Children's Benadryl dosage, forms, and strengths

Children’s Benadryl Allergy is a brand-name nonprescription (over-the-counter) antihistamine that helps decrease symptoms of hay fever and similar allergic reactions of the upper respiratory tract and even decreases allergic skin rashes. Children’s Benadryl Allergy is also available as Children’s Benadryl Allergy Plus Congestion, which also contains a decongestant to treat cold symptoms. The active ingredient in Children’s Benadryl Allergy is diphenhydramine, the most common over-the-counter antihistamine found on store shelves. Available as a chewable tablet or liquid, Children’s Benadryl doses can be taken three to four times a day as needed.

Children's Benadryl forms and strengths

Children’s Benadryl Allergy comes as a chewable tablet or an oral suspension for easy dosing. 

• Chewable tablets: 12.5 mg

• Oral solution: 12.5 mg diphenhydramine/5 mL, 12.5 mg diphenhydramine/5 mg phenylephrine/5 mL

Children's Benadryl dosage for adults

Though formulated and flavored for children younger than 12, Children’s Benadryl is not strictly a pediatric medication and can be used by anyone 12 or older. Children’s Benadryl dosage tables include adult doses (25–50 mg of diphenhydramine per dose four to six times daily). 

Adults and children 12 years and older can take either adult Benadryl Allergy or Children’s Benadryl Allergy chewable tablets for allergy symptoms. They can also take adult Benadryl Allergy Plus Congestion or Children’s Benadryl Allergy Plus Congestion for allergy or cold symptoms. 

Find more information about Benadryl dosage, forms, and strengths here.

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Children's Benadryl dosage for children

Children’s Benadryl Allergy treats allergy symptoms in children 2 years of age and older. The manufacturer does not provide dosages for children younger than 6 and recommends that parents talk to a pediatrician or other healthcare provider to get the correct dosage. 

Children’s Benadryl Allergy Plus Congestion also contains phenylephrine, a common decongestant. With the added decongestant, Children’s Benadryl Allergy Plus Congestion treats not only hay fever symptoms but cold symptoms, as well. 

• Standard Children's Benadryl Allergy dosage for children ages 2–5: Use only under the direction of a doctor

• Standard Children’s Benadryl Allergy dosage for children ages 6–11 and older: one to two chewable tablets or 5-10 mL oral solution given orally once every four to six hours as needed

• Standard Children's Benadryl Allergy Plus Congestion dosage for children ages 2–4: Do not use

• Standard Children's Benadryl Allergy Plus Congestion dosage for children ages 4–5: Use only under the direction of a doctor

• Standard Children's Benadryl Allergy Plus Decongestant dosage for children ages 6–11: 5 mL given once every four hours as needed

Children's Benadryl dosage for allergy symptoms

The FDA has approved Children’s Benadryl Allergy and Children’s Benadryl Allergy Plus Congestion to treat the symptoms of hay fever and upper respiratory allergies. Either product can be used for allergy symptoms, but Children’s Benadryl Allergy Plus Congestion should never be used in children younger than 4. 

Upper respiratory allergy symptoms include runny nose, itchy throat, itchy nose, itchy and watery eyes, and, of course, sneezing. The active ingredient, diphenhydramine, is a first-generation antihistamine that blocks histamines, the chemicals that provoke allergic reactions. As a first-generation antihistamine, diphenhydramine enters the brain and often causes significant drowsiness. 

Children’s Benadryl products all come as oral solutions, so doses are measured with a dosing cup. Children can take this medicine for as long as symptoms last, but the medication should be discontinued when the child feels better. 

• Standard Children’s Benadryl dosage for allergy symptoms in children ages 6–11 and older: one to two Benadryl Allergy chewable tablets OR 5-10 mL Benadryl Allergy liquid given once every four to six hours as needed OR 5 mL Benadryl Allergy Plus Congestion liquid given every four hours as needed

Children's Benadryl dosage for cold symptoms

Children’s Benadryl Allergy Plus Congestion can also be used to treat cold symptoms in children. These, too are familiar symptoms, but colds can also cause stuffy nose and nasal congestion. In addition to diphenhydramine, Children’s Benadryl Allergy Plus Congestion contains phenylephrine, a common decongestant. 

Though safe, phenylephrine is a more risky drug than diphenhydramine. Unlike antihistamines, phenylephrine can cause a restless, nervous, and excitable feeling. For this reason, Children’s Benadryl Allergy Plus Congestion doses are limited to the lowest possible dose. Children younger than 4 years of age cannot take the drug safely. 

• Standard Children’s Benadryl dosage for cold symptoms in children ages 6–11 and older: 5 mL Children’s Benadryl Allergy Plus Congestion liquid given once every four hours as needed

Children's Benadryl dosage restrictions

Children’s Benadryl products do not have dosage restrictions or modifications for kidney problems, liver problems, or other medical conditions. 

However, Benadryl may cause problems in some people with certain medical conditions, including emphysema, chronic bronchitis, glaucoma, or an enlarged prostate gland. These are not problems encountered in children, but adults should talk to a healthcare provider before taking Benadryl.

