You can take Benadryl (diphenhydramine) every 4 to 6 hours as needed, but you should not exceed 6 doses in 24 hours. For adults and children over 12 years old, the typical dose is 25 to 50 mg per dose, with a maximum daily dose of 300 mg
. For children, the dosage varies by age:
- Ages 6 to 11: 12.5 to 25 mg every 4 to 6 hours, not exceeding 150 mg per day.
- Under 6 years: Only use under a doctor's direction
Benadryl topical forms (creams, gels, sprays) should be applied up to 3-4 times daily, but not more
. It is recommended not to use over-the-counter Benadryl for more than 7 consecutive days without consulting a doctor. Overuse or overdose can cause serious side effects, including confusion, heart issues, hallucinations, or even life-threatening consequences
. In summary:
- Take 25-50 mg every 4-6 hours as needed.
- Do not exceed 6 doses (300 mg) in 24 hours.
- Limit use to short-term (no more than 7 days) unless advised by a doctor.
- Follow specific pediatric dosing and consult a doctor for children under 6 years
