How much Benadryl is safe to take. What is the correct Benadryl dosage for adults and children. What are the risks of taking too much Benadryl. How does Benadryl work to relieve allergy symptoms.

Understanding Benadryl: An Overview of the Popular Antihistamine

Benadryl is a widely used over-the-counter medication containing the active ingredient diphenhydramine. This first-generation 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 and sneezing
• Watery and itchy eyes
• Skin irritation from insect bites, hives, and eczema
• Motion sickness
• Insomnia

Available in multiple forms, Benadryl offers flexibility in administration to suit different needs and preferences:

Oral Forms:

• Tablets
• Chewable tablets
• Liquid-filled capsules
• Liqui-gels
• Liquid solutions

Topical Forms:

• Creams
• Gels
• Sprays

While Benadryl is effective for symptom relief, it’s crucial to adhere to recommended dosages to avoid potential side effects. Let’s explore the appropriate dosing guidelines for different age groups and conditions.

Benadryl Dosage Guidelines: Ensuring Safe and Effective Use

The correct Benadryl dosage varies depending on several factors, including the condition being treated, the user’s age, and the specific form of Benadryl being used. Healthcare professionals generally recommend using the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible. Here are the commonly recommended dosages for different scenarios:

For Hay Fever, Allergies, and Common Cold Symptoms:

• Adults and children 12 years and older: 25 mg to 50 mg every 4 to 6 hours
• Children 6-12 years old: 12.5 mg to 25 mg every 4 to 6 hours
• Children under 6 years: Not recommended without a doctor’s prescription

For Itchy Skin (Insect Bites, Stings, Hives, Allergic Reactions):

Adults and children 2 years and older can use topical Benadryl formulations as directed on the product label.

It’s important to note that these are general guidelines, and individual needs may vary. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice, especially for children or individuals with pre-existing medical conditions.

Diphenhydramine Dosage Table: A Comprehensive Guide for Children

For a more detailed breakdown of diphenhydramine (Benadryl) dosages for children based on weight, refer to the following table:

When administering Benadryl to children, it’s crucial to use accurate measuring tools such as syringes or droppers, which are more precise than teaspoons. If a measuring spoon must be used, ensure it’s a proper measuring spoon, as regular household spoons can be unreliable.

The Science Behind Benadryl: How Does It Work?

To understand why proper dosing is crucial, it’s helpful to know how Benadryl works in the body. Diphenhydramine, the active ingredient in Benadryl, belongs to a class of drugs called antihistamines. But how exactly does it alleviate allergy symptoms?

When your body encounters an allergen, it releases histamine, a chemical that triggers allergy symptoms. Diphenhydramine works by blocking the effects of histamine in the body. Specifically, it:

• Prevents histamine from binding to H1 receptors in the body
• Reduces allergic reactions and their associated symptoms
• Crosses the blood-brain barrier, leading to its sedative effects

This mechanism of action explains why Benadryl is effective for various allergy symptoms and can cause drowsiness as a side effect. Understanding this process emphasizes the importance of using the correct dosage to balance symptom relief and potential side effects.

Potential Risks of Exceeding Recommended Benadryl Dosages

While Benadryl is generally safe when used as directed, taking more than the recommended dose can lead to serious side effects. What are the risks associated with excessive Benadryl consumption?

• Severe drowsiness and dizziness
• Dry mouth, nose, and throat
• Blurred vision
• Rapid heartbeat
• Difficulty urinating
• Confusion and hallucinations
• Seizures (in extreme cases)

In children, overdosing on Benadryl can be particularly dangerous and may lead to paradoxical excitation, causing restlessness, irritability, and even seizures. This underscores the importance of following age-appropriate dosing guidelines and consulting a healthcare professional when in doubt.

Special Considerations for Benadryl Use

While Benadryl is widely available over the counter, there are several important considerations to keep in mind:

Age Restrictions:

• For allergies: Not recommended for children under 1 year old due to its sedative effects
• For colds: Not recommended at any age, especially for children under 4 years old
• Multi-ingredient products: Should be avoided in children under 6 years old, as per FDA recommendations

Interactions and Precautions:

Benadryl can interact with various medications and substances, including:

• Other antihistamines
• Alcohol
• Some antidepressants
• Certain stomach acid reducers

Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you’re taking before using Benadryl. Additionally, use caution when operating machinery or driving, as Benadryl can cause drowsiness and impair reaction times.

Alternatives to Benadryl: Exploring Other Allergy Relief Options

While Benadryl is effective for many people, its sedating effects may not be suitable for everyone, especially those who need to remain alert during the day. What are some alternatives to consider for allergy relief?

Second-Generation Antihistamines:

• Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
• Loratadine (Claritin)
• Fexofenadine (Allegra)

These medications typically cause less drowsiness than Benadryl and can be taken once daily for 24-hour relief.

Nasal Corticosteroids:

• Fluticasone (Flonase)
• Mometasone (Nasonex)
• Budesonide (Rhinocort)

These sprays can be highly effective for nasal allergy symptoms and are often recommended as a first-line treatment for allergic rhinitis.

Natural Remedies:

• Saline nasal rinses
• Butterbur extract
• Quercetin supplements

While these may offer some relief, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before trying natural remedies, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking other medications.

When to Seek Medical Attention: Recognizing Severe Allergic Reactions

While Benadryl can effectively manage mild to moderate allergy symptoms, it’s crucial to recognize when professional medical help is necessary. What signs indicate a severe allergic reaction that requires immediate attention?

• Difficulty breathing or wheezing
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Severe dizziness or fainting
• Rapid or weak pulse
• Hives or rash that spreads quickly
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

If you or someone around you experiences these symptoms, seek emergency medical care immediately. These could be signs of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction that requires prompt treatment with epinephrine and other emergency measures.

In conclusion, while Benadryl is a valuable tool for managing allergy symptoms, responsible use is key to ensuring its safety and effectiveness. By adhering to recommended dosages, understanding potential risks, and recognizing when to seek professional help, you can make the most of this widely used antihistamine while minimizing potential side effects. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice, especially when dealing with chronic allergies or when considering long-term use of any 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.