For allergies, hives, itching, and allergic reactions
⚠️ NOT for children under 2 years old. Never use Benadryl to make a child sleepy - this can be dangerous.
Standard dose: 1-1.25 mg/kg every 4-6 hours
Maximum: 5 mg/kg/day or 300 mg/day
Minimum age: 2 years
| Weight (lbs) | Age | Dose (mg) | ml | tsp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22-32 | 2-3 years | 12.5 | 5 ml | 1 tsp |
| 33-43 | 4-5 years | 18.75 | 7.5 ml | 1.5 tsp |
| 44-54 | 6-8 years | 25 | 10 ml | 2 tsp |
| 55-65 | 9-10 years | 31.25 | 12.5 ml | 2.5 tsp |
| 66+ | 11+ years | 37.5-50 | 15-20 ml | 3-4 tsp |
⚠️ Causes drowsiness. Do not give before activities requiring alertness. Can cause excitability in some children instead of drowsiness.
For severe allergic reactions (difficulty breathing, throat swelling): Call 911 immediately. Benadryl is NOT fast enough for anaphylaxis - use EpiPen if available.