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BENADRYL® (Diphenhydramine HCl) Dosing Guide for Adults & Children

Find the right dose when you need it the most. BENADRYL® (diphenhydramine HCl) is an over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine that works to relieve allergies for both children and adults and is an effective and safe medicine when used as directed by the label. Always follow the directions that come with any BENADRYL® product and use as directed.

13 Items

Dosing Instructions

Age 12+

Take 1 to 2 capsules every 4 to 6 hours or as directed by a doctor.

Ages 6-12

Take 1 capsule every 4 to 6 hours or as directed by a doctor.

Under 6

Do not use.

SEE PRODUCT DETAILS

Dosing Instructions

Age 12+

Take 1 tablet every 4 hours.

Under 12

Ask a doctor.

SEE PRODUCT DETAILS

Dosing Instructions

Age 12+

Take 10 mL to 20 mL every 4 to 6 hours, or as directed by a doctor.

Ages 6-11

Take 5 mL to 10 mL every 4 to 6 hours, or as directed by a doctor.

Ages 2-5

Do not use unless directed by a doctor.

Under 2

Do not use.

SEE PRODUCT DETAILS

Dosing Instructions

Age 12+

Take 1 to 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours or as directed by a doctor.

Ages 6-12

Take 1 tablet every 4 to 6 hours or as directed by a doctor.

Under 6

Do not use.

SEE PRODUCT DETAILS

Dosing Instructions

Age 12+

Take 1 tablet every 4 to 6 hours or as directed by a doctor.

Do not take more than 6 times in 24 hours.

Under 12

Do not use.

SEE PRODUCT DETAILS

Dosing Instructions

Ages 2+

Apply to affected area no more than 3 to 4 times daily.

Under 2

Ask a doctor before use.

SEE PRODUCT DETAILS

Dosing Instructions

Ages 2+

Apply to affected area no more than 3 to 4 times daily.

Under 2

Ask a doctor before use.

SEE PRODUCT DETAILS

Dosing Instructions

Ages 2+

Apply to affected area no more than 3 to 4 times daily.

Under 2

Ask a doctor before use.

SEE PRODUCT DETAILS

Dosing Instructions

Ages 2+

Apply to affected area no more than 3 to 4 times daily.

Under 2

Ask a doctor before use.

SEE PRODUCT DETAILS

Dosing Instructions

Age 12+

Take 10 mL every 4 hours.

Ages 6-11

Take 5 mL every 4 hours.

Ages 4-5

Do not use unless directed by a doctor.

Under 4

Do not use.

SEE PRODUCT DETAILS

Dosing Instructions

Ages 6-11

Take 5 mL to 10 mL every 4 to 6 hours, or as directed by a doctor.

Ages 2-5

Do not use unless directed by a doctor.

Under 2

Do not use.

SEE PRODUCT DETAILS

Dosing Instructions

Ages 6-11

Take 5 mL to 10 mL every 4 to 6 hours, or as directed by a doctor.

Ages 2-5

Do not use unless directed by a doctor.

Under 2

Do not use.

SEE PRODUCT DETAILS
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About Children’s BENADRYL® (Diphenhydramine HCl) Dosage

Children’s BENADRYL® allergy medicine products provide 4 to 6 hours of relief (per dose) of indoor and outdoor allergy symptoms such as:

  • Runny nose

  • Sneezing

  • Itchy, watery eyes

  • Itchy throat

  • Itchy nose

When giving your kids Children’s BENADRYL® Allergy Liquid, be sure to only use the dosing cup that comes in the package. Other items like kitchen teaspoons, droppers, or measuring devices that come with other medicines may not be accurate.

Pediatric dosing is to be given every 4 to 6 hours, or as directed by a doctor. Do not give more than 6 doses in 24 hours.

As with any medicine, overdose, abuse, or misuse can lead to serious side effects with potentially long-lasting or even life-threatening consequences.

Some signs of overdosage of BENADRYL® in children are extreme drowsiness, dilated pupils, blurry vision, confusion, racing heart, dry mouth, difficulty urinating, and agitation. If you suspect overdosage of BENADRYL®, immediately contact your local poison control center (1-800-222-1222).

About Adult BENADRYL® (Diphenhydramine HCl) Dosage

BENADRYL® provides 4 to 6 hours of effective relief from of indoor and outdoor allergy symptoms related to hay fever, upper respiratory allergy, or cold symptoms such as:

  • Runny nose

  • Sneezing

  • Itchy, watery eyes

  • Itchy throat

  • Itchy nose

Always follow the instructions that come with BENADRYL®. Take every 4 to 6 hours, or as directed by a doctor. Do not take more than 6 doses in 24 hours.

As with any medicine, overdose, abuse, or misuse can lead to serious side effects with potentially long-lasting or even life-threatening consequences.

Some signs of overdose of BENADRYL® in adults are extreme drowsiness, dilated pupils, blurry vision, confusion, racing heart, dry mouth, difficulty urinating, and agitation. If you suspect overdosage of BENADRYL®, immediately contact your local poison control center.

If you believe that you or someone you know has taken BENADRYL® or other diphenhydramine products in a manner not directed by the label, contact your local poison control center (1-800-222-1222).

The safety of the people who use our products is our top priority. To learn more about steps taken to address misuse and abuse of BENADRYL® and other diphenhydramine-containing products, visit our SAFETY page.

For a list of common questions and answers about BENADRYL®, please visit our frequently asked questions page.

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