Children's Benadryl dosage for pets 

Do not give Children’s Benadryl to a pet unless instructed by a veterinarian. 

Veterinary professionals use diphenhydramine in dogs and cats to treat hypersensitivity symptoms like hives, skin reactions, or other conditions that require an antihistamine. They may also use it to treat motion sickness or to calm a pet down. The veterinarian will probably prescribe a veterinary formulation that allows for precise dosing.

Veterinarians give diphenhydramine doses for dogs and cats based on their weight. Dogs are given doses every eight to 12 hours, though cats are likely to get doses only once or twice daily. 

As in people, diphenhydramine makes dogs and cats sleepy, though cats can get excited and nervous on the medication. Diphenhydramine doesn’t cause serious problems unless the animal takes too much. If a pet eats some Benadryl tablets, then immediately call a pet poison helpline or take the animal to a veterinary hospital.

How to take Children's Benadryl

Children’s Benadryl can be given to children ages 6 to 11 and is available without a prescription. Children younger than that should only take Benadryl under the supervision of a doctor.

• Follow all the directions on the package. 

• Do not give a dose more than recommended or more often than recommended.

• Find the correct dosage using the dosage table on the package. Doses are determined by age and not by the child’s weight.

• Use the dosing cup that comes with this medicine to measure doses. Do not use kitchen measuring devices or tableware.

• Stop giving doses when symptoms have resolved.

• Store Children’s Benadryl in its original container and original carton at room temperature in a dark place.

Children's Benadryl dosage FAQs

How long does it take Children's Benadryl to work?

Taken as directed, Benadryl Allergy usually starts working 30 minutes after being taken and reaches its peak effects in two hours. 

How long does Children's Benadryl stay in your system?

In people, diphenhydramine has a half-life of seven to 12 hours, but the half-life in children is between four and seven hours. That means a child routinely completely clears a single dose in about a day. 

What happens if I miss a dose of Children's Benadryl?

Do not worry if a dose of Children’s Benadryl is forgotten. The dose can be skipped or given when remembered. However it’s handled, do not give a child doses more often than four hours apart, and do not give a double dose to make up for a missed dose. 

How long can you take Children's Benadryl?

Children’s Benadryl is only intended to treat symptoms as needed. Stop using it when symptoms improve. If symptoms don’t improve after taking Benadryl, stop using Benadryl and get medical advice from a healthcare professional. 

How do I stop taking Children's Benadryl?

Children’s Benadryl can be stopped at any time. 

You should discontinue giving a child Benadryl if the child gets nervous, restless, or excitable. Then, call or visit a healthcare professional.

Healthcare professionals have many antihistamines, many of which do not cause the same side effects as diphenhydramine, including Claritin (loratadine), Zyrtec (cetirizine), Alavert (loratadine), Allegra (fexofenadine), and Xyzal (levocetirizine). 

What is the maximum dosage for Children's Benadryl?

For children between the ages of 6 and 11, the maximum dosage of Children’s Benadryl Allergy is 10 mL, given no more than six times a day. The maximum dosage of Children’s Benadryl Allergy Plus Congestion is 5 mL, given no more than six times per day.

Can you overdose on Children's Benadryl?

Children can overdose on Children’s Benadryl. This is a particular risk because both chewable tablets and the oral solution are sweet, flavored, and tempting. The drug should be kept securely out of the reach of children. 

Immediately call a poison control helpline or take a child for emergency medical care if an overdose is suspected. A diphenhydramine overdose can cause serious problems, including heart problems, kidney problems, severe impairment, and death. Signs of a diphenhydramine overdose include excessive sleepiness, blurred vision, dry mouth, low blood pressure, racing heartbeats, and mental changes.

Phenylephrine is also hazardous when too much is taken. Like diphenhydramine, a phenylephrine overdose can cause serious heart problems. 

Which medications interact with Children's Benadryl?

Benadryl has over 400 known drug interactions.

The most significant problems are caused by medications that, like Benadryl, cause sedation. As can be expected, taking Benadryl with drugs that slow down the nervous system will worsen the sleepiness and impairment caused by Benadryl. The most significant of these drugs include opioids, sleep aids, sedatives, and other antihistamines.

Children’s Benadryl Allergy Plus Congestion also contains phenylephrine, a stimulant. That drug, too, has many drug interactions. The most important is a rarely prescribed family of drugs called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). The combination can cause serious and potentially life-threatening problems. Anyone taking an MAOI must stop taking it for at least two weeks before they can safely take phenylephrine. 

What happens when you mix Children's Benadryl and alcohol?

Do not drink alcohol when taking Benadryl because it can worsen sleepiness and impairment.

Is it safe to take Children's Benadryl during pregnancy?

Benadryl is safe to take during pregnancy and when breastfeeding, but women should consult with a healthcare professional first.

Sources

• Benadryl, Johnson & Johnson.

• Benadryl dosing guide for adults and children. Johnson & Johnson.

• Diphenhydramine, StatPearls

• Diphenhydramine overdose, Mount Sinai

• Diphenhydramine toxicity, StatPearls

• Plumb’s Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th edition