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Benadryl Dosage Charts for Infants and Children

Medically reviewed by Judith Stewart, BPharm. Last updated on Nov 29, 2022.

Use these dosage guides for infants and children younger than 12 years old.

Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is an antihistamine used for the temporary relief of symptoms due to hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies:

Children’s Benadryl Dosage

Children's BENADRYL Allergy Liquid (diphenhydramine hydrochloride 12.5 mg in 5 mL)

  • Use only enclosed dosing cup specifically designed for use with this product. Do not use any other dosing device.
  • Shake well before using.
  • Find the right dose on the chart below.
  • Repeat dose every 4 to 6 hours, or as directed by a doctor. Do not give more than 6 doses in 24 hours.
Age Dose
Children under 2 years DO NOT USE
Children 2 years to 5 years DO NOT USE unless directed by a doctor
Childen 6 years to 11 years 5 mL to 10 mL

or as directed by a doctor

  

DO NOT USE to make your child sleepy.
DO NOT USE with any other product containing diphenhydramine, even one used on skin. If you are unsure, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
FOR ADDITIONAL WARNINGS and more detailed information, please see Children's Benadryl ALLERGY Product Label.
IN CASE OF OVERDOSE, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center on 1-800-222-1222 right away. Urgent medical attention is required even if you do not notice any signs or symptoms.

 

Children's BENADRYL Allergy Plus Congestion (diphenhydramine hydrochloride 12.5 mg and phenylephrine hydrochloride 5 mg in 5 mL)

  • Use only enclosed dosing cup specifically designed for use with this product. Do not use any other dosing device.
  • Shake well before using.
  • Find the right dose on the chart below.
  • Repeat dose every 4 hours, or as directed by a doctor.
    Do not give more than 6 doses in 24 hours.
Age Dose
children under 4 years DO NOT USE
children 4 to 5 years DO NOT USE unless directed by a doctor
children 6 years to 11 years 5 mL
adults and children 12 years and over 10 mL

or as directed by a doctor

  

DO NOT USE to make your child sleepy.
DO NOT USE with any other product containing diphenhydramine, even one used on skin.
FOR ADDITIONAL WARNINGS and more detailed information, please see Children's Benadryl Allergy Plus Congestion Product Label.
IN CASE OF OVERDOSE, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center on 1-800-222-1222 right away. Urgent medical attention is required even if you do not notice any signs or symptoms.

Children's BENADRYL Chewable Tablets (diphenhydramine hydrochloride 12.5 mg)

  • Find the right dose on the chart below.
  • Repeat dose every 4 to 6 hours, or as directed by a doctor. Do not give more than 6 doses in 24 hours.
Age Dose
children under 2 years DO NOT USE
children 2 years to 5 years DO NOT USE unless directed by a doctor
children 6 years to 11 years 1 to 2 chewable tablets (12.5 mg to 25 mg)
adults and children 12 years and over 2 to 4 chewable tablets (25 mg to 50 mg)

or as directed by a doctor

  

DO NOT USE to make your child sleepy.
DO NOT USE with any other product containing diphenhydramine, even one used on skin.
DO NOT USE if carton or blister unit is opened or broken/unsealed.
FOR ADDITIONAL WARNINGS and more detailed information, please see Children's Benadryl Chewables Product Label.
IN CASE OF OVERDOSE, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center on 1-800-222-1222 right away. Urgent medical attention is required even if you do not notice any signs or symptoms.

 

See also

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer