How Much Benadryl Can I Take Safely?

Written by
Juhi Modi

Medically reviewed by
HaVy Ngo-Hamilton, Pharm.D.
| May 25, 2022

Benadryl is a common over-the-counter medicine used to relieve symptoms of allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and the common cold, such as runny nose, sneezing, and watery/itchy eyes. It is also used to provide relief from irritated or itchy skin caused by insect bites, hives, eczema, sunburn, and other medical conditions like motion sickness and insomnia. All in all, it has a great variety of uses.

While it is an effective drug, the risk with exemplary over-the-counter medications like Benadryl is that you can easily continue taking it for symptomatic relief without noticing that you are going over the recommended dosage. Doing so can lead to severe side effects. 

This article will discuss the appropriate doses and the risks of taking too much Benadryl.

What is Benadryl?

Brand name Benadryl contains the active ingredient diphenhydramine. It is an over-the-counter antihistamine that helps relieve symptoms of seasonal allergies, the common cold, and itchy skin due to bug bites or allergic reactions. 

Benadryl is available in many different forms, including:

• Oral (to be taken by mouth): tablets, chewable tablets, liquid-filled capsules,liqui-gels, and liquid solution
• Topical (to be applied to the skin): creams, gels, and sprays

Some combination products contain diphenhydramine as the main ingredient along with other ingredients. For example, Benadryl Allergy Plus Congestion for Sinus Pressure & Nasal Congestion Relief contains diphenhydramine, an antihistamine, and phenylephrine, a nasal decongestant.

What is the correct Benadryl dosage?

The correct Benadryl dosage depends on several factors. Among those factors is the condition you’re treating, your age, and the form of Benadryl you’re using. Your physician will advise you to take the lowest effective dose of Benadryl for the shortest possible time as best practice recommends.

Regarding effective Benadryl dosing, commonly used and recommended doses of Benadryl are as follows:

For hay fever, allergies, and common cold symptoms

The recommended dose for adults and children 12 years and older is 25 mg to 50 mg every 4 to 6 hours. 

The recommended dose for children between the ages of 6-12 is 12.5 mg to 25 mg every 4 to 6 hours. 

Children under the age of 6 e should not take oral Benadryl without a doctor’s prescription. 

For itchy skin from insect bites, stings, hives, allergic reactions, or other causes

Adults and children from age 2+ can use the topical form of Benadryl and apply gel, cream, or spray to the affected area up to 4 times daily unless the area is widespread and the oral form is advised by a healthcare professional. Children under 2 years of age should use Benadryl topical products only if advised by a physician.

This is a general dosing guide. Some patients, for example, elderly patients, may need to take lower doses of this medication. If you have any specific questions about Benadryl dosages regarding your age and condition, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist. 

What is the maximum dosage of Benadryl?

The maximum dose of Benadryl for adults and children over 12 years of age is 300 mg per day. The maximum dose of Benadryl for children between the ages of  6 to 12 is 150 mg per day. Do not take more than 6 doses of oral Benadryl in 24 hours. 

Benadryl topical products (creams, gels, sprays) should not be applied to the skin more than 4 times a day.

It is important to check all your other antihistamines and ensure that your other medications don’t contain the same active ingredient, i.e., diphenhydramine. The maximum dose mentioned above is the dose you can safely take from all products and different forms combined.

What are Benadryl’s side effects?

The common side effects of Benadryl include sleepiness, dizziness, headache, dry mouth, dry eyes, and weakness. If these symptoms are severe or do not go away after a few days, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Benadryl can also cause more serious side effects, such as problems with cognition (thinking),  memory, fast heartbeat (tachycardia), and seizures. Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and seek emergency medical care for serious side effects such as seizures. 

What are Benadryl risks and drug interactions?

Benadryl can cause drowsiness, which can impair your ability to drive, operate heavy machinery, or do anything that requires focus. Falling asleep at the wheel can result in accidents, so follow your doctor’s instructions and do not drive while taking Benadryl until you know how this medication affects you.

If you are taking other drugs, talk to a healthcare provider before taking Benadryl to avoid serious drug interactions. For example, taking Benadryl with benzodiazepines (Valium, Xanax, Klonopin) can increase the risk of confusion, drowsiness, and delirium. Mixing Benadryl and alcohol can lead to drowsiness and sedation, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries.

How many days in a row can you take Benadryl?

You should not use over-the-counter (OTC) Benadryl for longer than 7 days as treatment for cold and allergy symptoms. OTC Benadryl is intended for short-term use to provide temporary relief of allergy symptoms. If your symptoms do not improve after a week of Benadryl use, contact your doctor to obtain an accurate diagnosis and discuss alternative treatments.

What happens if you take too much Benadryl?

