Diphenhydramine (
Benadryl®, Sominex
®, and many others) is an antihistamine medication available both over the counter and with a prescription. Dosing for this medicine varies, depending on your age, the particular diphenhydramine product, and other factors.
Oral Diphenhydramine Dosing for Sleep
The usual dosage for treating
insomnia in adults is diphenhydramine 50 mg taken 30 minutes before bedtime. Elderly people or those who seem to be sensitive to the effects of this medication may find a lower dose (25 mg) to be more tolerable.
Oral Diphenhydramine Dosing for Allergies or Cold Symptoms
The recommended diphenhydramine dosage for treating allergy or common
cold symptoms in adults and children ages 12 years and older is 25 mg to 50 mg every four to six hours. For children ages 6 to 12 years old, the recommended dosage is 12.5 mg to 25 mg every four to six hours.
Oral Diphenhydramine Dosing for Allergic Reactions or Motion Sickness
The recommended dose for treating allergic reactions or motion sickness in adults is diphenhydramine 50 mg or 25 mg every six to eight hours.
(Click Diphenhydramine Dosage to find out how dosing works for the topical forms of diphenhydramine and for tips and precautions for using this particular medication.)
