Diphenhydramine Dosage
Diphenhydramine (e.g. Benadryl™) is a medication that is used to treat allergic reactions. As in the case of any medication, the right dosage must be used to ensure the optimum effect with a minimum of side effects. The table below will help you to evaluate the dosage to be given to a child, based on his/her weight. Usually, diphenhydramine is given in doses of 1.25 mg per kilo of weight, every 6 hours.
You will note that the dosages are given in millilitres (mL) rather than in teaspoons. This is because teaspoons are not accurate enought for measuring medication. Ask your pharmacist to give you a dosing syringe or another measurement device that will enable you to obtain accurate dosages at all times.
Weight | Dosage | Diphenhydramine | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(lb) | (kg) | oral liquid
6.25 mg/5 mL |
elixir
12.5 mg/5 mL |
chewable
tablet 12.5 mg |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
22-27 | 10-12 | 12.5 mg | 10 mL | 5 mL
|
1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
28-32 | 13-14 | 16.25 mg | 13 mL | 6 mL
|
1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
33-38 | 15-17 | 18.75 mg | 15 mL | 7.5 mL | 1 ½ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
39-43 | 18-19 | 22.5 mg | 18 mL | 9 mL
|
1 ½ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
44 et plus | 20 et plus | 25 mg | 20 mL | 10 mL | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
© Copyright Vigilance Santé
The patient information leaflets are provided by Vigilance Santé Inc. This content is for information purposes only and does not in any manner whatsoever replace the opinion or advice of your health care professional. Always consult a health care professional before making a decision about your medication or treatment.