to children under 6 years of age. Do not exceed 4 doses in 24 hours.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Do not use | N/A | Contraindicated in newborns and infants. Consult a pediatrician. |
| 5-7 kg | Do not use unless directed by a doctor | Use only if prescribed | Safety and efficacy of OTC antihistamines in children under 2 years have not been established. |
| 8-10 kg | Consult doctor (typically 3.125 mg to 6.25 mg if directed) | Every 4 to 6 hours as needed | Do not use without direct pediatric supervision. Use oral syringe for precise measuring. |
| 11-15 kg | 6.25 mg (2.5 mL of 12.5 mg/5 mL liquid) | Every 4 to 6 hours as needed | Always consult a doctor before administering to children under 6 years of age. Do not exceed 4 doses in 24 hours. |
| 16-20 kg | 12.5 mg (5 mL of 12.5 mg/5 mL liquid) | Every 4 to 6 hours as needed | Always consult a doctor before administering to children under 6 years of age. Do not exceed 4 doses in 24 hours. |
Formulation
Purpose
Relief of allergy symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, itchy/watery eyes, and itching of the nose or throat. Also used for motion sickness, Parkinsonism, and as a temporary sleep aid.
Generic Name
DiphenhydramineScheduled Drug
No. This medicine is generally not treated as a scheduled/prescription-only drug in common consumer references, but local rules may vary.