Scientists do not know a lot about the side effects of taking Benadryl long-term, but it has been linked to conditions such as:

• Constipation
• Weight gain
• Blurred vision
• Hallucinations 
• Memory problems, confusion, dementia
• Restless legs syndrome
• Depression and anxiety
• Tolerance and dependence

Can you overdose on Benadryl?

Yes, you can overdose on Benadryl. Signs and symptoms of a Benadryl overdose may include:

• Confusion
• Blurred vision
• Dry mouth
• Dizziness
• Heart arrhythmia
• Difficulty breathing
• Irritability
• Restlessness
• Confusion
• Hallucinations
• Shock
• Seizures
• Coma
• Death

If you or someone you know may have overdosed on Benadryl, call 911 or seek care at the nearest emergency room without delay.

Wrapping Up: Safe use of over the counter medications like Benadryl

It is not safe to take more than the recommended dosage of over-the-counter medicines like Benadryl. Taking too much Benadryl can cause serious problems, including hallucinations, abnormal heart rhythms, seizures, and even death. Always read the labels on OTC medications carefully and ensure that you take the recommended daily dosage. 

References:

1. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=702f9786-7ce9-43e4-921d-e1db09612127
2. https://medlineplus. gov/druginfo/meds/a682539.html#
3. https://www.benadryl.com/benadryl-dosing-guide

Diphenhydramine – Benadryl etc – Dosage Table | Health & Wellness Library | University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital | Cleveland, OH

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl, etc.) Dosage

Child’s weight	20 – 24 lbs.	25 – 37 lbs.	38 – 49 lbs.	50 – 99 lbs.	Over 100 lbs.
Liquid 12.5 mg/5 milliliters (ml)	4	5	7.5	10	–
Chewable 12. 5 mg	–	1	1½	2	4
Tablets 25 mg	–	½	½	1	2
Capsules 25 mg	–	–	–	1	2

Indications:

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’s a sedative). For colds, not recommended at any age (Reason: no proven benefits) and should be avoided if under 4 years old. Avoid multi-ingredient products in children under 6 years of age (Reason: FDA recommendations 10/2008).
• DOSAGE: Determine by finding child’s weight in the top row of the dosage table
• MEASURING the DOSAGE: Syringes and droppers are more accurate than teaspoons. If possible, use the syringe or dropper that comes with the medication.  If not, medicine syringes are available at pharmacies. If you use a teaspoon, it should be a measuring spoon. Regular spoons are not reliable. Also, remember that 1 level teaspoon equals 5 ml and that ½ teaspoon equals 2.5 ml.
• ADULT DOSAGE: 50 mg
• FREQUENCY: Repeat every six hours as needed
• CHILDREN’S BENADRYL FASTMELTS: Each fastmelt tablet contains the equivalent of 12. 5 mg of Diphenhydramine HCL and dosed the same as chewable tablets.

Author and Senior Reviewer: Barton D. Schmitt, M.D.
Content Set: Pediatric HouseCalls Symptom Checker
Pediatric HouseCalls Symptom Checker

Evekeo vs. Concerta Prescription Treatment for ADHD: Differences and Side Effects

• Medical and Pharmaceutical Editor: John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP

• The same
  • Are Evekeo and Concerta the same thing?
• Side effects
  • What are the possible side effects of Evekeo?
  • What are the possible side effects of the concert?
• What’s happened
  • What is Evekeo?
  • What is Concerta?
• Drug Interactions
  • What drugs interact with Evekeo?
  • What drugs interact with the Concerto?
• Dosage
  • How should Evekeo be taken?
  • How to perceive a concert?

Are Evekeo and Concerta the same thing?

Evekeo (amphetamine sulfate tablets) and Concert (methylphenidate extended-release tablets) Central nervous system stimulants used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Evekeo is also used to treat a sleep disorder called narcolepsy and can also be used as part of a short-term weight loss program to treat exogenous obesity.

Similar side effects of Evekeo and Concerta include: Headache, stomach pain or pain, trouble sleeping (insomnia), decreased appetite, nervousness, dizziness, vomiting, dry mouth, and weight loss.

Side effects of Evekeo, other than Concerta, include unpleasant taste in the mouth, itching, diarrhea, constipation, mood swings, palpitations, fast heart rate, elevated blood pressure, overexcitation, restlessness, euphoria, coordination problems, tremors, anxiety, urticaria, impotence, libido changes, frequent or prolonged erections, and muscle waste (rhabdomyolysis).

Side effects of Concerta other than Evekeo include: nausea, restlessness, irritability, vision problems, skin rash, numbness/tingling/coldness in hands or feet, and sweating.

dosage of Benadryl for adults allergic reaction

Both Evekeo and Concerta may interact with antidepressants including MAOIs, cold or allergy medications containing decongestants, blood pressure medications, blood thinners, and seizure medications.

Evekeo may also interact with stomach medicines. anti-psychotropic drugs, lithium, and narcotics.

