Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
Diphenhydramine, the active ingredient in Benadryl, is a type of medicine that provides temporary relief of allergy symptoms, including those associated with insect bites and stings. Benadryl comes in a liquid form, chewable form, quick dissolve strips, or as a tablet or capsule. Brand name Benadryl will say “Benadryl Allergy” on the label. Dosage guidelines for diphenhydramine are found in the table below. When comparing the different forms of Benadryl, please remember it is the total milligrams per dose that is the important value.
Benadryl Dosage Chart
Give every 4-6 hours, as needed, and not more than four times in 24 hours unless directed by a health care professional.
| Weight | Benadryl Liquid 5 ml = 12.5 mg |
Benadryl Chewable 1 tablet = 12.5 mg |
Benadryl Capsules 1 capsule = 25 mg |
Benadryl Quick Dissolve Strips 1 strip = 25 mg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22-32 pounds | 3 ml (7.5 mg) | |||
| 33-43 pounds | 5 ml (12.5 mg) | 1 tablet (12.5 mg) | ||
| 44-54 pounds | 7.5 ml (18.75 mg) | 1.5 tablets (18.75 mg) | ||
| 55-100 pounds | 10 ml (25 mg) | 2 tablets (25 mg) | 1 capsule (25 mg) | 1 strip (25 mg) |
| 100 pounds & up | 20 ml (50 mg) | 4 chewable (50 mg) | 2 capsules (50 mg) | 2 strips (50 mg) |