Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is an over-the-counter drug that’s used to treat allergies, cold symptoms, and other conditions. The drug comes as an oral tablet and other forms. It’s usually taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed.

Benadryl is used in adults and certain children to treat:

The active ingredient in Benadryl is diphenhydramine. Benadryl belongs to a group of drugs called antihistamines.

There are multiple Benadryl products available. These include:

  • oral tablets
  • oral liquid gel capsules
  • oral solution
  • topical skin cream
  • oral chewable tablets
  • topical sticks

This article only discusses the dosages for the Benadryl oral tablet. Talk with your pharmacist or doctor if you’d like to learn more about dosages for other forms of Benadryl.

This article describes the dosages of Benadryl, as well as its strengths and how to take it. To learn more about Benadryl, see this in-depth article.

This section describes the usual dosages of Benadryl tablets. Keep reading to learn more.

What’s Benadryl’s form?

Benadryl is available as an oral tablet. Benadryl is also available in the other forms discussed in the introduction of this article. But this article only discusses dosages for the oral tablet.

What strength does Benadryl come in?

Benadryl oral tablets come in two strengths: 25 milligrams (mg) and 50 mg. However, this article only discusses dosing for the 25-mg tablet.

What are the usual dosages of Benadryl?

The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor recommends for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs. In some cases, doctors may adjust your dosage from those shown below.

Dosage for allergic reaction

The typical Benadryl dosage for adults is 25 to 50 mg (one to two tablets) taken every 4 to 6 hours, or as directed by your doctor. This is the dosage used for allergic reactions caused by hay fever (seasonal allergies) or other allergies.

Note: Benadryl tablets should not be used to treat symptoms of anaphylaxis, which is a life threatening allergic reaction. If you experience swelling in your throat, trouble breathing, or severe anxiety as symptoms of an allergic reaction, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.

Dosage for common cold symptoms

For adults with common cold symptoms, the typical dosage of Benadryl is 25 to 50 mg (one to two tablets) taken every 4 to 6 hours, or as directed by your doctor.

Dosage for bug bites

For adults with itchy skin caused by hives, insect bites, and other causes, the typical dosage of Benadryl is 25 to 50 mg (one to two tablets) taken every 4 to 6 hours, or as directed by your doctor.

What’s the dosage of Benadryl for children?

Benadryl tablets are used to help treat mild allergic reactions, common cold symptoms, and bug bites in children ages 6 years and older.

The dosage used in children ages 12 years and older is the same as the dosage for adults. To learn more, see the “What are the usual dosages of Benadryl?” section.

The dosage for children ages 6 to under 12 years is one tablet taken every 4 to 6 hours, or as directed by your child’s doctor.

For more information about Benadryl’s dosage for children, talk with your child’s doctor or a pharmacist.

How to take Benadryl

Benadryl comes as a tablet which you swallow. You may take Benadryl tablets with or without food. Check out this article if you have trouble swallowing pills. Or, ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice.

Is Benadryl used long term?

No, Benadryl is usually used as a short-term treatment.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re interested in learning about long-term treatments for seasonal allergies.

Do not take more Benadryl than your doctor recommends, as this can lead to harmful effects.

What to do in case you take too much Benadryl

Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Benadryl. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.