How much Benadryl is safe to take. What is the correct dosage for adults and children. How to determine the proper Benadryl dose based on age and weight. What are the risks of taking too much Benadryl. When to consult a doctor about Benadryl usage.

Understanding Benadryl and Its Active Ingredient

Benadryl is a widely used over-the-counter medication containing the active ingredient diphenhydramine. This antihistamine is primarily used to alleviate symptoms associated with allergies, hay fever, and the common cold. Its versatility extends to treating various conditions, including:

• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Watery or itchy eyes
• Irritated or itchy skin
• Insect bites
• Hives
• Eczema
• Sunburn
• Motion sickness
• Insomnia

Benadryl comes in various forms to suit different needs and preferences:

• Oral formulations: tablets, chewable tablets, liquid-filled capsules, liqui-gels, and liquid solutions
• Topical applications: creams, gels, and sprays

Some combination products also incorporate diphenhydramine with other active ingredients. For instance, Benadryl Allergy Plus Congestion for Sinus Pressure & Nasal Congestion Relief combines diphenhydramine with phenylephrine, a nasal decongestant.

Proper Benadryl Dosage for Adults

Determining the correct Benadryl dosage for adults involves considering several factors, including the condition being treated and the specific formulation being used. Generally, the recommended dosage for adults is as follows:

• For hay fever, allergies, and common cold symptoms: 25 mg to 50 mg every 4 to 6 hours
• Maximum daily dose: Do not exceed 300 mg in 24 hours

Is it safe to take Benadryl daily? While Benadryl can be effective for short-term symptom relief, it is not recommended for long-term daily use without consulting a healthcare professional. Prolonged use may lead to tolerance and potential side effects.

Benadryl Dosage Chart for Adults

Benadryl Dosage Guidelines for Children

Administering Benadryl to children requires careful consideration of age and weight. The following guidelines provide a general overview:

• Children 12 years and older: Follow adult dosage recommendations
• Children 6-11 years: 12.5 mg to 25 mg every 4 to 6 hours
• Children under 6 years: Not recommended without a doctor’s prescription

Can Benadryl be given to infants? Benadryl is not recommended for infants or children under 2 years old without explicit medical advice. For children between 2-6 years, consult a pediatrician before administering Benadryl.

Benadryl Dosage Chart for Children

Topical Benadryl Usage and Dosage

Topical Benadryl formulations offer localized relief for skin-related issues. These products are generally considered safe for adults and children 2 years and older. However, it’s crucial to follow the application instructions carefully:

• Clean the affected area before application
• Apply a thin layer of the product to the affected skin
• Repeat up to 3-4 times daily, or as directed by a healthcare professional
• Do not use on large areas of the body or for extended periods without medical advice

How long does topical Benadryl take to work? Topical Benadryl typically begins to provide relief within 15-30 minutes of application. However, individual responses may vary.

Potential Risks and Side Effects of Benadryl

While Benadryl is generally safe when used as directed, it can cause side effects, especially if taken in excess or for prolonged periods. Common side effects include:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Blurred vision
• Constipation
• Difficulty urinating

What happens if you take too much Benadryl? Overdosing on Benadryl can lead to severe complications, including:

• Extreme drowsiness
• Confusion
• Rapid heartbeat
• Seizures
• Hallucinations
• In severe cases, coma or death

It’s crucial to adhere to recommended dosages and seek immediate medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

Special Considerations and Precautions

Certain individuals should exercise caution or avoid using Benadryl altogether. These include:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women
• Individuals with certain medical conditions (e.g., glaucoma, enlarged prostate, liver disease)
• Those taking other medications that may interact with diphenhydramine
• Elderly individuals, who may be more susceptible to side effects

Can Benadryl interact with other medications? Yes, Benadryl can interact with various medications, including other antihistamines, sedatives, and certain antidepressants. Always consult with a healthcare provider or pharmacist about potential drug interactions before using Benadryl.

When to Consult a Healthcare Professional

While Benadryl is available over-the-counter, there are situations where professional medical advice is necessary:

• If symptoms persist or worsen after using Benadryl
• Before giving Benadryl to children under 6 years old
• If you have ongoing allergies requiring regular antihistamine use
• If you experience unusual or severe side effects
• If you have pre-existing medical conditions or are taking other medications

How often should you reassess your Benadryl usage? It’s advisable to review your use of Benadryl with a healthcare provider annually or whenever there are changes in your health status or medication regimen.

Alternatives to Benadryl for Allergy Relief

While Benadryl is effective for many people, there are alternative antihistamines and treatments available that may be more suitable for long-term use or have fewer side effects:

• Second-generation antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, loratadine, fexofenadine)
• Nasal corticosteroids
• Decongestants
• Natural remedies (e.g., saline nasal irrigation, butterbur extract)
• Allergen immunotherapy

What are the advantages of second-generation antihistamines? These newer antihistamines typically cause less drowsiness and have longer-lasting effects, making them suitable for daily use in managing chronic allergies.

In conclusion, while Benadryl can be an effective solution for various allergic symptoms and minor skin irritations, it’s crucial to use it responsibly and according to recommended guidelines. Understanding the proper dosage, potential risks, and when to seek professional advice ensures that you can safely benefit from this widely used medication. Remember, your health and safety should always be the top priority when using any over-the-counter medication.

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

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

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.