Pediatric Diphenhydramine (Benadryl®) Dosage Chart
Diphenhydramine is a first‑generation antihistamine commonly used for allergic reactions, itching, and hives. It can cause sedation and should be used cautiously in children.
⚠️ Important Safety Notes
- Do NOT use in children under 2 years unless specifically directed by a clinician.
- Dosing should be based on weight, not age alone.
- Avoid combining with other products that cause drowsiness.
- Not recommended for routine use as a sleep aid in children.¹²
Standard Pediatric Dosage
Dose: 1 mg/kg per dose
Frequency: Every 6–8 hours as needed
Maximum: 4 doses in 24 hours³
Children’s Diphenhydramine Dosage by Weight
| Child’s Weight |
Dose (mg) |
Liquid 12.5 mg / 5 mL |
Chewable 12.5 mg |
Tablets 25 mg |
| 20–24 lb (9–11 kg) |
10 mg |
4 mL |
— |
— |
| 25–37 lb (11–17 kg) |
12.5 mg |
5 mL (1 tsp) |
1 chewable |
— |
| 38–49 lb (17–22 kg) |
18.75 mg |
7.5 mL (1½ tsp) |
1½ chewables |
— |
| 50–99 lb (23–45 kg) |
25 mg |
10 mL (2 tsp) |
2 chewables |
1 tablet |
| ≥100 lb (≥45 kg) |
25–50 mg |
10–20 mL |
2–4 chewables |
1–2 tablets |
Common Children’s Benadryl® Products
| Product |
Concentration |
| Children’s Benadryl Liquid |
12.5 mg / 5 mL |
| Children’s Benadryl Chewables |
12.5 mg per tablet |
| Benadryl Tablets/Capsules |
25 mg per tablet |
Common Side Effects
- Drowsiness (most common)
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth or nose
- Paradoxical excitation (especially in young children)¹
Seek medical care immediately for trouble breathing, severe confusion, seizures, or overdose symptoms.
References
- American Academy of Pediatrics. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) Dosing Table for Children. HealthyChildren.org.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Use Caution When Giving Cough and Cold Products to Kids.
- Lexicomp Pediatric & Neonatal Dosage Handbook. Diphenhydramine Monograph.
- DailyMed. Benadryl (diphenhydramine hydrochloride) Drug Label. U.S. National Library of Medicine.
If you’d like, I can also generate a parent‑friendly printable chart, weight‑only dosing, or compare Benadryl with non‑sedating antihistamines (cetirizine, loratadine).