Benadryl & Zyrtec

Dosages for Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) for different weights

Benadryl can be given every 6 hours. Consult your physician for children under 12 months of age.

Weight (lbs) Age (years) Suspension (12.5mg/5 ml) Chewable (12.5 mg tab) Fastmelts (12.5 mg tab) Tab/Cap (25 mg)
12-19 lbs 1 - 1 1/2 yrs 2.5 ml - 1/2 tsp - - -
20-26 lbs 1 1/2 - 2 yrs 3.75 ml = 3/4 tsp - - -
27-39 lbs 2 - 4 yrs 5 ml = 1 tsp 1 tab 1 tab -
40-52 lbs 5 - 6 yrs 7.5 ml = 1 1/2 tsp 1 1/2 tab 1 1/2 tab -
53-67 lbs 7 - 8 yrs 10 ml = 2 tsp 2 tabs 2 tabs 1 tab/cap
68-79 lbs 9 - 10 yrs 10-12.5 ml = 2-2 1/2 tsp 2 - 2 1/2 tabs 2 tabs 1 tab/cap
80-95 lbs 11 -12 yrs 10-15 ml = 2-3 tsp 2 - 3 tabs 2 -3 tabs 1 tab/cap
96+ lbs 12+ yrs 10-20 ml = 2-4 tsp 2 - 4 tabs 2 - 4 tabs 1-2 tab/cap

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

CAUTION! Benadryl can cause significant sleepiness or an unexpected hyperactivity reaction in some children. Dosing by weight is most accurate. Consult your physician for any questions.

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

Dosages for Zyrtec (Cetirizine) for different weights

6 mons - 2 yrs 2-5 yrs 6+ yrs
Chilren's Liquid (1 mg/1 ml) 2.5 ml once daily 2.5-5 ml once daily 5-10 ml once daily
Children's Chewable (5 mg tabs) - 1 tab once daily 2 tabs once daily
Children's Chewable (10 mg tabs) - - 1 tab once daily
Adult (10 mg tabs) - - 1 tab once daily

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

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