Itching / Allergies
While benadry (diphenhydramine) has typically been used for allergy symptoms in the past, we now generally prefer cetirizine (zyrtec) as it has fewer side effects and lasts longer. If you only have benadryl at home it is still ok to use though it is likely to make your child sleepy and its benefits will only last 4-6 hours.
Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
6 months- 23 months of age: 2.5ml every 24 hour
s2-5 years of age: 5ml every 24 hour
s6+ years: 10ml (or one 10mg tablet) every 24 hour
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) Dose Table for every 6 - 8 hours
| Child's Weight (pounds) | 14-19 | 20 - 24 | 25 - 37 | 38 - 49 | 50 - 99 | 100+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liquid 12.5 mg/ 1 teaspoon (tsp) | 1/2 tsp. | 3/4 tsp. | 1 tsp. | 1-1/2 tsp. | 2 tsp. | - |
| Liquid 12.5 mg/ 5 milliliters (mL) | 3 mL | 4 mL | 5 mL | 7.5 mL | 10 mL | - |
| Chewable 12.5 mg | - | - | 1 tab. | 1-1/2 tab. | 2 tab. | 4 tab. |
| Tablets 25 mg | - | - | 1/2 tab. | 1/2 tab. | 1 tab. | 2 tab. |
| Capsules 25 mg | - | - | - | - | 1 cap. | 2 cap. |
When to Use. Treatment of allergic reactions, nasal allergies, hives and itching.
Table Notes:
- AGE LIMITS. For allergies, don't use under 1 year of age. (Reason: it causes most babies to be sleepy). For colds, not advised at any age. (Reason: no proven benefits). They should be not be given if under 4 years old. If under 6 years, don't give products with more than one ingredient in them. (Reason: FDA recommendations 10/2008).
- DOSE. Find the child's weight in the top row of the dose table. Look below the correct weight for the dose based on the product you have.
- MEASURE the DOSE. Syringes and droppers are more accurate than teaspoons. If possible, use the syringe or dropper that comes with the medicine. If not, you can get a med syringe at drug stores. If you use a teaspoon, it should be a measuring spoon. (Reason: regular spoons are not reliable.) Keep in mind 1 level teaspoon equals 5 mL and that ½ teaspoon equals 2.5 mL.
- ADULT DOSE. 50 mg
- HOW OFTEN. Repeat every 6 hours as needed.
- CHILDREN’S BENADRYL FASTMELTS. Each fastmelt tablet equals 12.5 mg. They are dosed the same as chewable tablets.
Customized from Itching Allergies v0.1 7/8/2025
