Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is a brand-name drug used for allergies, allergic reactions, and itching. Benadryl comes in several forms that are available over the counter. The dosage can vary depending on your age and the form you use.
Benadryl belongs to a drug class called first-generation antihistamines. Benadryl is available in generic versions.
Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of Benadryl, including its strengths and how to take the medication. For a comprehensive look at Benadryl, see this article.
Note:This article describes typical dosages for Benadryl provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When taking Benadryl, always follow the dosage instructions on the product labeling.
The information below describes Benadryl’s typical dosages and other details about the drug.
Benadryl forms
Benadryl comes in the following oral forms:
- oral tablet
- oral liquid-filled capsules
- oral liquid solution
- chewable tablet
Benadryl comes in topical forms that you apply to your skin. These include:
- gel
- cream
- spray
- stick
Benadryl strengths
The chart below lists the available strengths for different forms of Benadryl, all of which contain the active ingredient diphenhydramine:
| Product name | Form | Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Benadryl Allergy Ultratabs | oral tablet | 25 milligrams (mg) |
| Benadryl Allergy Extra Strength | oral tablet | 50 mg |
| Benadryl Allergy Liquigels | oral liquid-filled capsules | 25 mg |
| Children’s Benadryl Liquid | oral liquid solution | 12.5 mg per 5 milliliter (mL) |
| Children’s Benadryl Chewables | chewable tablet | 12.5 mg |
| Benadryl Extra Strength Itch Stopping Gel | topical gel | 2% |
| Benadryl Original Strength Itch Stopping Cream* | topical cream | 1% |
| Benadryl Extra Strength Itch Cooling Spray* | topical spray | 2% |
| Benadryl Extra Strength Itch Relief Stick* | topical stick | 2% |
* Note that this table is not an exhaustive list of Benadryl products or combination products. Besides diphenhydramine, these topical forms of Benadryl also contain a second active ingredient called zinc acetate. It’s a skin protectant. Talk with your pharmacist or read the specific product label for more details.
Typical dosages
The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage recommended by your doctor or as directed on the product label.
Oral forms of Benadryl may be used to treat allergies or allergic reactions.
For adults, the recommended oral dose of Benadryl is 25 to 50 mg. You’ll take this dose every 4 to 6 hours. The maximum amount is 6 doses in 24 hours.
Topical forms of Benadryl are used to temporarily relieve skin itching and related discomforts due to rashes or insect bites. You’ll apply the product to the affected area(s) of your skin 3 to 4 times per day.
For more information about your specific dosage, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Children’s dosage
Oral forms of Benadryl are approved to treat allergies or allergic reactions in kids age 6 years and older.
For children, the recommended oral dose of Benadryl is based on age, as follows:
- children age 6 to 11 years: 12.5 to 25 mg
- children age 12 years and older: 25 to 50 mg
They’ll take this dose every 4 to 6 hours. The maximum amount is 6 doses in 24 hours.
Children age 2 to 5 years old should not be given oral forms of Benadryl unless their doctor specifically recommends it. In this situation, the dosage may be based on your child’s weight and is calculated by your child’s doctor.
Topical forms of Benadryl are approved for use in children age 2 years and older to temporarily relieve skin itching and related discomforts due to causes such as rashes or insect bites.
If you have questions about the dosage of Benadryl for kids, talk with your pharmacist or your child’s doctor.
How to use Benadryl
Benadryl is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication. All OTC medications have a product label that includes information on how to take or use the medication. Be sure to read all of the directions before using.
Benadryl comes in several oral forms that you take by mouth. You may take oral forms of Benadryl with or without food. If you or your child has trouble swallowing pills, Benadryl also comes in a chewable tablet and an oral liquid solution. You can also check out this article for tips on how to swallow pills.
Topical forms of Benadryl are applied to the affected area(s) of the skin. They’re meant for external use only.
If you have questions about the directions on the product label, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Long-term treatment
Benadryl may be used as a short-term or long-term treatment. For example, you might use it short term to treat an allergic reaction. Some people use it long term for allergies.
If you have questions about how long you can safely take Benadryl, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
It’s important that you don’t take more Benadryl than shown on the product’s label directions. For some medications, taking more than the recommended amount may lead to harmful effects or overdose.
If you take more than the recommended amount of Benadryl
Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve taken too much Benadryl. Another option is to call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.