Itching / Allergies

Dosages for Benadryl (Diphenhydramine)

Medicine Name: Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) May Give Every 20-24 lbs 25 - 37 lbs 38 - 49 lbs 50 - 99 lbs 100+ lbs
Liquid 12.5 mg/ 5 milliliters (mL) 6-8 hours 4 ml 5 ml 7.5 ml 10 ml 20 ml
Chewable 12.5 mg 6-8 hours - 1 tablet 1-1/2 tablet 2 tablet 4 tablet
Tablets 25 mg 6-8 hours - 1/2 tablet 1/2 tablet 1 tablet 2 tablets
Capsules 25 mg 6-8 hours - - - 1 capsule 2 capsules

When to Use. Treatment of allergic reactions, nasal allergies, hives and itching.

Table Notes:

  • AGE LIMITS. For allergies, for ages 6 months-1year consult your provider for dosage recommendation. (Reason: it causes most babies to be sleepy).
  • DOSE. Find the child's weight in the top row of the dose table. Look below the correct weight for the dose based on the product you have.
  • MEASURE the DOSE. Syringes and droppers are more accurate than teaspoons. If possible, use the syringe or dropper that comes with the medicine. If not, you can get a med syringe at drug stores. If you use a teaspoon, it should be a measuring spoon. (Reason: regular spoons are not reliable.) Keep in mind 1 level teaspoon equals 5 mL and that ½ teaspoon equals 2.5 mL. 
  • ADULT DOSE. 50 mg
  • HOW OFTEN. Repeat every 6 hours as needed.
  • CHILDREN’S BENADRYL FASTMELTS. Each fastmelt tablet equals 12.5 mg. They are dosed the same as chewable tablets.

Customized from Itching Allergies v0.1 7/8/2025

Dosages for Zyrtec (Cetirizine)

Medicine Name: Zyrtec (Cetirizine) May Give Every 18-35 lbs 36-47 lbs 48-59 lbs 60-85 lbs 86+ lbs
Liquid 5mg/5ml (1tsp) 24 Hours 2.5ml 2.5ml 5-10ml 5-10ml 10ml
Chewable 5mg 24 Hours - 1/2 tablet 1-2 tablets 1-2 tablets 1-2 tablets
Chewable 10mg 24 Hours - - 1 tablet 1 tablet 1 tablet
Tablet 10mg 24 Hours - - 1 tablet 1 tablet 1 tablet

When to Use. Treatment of allergic reactions, nasal allergies, hives and itching.

Table Notes:

  • AGE LIMITS. For allergies, for ages 6 months-1year consult your provider for dosage recommendation. (Reason: it causes most babies to be sleepy).
  • DOSE. Find the child's weight in the top row of the dose table. Look below the correct weight for the dose based on the product you have.
  • MEASURE the DOSE. Syringes and droppers are more accurate than teaspoons. If possible, use the syringe or dropper that comes with the medicine. If not, you can get a med syringe at drug stores. If you use a teaspoon, it should be a measuring spoon. (Reason: regular spoons are not reliable.) Keep in mind 1 level teaspoon equals 5 mL and that ½ teaspoon equals 2.5 mL. 
  • ADULT DOSE. 10 mg

Customized from Itching Allergies v0.1 7/8/2025

Dosages for Claritin (Loratadine)

Medicine Name: Claritin (Loratadine) May Give Every 18-23 lbs 24-47 lbs 48-59 lbs 60-85 lbs 85+lbs
Liquid 5 mg/5 ml (1 tsp) 24 Hours 2.5 ml 5 ml 10 ml 10 ml 10 ml
Chewable 5 mg 24 Hours - 1 tablet 2 tablets 2 tablets 2 tablets
Tablets 10 mg 24 Hours - - 1 tablet 1 tablet 1 tablet

When to Use. Treatment of allergic reactions, nasal allergies, hives and itching.

Table Notes:

  • AGE LIMITS. For allergies, for ages 6 months-1year consult your provider for dosage recommendation. (Reason: it causes most babies to be sleepy).
  • DOSE. Find the child's weight in the top row of the dose table. Look below the correct weight for the dose based on the product you have.
  • MEASURE the DOSE. Syringes and droppers are more accurate than teaspoons. If possible, use the syringe or dropper that comes with the medicine. If not, you can get a med syringe at drug stores. If you use a teaspoon, it should be a measuring spoon. (Reason: regular spoons are not reliable.) Keep in mind 1 level teaspoon equals 5 mL and that ½ teaspoon equals 2.5 mL. 
  • ADULT DOSE. 10 mg

Customized from Itching Allergies v0.1 7/8/2025