Itching / Allergies
Dosages for Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) for different weights
| Medicine Name: Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) | May Give Every | 20/24 lbs. | 25-37 lbs. | 38-49 lbs. | 50-99 lbs. | 100+ lbs. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liquid 12.5 mg/ 1 teaspoon (tsp) | 6-8 hours | 3/4 tsp. | 1 tsp. | 1-1/2 tsp. | 2 tsp. | - |
| Liquid 12.5 mg/ 5 milliliters (mL) | 6-8 hours | 4 mL | 5 mL | 7.5 mL | 10 mL | - |
| Chewable 12.5 mg | 6-8 hours | - | 1 tab. | 1-1/2 tab. | 2 tab. | 4 tab. |
| Tablets 25 mg | 6-8 hours | - | 1/2 tab. | 1/2 tab. | 1 tab. | 2 tab. |
| Capsules 25 mg | 6-8 hours | - | - | - | 1 cap. | 2 cap. |
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.
Customized from Itching Allergies v0.1 7/8/2025
latest news
January 22, 2026
❄️ Winter Weather Update for Saturday 1/31/2026 ❄️ The office will be closed on Saturday morning for in-office sick visits to protect the safety of our patients and staff from the impending winter storm. Please call 919-967-0771 and press 1 to reach our nursing advice line. You can request a telehealth appointment through our portal; however, please note that it will not be continuously monitored. Please call the nurse advice line above for immediate assistance. If we receive the large amount of snow accumulation expected, we will not be able to open for Sunday morning sick clinic. We'll continue to update this webpage and social media regularly. Stay safe and warm!