Over the counter medication can be difficult to dose properly in children. Be especially careful with dosing in children less than two and in children taking other medications. A good reference for patients is The People's Pharmacy, your local pharmacist, or, of course, our office.
Benadryl® is an over the counter antihistamine we recommend families have on hand at home for fast treatment of hives, drug allergies, itching, or bites. Any of the cold medicines can be toxic if injested in large quantities so be sure to store them safely. |
| Diphenhydramine (Benadryl®) |
| |
10 lbs. |
20 lbs. |
30 lbs. |
50 lbs. |
100 lbs. + |
|
Elixir: 12.5mg/5ml |
½tsp. |
1 tsp. |
1½ tsp. |
2 tsp. |
|
|
Capsules: 25 mg; 50mg |
|
|
|
25mg capsule |
25mg or 50 mg capsule |
|
Tablets: 50 mg |
|
|
|
|
1 tablet |
|
Fast Melt Children's Benadryl® |
|
1 pill |
1 pill |
2 pills |
2 or 4 pills |
|
|
Some infants and children respond with hyperactivity after taking Benadryl®, some will become sleepy, but most will not be adversely affected. The dose can be lowered with any excessive symptoms.
|
| Other Medicines to Have on Hand |
|
Pedialyte®/Ricelyte®/Kaolyte® |
An electrolyte replacement solution. Good for replacing fluids in cases of
vomiting and diarrhea. |
|
Rectal acetaminophen (Feverall®) |
The dosing is the same as oral acetaminophen and is helpful when a child is
febrile and vomiting. |
|
