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BENADRYL® (Diphenhydramine HCl) Dosing Guide for Adults & Children

Find the right dose when you need it the most. BENADRYL® (diphenhydramine HCl) is an over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine that works to relieve allergies for both children and adults and is an effective and safe medicine when used as directed by the label. Always follow the directions that come with any BENADRYL® product and use as directed.

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13 Items
BENADRYL® Allergy LIQUI-GELS®

BENADRYL® Allergy Antihistamine Dye-Free LIQUI-GELS® with Diphenhydramine HCl 25 mg

BENADRYL® Allergy Plus Congestion tablets

BENADRYL® Allergy Plus Congestion for Sinus Pressure & Nasal Congestion Relief

BENADRYL® Allergy ULTRATABS® Tablets

BENADRYL® Allergy ULTRATABS® Tablets with Allergy Relief and Diphenhydramine HCI 25 mg

Front product pack shot of Benadryl Extra Strength allergy relief antihistamine medicine tablets

BENADRYL® Extra Strength Allergy Relief Antihistamine Tablets with 50 mg of Diphenhydramine HCl

BENADRYL® Extra Strength Itch Relief Stick Small

BENADRYL® Extra Strength Itch Relief Stick for Rashes, Insect and Bug Bites

BENADRYL® Extra Strength Spray Small

BENADRYL® Extra Strength Topical Analgesic Spray for Skin Itch & Rash Relief

Original Strength BENADRYL® Itch Stopping Cream Small

BENADRYL® Itch Stopping Cream Extra Strength Itchy Skin and Rash Relief with Diphenhydramine

BENADRYL® Itch Stopping Gel Extra Strength Small

BENADRYL® Itch Stopping Gel Extra Strength Topical Analgesic Gel for Itchy Skin

Children's BENADRYL® Allergy Plus Congestion

Children's BENADRYL® Allergy Plus Congestion Nasal Decongestant & Sinus Liquid Medicine for Kids

Children's Benadryl Allergy Liquid

Children’s BENADRYL® Allergy Relief Liquid Medicine with Diphenhydramine HCl

Children’s BENADRYL® Grape Flavored Chewable Tablets

Children’s BENADRYL® Chewables Allergy Relief Tablets Antihistamine Allergy Medicine for Kids

Children’s BENADRYL® Dye-Free Allergy Liquid bubble gum flavor

Children’s BENADRYL® Dye-Free Allergy Liquid Diphenhydramine Antihistamine Allergy Medicine

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About Children’s BENADRYL® (Diphenhydramine HCl) Dosage

Children’s BENADRYL® allergy medicine products provide 4 to 6 hours of relief (per dose) of indoor and outdoor allergy symptoms such as:

  • Runny nose

  • Sneezing

  • Itchy, watery eyes

  • Itchy throat

  • Itchy nose

When giving your kids Children’s BENADRYL® Allergy Liquid, be sure to only use the dosing cup that comes in the package. Other items like kitchen teaspoons, droppers, or measuring devices that come with other medicines may not be accurate.

Pediatric dosing is to be given every 4 to 6 hours, or as directed by a doctor. Do not give more than 6 doses in 24 hours.

As with any medicine, overdose, abuse, or misuse can lead to serious side effects with potentially long-lasting or even life-threatening consequences.

Some signs of overdosage of BENADRYL® in children are extreme drowsiness, dilated pupils, blurry vision, confusion, racing heart, dry mouth, difficulty urinating, and agitation. If you suspect overdosage of BENADRYL®, immediately contact your local poison control center (1-800-222-1222).

About Adult BENADRYL® (Diphenhydramine HCl) Dosage

BENADRYL® provides 4 to 6 hours of effective relief from of indoor and outdoor allergy symptoms related to hay fever, upper respiratory allergy, or cold symptoms such as:

  • Runny nose

  • Sneezing

  • Itchy, watery eyes

  • Itchy throat

  • Itchy nose

Always follow the instructions that come with BENADRYL®. Take every 4 to 6 hours, or as directed by a doctor. Do not take more than 6 doses in 24 hours.

As with any medicine, overdose, abuse, or misuse can lead to serious side effects with potentially long-lasting or even life-threatening consequences.

Some signs of overdose of BENADRYL® in adults are extreme drowsiness, dilated pupils, blurry vision, confusion, racing heart, dry mouth, difficulty urinating, and agitation. If you suspect overdosage of BENADRYL®, immediately contact your local poison control center.

If you believe that you or someone you know has taken BENADRYL® or other diphenhydramine products in a manner not directed by the label, contact your local poison control center (1-800-222-1222).

The safety of the people who use our products is our top priority. To learn more about steps taken to address misuse and abuse of BENADRYL® and other diphenhydramine-containing products, visit our SAFETY page.

For a list of common questions and answers about BENADRYL®, please visit our frequently asked questions page.