Benadryl® (
diphenhydramine hydrochloride) is an antihistamine medication available both over the counter and by prescription. It comes in many different forms and is used for a variety of different purposes.
Dosing for this product will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- The particular product
- The medical condition being treated
- Your age
- How you respond to Benadryl
- Other medications you are taking
- Other medical conditions you may have.
For the treatment of allergy or common
cold symptoms, the recommended pediatric Benadryl dosage for children 6 to 12 years old is 12.5 mg to 25 mg every four to six hours. The recommended dosage for adults and children ages 12 and older is 25 mg to 50 mg every four to six hours.
For the topical forms of Benadryl (such as cream, spray, stick, or gel), a small amount of the product should be applied to the skin no more than three or four times daily. Do not use these products on children under the age of two.
(Click Benadryl Dosage for more information about pediatric Benadryl dosing and for tips and precautions for using this product.)
