Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

Benadryl is useful for the relief of allergic symptoms, including nasal allergies and allergic rashes or hives (urticaria). It can also be used to prevent or treat motion sickness.

Benadryl frequently causes sleepiness as a side effect, but it can paradoxically cause excitation in young children. It is not recommended to use Benadryl solely for the purpose of sedating or making a child sleepy.

Please do not give Benadryl to a child under 6 months of age without first discussing it with our office.

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) Dosing Chart

Benadryl can be dosed up to every 6-8 hours.

1 teaspoon = 5 ml
1/2 teaspoon = 2.5 ml

Weight:	Milligram Dosage	Children's Liquid 12.5mg/5ml	Children's Allergy Strips 12.5mg each or Chewable Tablet 12.5mg each	Benadryl Allergy Capsule or Tablet 25mg
11-16 lbs	6.25mg	1/2 tsp (2.5ml)	N/A	N/A
17-21 lbs	9.375mg	3/4 tsp (3.75ml)	N/A	N/A
22-27 lbs	12.5mg	1 tsp (5ml)	1 tablet or strip	N/A
28-32 lbs	15.625mg	1 1/4 tsp (6.25ml)		N/A
33-38 lbs	18.75mg	1 1/2 tsp (7.5ml)		N/A
39-43 lbs	21.875mg	1 3/4 tsp (8.75ml)		N/A
44-54 lbs	25mg	2 tsp (10ml)	2 tablets or strips	1 tablet or capsule
55-65 lbs	31.25mg	2 1/2 tsp (12.5ml)
66-76 lbs	37.5mg	3 tsp (15ml)	3 tablets or strips
77-87 lbs	43.75mg	3 1/2 tsp (17.5ml)
> 87 lbs	50mg	4 tsp (20ml)	4 tablets or strips	2 tablets or capsules