Concerta may also interact with clonidine, dobutamine, adrenaline isoproterenol, potassium citrate, sodium acetate, sodium bicarbonate, citric acid and potassium citrate, sodium citrate and citric acid, stimulants and diet pills.

Withdrawal symptoms can occur if you suddenly stop taking Evekeo or Concerta.

What are the possible side effects of Evekeo?

Common Evekeo side effects include:

• Headache,
• stomach pain,
• trouble sleeping (insomnia),
• decreased appetite,
• bad taste in mouth, 9000 4
• nervousness,
• dizziness,
• sexual problems (male impotence),
• vomiting,
• itching,
• diarrhea,
• constipation,
• dry mouth,
• weight loss,
• mood swings,
• heart palpitations,
• rapid heart rate,
• increased blood pressure,
• overexcitation,

9 0003 restlessness,

• euphoria,
• coordination problems,
• tremor,
• restlessness,
• loss of appetite,
• hives,
• impotence, 900 04
• changes in sex drive,
• frequent or prolonged erections,
• muscle wasting (rhabdomyolysis).

What are the possible side effects of the concert?

Common side effects of Gig include:

• abdominal pain,
• loss of appetite,
• headache,
• dry mouth,
• nausea,
• vomiting a,
• sleep problems (insomnia),
• restlessness,
• dizziness,
• weight loss,
• irritability,
• Problems with vision,
• skin rash,
• nervousness,
• Feeling of numbness/tingling/cold in the hands or legs, and
• sweating.

What is Evekeo?

Evekeo (amphetamine sulfate tablets) is a central nervous system stimulant used to treat a sleep disorder called narcolepsy and to improve attention and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity in patients with ADHD. Evekeo should be used as part of an overall ADHD treatment program, which may include counseling or other treatments. Evekeo can also be used as part of a short-term weight loss program to treat exogenous obesity.

What is Concerta?

Concerta is a stimulant of the central nervous system. prescription drug. It is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Concerta may help increase attention and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity in ADHD patients.

does tramadol contain aspirin?

Concerta should be used as part of an overall ADHD treatment program that may include counseling or other treatments.

Concerta is under federal control. substance (CII) because it can be abused or addictive. Keep Concerta in a safe place to prevent misuse. Selling or giving away Concerta may harm others and is against the law.

Tell your doctor if you or your child have (or have a family history of) ever been abused or addicted to alcohol, prescription drugs, or street drugs.

What drugs interact with Evekeo?

Evekeo may interact with stomach medicines, antidepressants including MAOIs, antipsychotic medicines, lithium, cold or allergy medicines that contain decongestants, blood pressure medicines, narcotics, seizure medicines or blood thinners. Tell your doctor about all medicines and supplements you or your child are taking.

What drugs interact with the Concerto?

Tell your doctor if you or your child is pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding.

Tell your doctor about all medicines you or your child are taking, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Concerta and some medicines can interact with each other and cause serious side effects. Sometimes when taking Concerta, it is necessary to adjust the doses of other medicines.

Your doctor will decide if you can take Concerta with other medicines.

Tell your doctor especially if you or your child are taking:

• medicines for depression, including MAOIs
• anticonvulsants
• blood thinners
• medicines for blood pressure
• cold or allergy medicines containing decongestants

Know the medicines you or your child are taking. Keep a list of medicines with you to show your doctor and pharmacist.

Do not start any new medications while taking Concerta without first talking to your doctor.

How should I take Evekeo?

The usual dose of Evekeo for the treatment of narcolepsy is 5 to 60 mg. mg per day in divided doses. The usual starting dose of Evekeo for the treatment of ADHD in children aged 3 to 5 years is 2.5 mg daily; in children 6 years of age and older, start with 5 mg once or twice daily. The usual dose of Evekeo for the treatment of exogenous obesity is up to 30 mg per day, taken in divided doses of 5–10 mg 30–60 minutes before meals.

How to perceive a concert?

Take Concerta exactly as directed. Your doctor may adjust the dose until it is right for you or your child.

Do not chew, crush, or split tablets.

how many Benadryls can I take

Swallow Concerta tablets whole with water or other liquids. Tell your doctor if you or your child cannot swallow Concerta whole. You may need to prescribe another medication.

The concert can be taken with or without food.

Take Concerta once a day in the morning. Concerta is an extended release. tablet . It releases medication into your body or your child’s body throughout the day.

Concerta tablet does not completely dissolve in the body after all of the drug has been released. You or your child may occasionally notice an empty tablet in their bowels. This is fine.

From time to time your doctor may stop your treatment with Concerta for a while to check for symptoms of ADHD.

Can I take Tylenol with Norco

Your doctor may regularly check your blood, heart, and blood pressure while taking Concerta. Children should frequently check their height and weight when taking Gigs. Treatment with Concerta can be completed if a problem is found during these checks.

If you or your child are taking too much Concerta or Verdose, call your doctor or poison control center right away or get emergency help.

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