Benadryl dosage: Forms, strengths, how to take, and more
Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is an over-the-counter drug that’s used to treat allergies, cold symptoms, and other conditions. The drug comes as an oral tablet and other forms. It’s usually taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed.
Benadryl is used in adults and certain children to treat:
- runny nose and sneezing caused by the common cold
- runny nose, sneezing, and other symptoms caused by hay fever (seasonal allergies) or other allergies
- itchy skin caused by hives, insect bites, and other causes
The active ingredient in Benadryl is diphenhydramine. Benadryl belongs to a group of drugs called antihistamines.
There are multiple Benadryl products available. These include:
- oral tablets
- oral liquid gel capsules
- oral solution
- topical skin cream
- oral chewable tablets
- topical sticks
This article only discusses the dosages for the Benadryl oral tablet. Talk with your pharmacist or doctor if you’d like to learn more about dosages for other forms of Benadryl.
This article describes the dosages of Benadryl, as well as its strengths and how to take it. To learn more about Benadryl, see this in-depth article.
What’s Benadryl’s dosage?
This section describes the usual dosages of Benadryl tablets. Keep reading to learn more.
What’s Benadryl’s form?
Benadryl is available as an oral tablet. Benadryl is also available in the other forms discussed in the introduction of this article. But this article only discusses dosages for the oral tablet.
What strength does Benadryl come in?
Benadryl oral tablets come in two strengths: 25 milligrams (mg) and 50 mg. However, this article only discusses dosing for the 25-mg tablet.
What are the usual dosages of Benadryl?
The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor recommends for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs. In some cases, doctors may adjust your dosage from those shown below.
Dosage for allergic reaction
The typical Benadryl dosage for adults is 25 to 50 mg (one to two tablets) taken every 4 to 6 hours, or as directed by your doctor. This is the dosage used for allergic reactions caused by hay fever (seasonal allergies) or other allergies.
Note: Benadryl tablets should not be used to treat symptoms of anaphylaxis, which is a life threatening allergic reaction. If you experience swelling in your throat, trouble breathing, or severe anxiety as symptoms of an allergic reaction, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.
Dosage for common cold symptoms
For adults with common cold symptoms, the typical dosage of Benadryl is 25 to 50 mg (one to two tablets) taken every 4 to 6 hours, or as directed by your doctor.
Dosage for bug bites
For adults with itchy skin caused by hives, insect bites, and other causes, the typical dosage of Benadryl is 25 to 50 mg (one to two tablets) taken every 4 to 6 hours, or as directed by your doctor.
What’s the dosage of Benadryl for children?
Benadryl tablets are used to help treat mild allergic reactions, common cold symptoms, and bug bites in children ages 6 years and older.
The dosage used in children ages 12 years and older is the same as the dosage for adults. To learn more, see the “What are the usual dosages of Benadryl?” section.
The dosage for children ages 6 to under 12 years is one tablet taken every 4 to 6 hours, or as directed by your child’s doctor.
For more information about Benadryl’s dosage for children, talk with your child’s doctor or a pharmacist.
How to take Benadryl
Benadryl comes as a tablet which you swallow. You may take Benadryl tablets with or without food. Check out this article if you have trouble swallowing pills. Or, ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice.
Is Benadryl used long term?
No, Benadryl is usually used as a short-term treatment.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re interested in learning about long-term treatments for seasonal allergies.
What should be done in case of overdose?
Do not take more Benadryl than your doctor recommends, as this can lead to harmful effects.
What to do in case you take too much Benadryl
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Benadryl. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
Hey! So, there’s a special medicine called Benadryl that helps people feel better when they have allergies or a cold. It comes in different forms, like tablets you can swallow and gels you can put on your skin.
There are two kinds of tablets: one with 25 mg and one with 50 mg of the medicine inside. If you take the 25 mg tablet, we’re going to talk about how much of it you should take based on your age and what’s making you feel sick.
Benadryl makes allergies, colds, and bug bites feel better. It comes in different forms like a tablet, liquid, and cream. You don’t have to remember what to take because you take as needed, so when you feel symptoms, just take the dose!
The dosage is different for adults and kids. For children over 12 years, it’s the same as for adults. For kids 6-12 years old, they get one tablet every 6 hours instead of 4 hours. If you want to know more, ask your doctor or pharmacist!
Benadryl comes with a pill that you swallow. If you have trouble swallowing, ask your doctor for help!
Keep in mind, it’s usually taken for a short time because it helps a lot for a little while, but more than that might not work well. Don’t take too much, or it might be bad for you! If you take too much, call your doctor right away. There’s also a number and website you can call for help!
What is Benadryl and what are its common forms?
Benadryl is an over-the-counter antihistamine used to relieve symptoms of allergy, hay fever, and the common cold. It commonly comes in forms such as tablets, liquid gels, chewable tablets, and liquid solutions.
What are the typical strengths of Benadryl?
Benadryl is typically available in 25 mg and 50 mg strengths for adults. Children’s Benadryl usually comes in a lower dosage to accommodate their smaller body size.
How should adults take Benadryl?
Adults can typically take 25 to 50 mg of Benadryl every 4 to 6 hours, depending on the severity of their symptoms and their tolerance to the medication. It’s important not to exceed 300 mg per day.
What is the recommended Benadryl dosage for children?
The dosage for children varies based on their age and weight. It’s crucial to follow the guidelines on the packaging or consult a healthcare provider. Typically, children aged 6 to 11 years can take 12.5 to 25 mg every 4 to 6 hours.
Can infants and toddlers take Benadryl?
Benadryl is not recommended for children under the age of 2 unless directed by a healthcare provider. Dosing in toddlers should be approached with caution and after consulting a doctor.
What are some important considerations when taking Benadryl?
Always follow the recommended dosage instructions on the Benadryl package. Avoid alcohol and be cautious when driving or operating machinery, as Benadryl can cause drowsiness.
Can Benadryl be taken with other medications?
Before taking Benadryl with other medications, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider. It may interact with other drugs, including sedatives, other antihistamines, and certain antidepressants.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Benadryl?
If you miss a dose of Benadryl, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
