Diphenhydramine Benadryl dose table
|
Child's weight (pounds) |
20-24 |
25-37 |
38-49 |
50-99 |
100+ |
lbs. |
|
Liquid 12.5 mg/5 mililiters (ml) |
4 |
5 |
7.5 |
10 |
- |
ml |
|
Liquid 12.5 mg/1 teaspoon (tsp) |
.75 |
1 |
1.5 |
2 |
- |
tsp |
|
Chewable 12.5 mg |
- |
1 |
1.5 |
2 |
4 |
tablets |
|
Tablets 25 mg |
- |
.5 |
.5 |
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. It should not be given if under 4 years old. If under 6 years, don't give products with more than one ingredient in them (FDA recommendation 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:Barton D. Schmitt, M.D.
Copyright 1994-2014 Barton D. Schmitt, M.D.