Children can have very itchy rashes as well. As a parent, you need to know what is the best over-the-counter medication for your child and how much of that medication he or she can take.
The active ingredient in Benadryl is called diphenhydramine. This is also the same active ingredient in many other antihistamines, including some that are over-the-counter and some that require a prescription.
However, how much benadryl do kids and guinea pigs need to take? What dosage should they take? And what possible side effects do they need to be aware of? We will answer all those questions here! Read on to find out more.
Find out more about Benadryl and how much to take
We’ve already mentioned that the active ingredient in Benadryl is diphenhydramine. But there is so much more to know about this common over-the-counter antihistamine!
Let’s start from the beginning. Benadryl is a first generation antihistamine which was first created in the 1940s! It is not FDA approved for children under the age of 2 years, but doctors often recommend it to parents of babies and toddlers who suffer from allergies.
Benadryl for babies and toddlers should be given in half-dose since it is not FDA approved for children under 2 years.
Doctors recommend that you consult a pediatrician before you give Benadryl to a child. The pediatrician will decide how much Benadryl is sufficient for your child and how many times per day he or she can take it.
How much benadryl for adults?
It is recommended that adults take a dose of 25 to 50 mg of Benadryl every 4 to 8 hours while they are having a reaction. That equates to a total daily dose of 150 to 375 mg.
You should not exceed taking more than 375 mg of Benadryl in a single day. Doing so could cause a range of adverse effects, including a headache, drowsiness, dizziness, and other issues.
If you are taking Benadryl for allergies, it is likely that you will take the drug for several days. You should talk to your doctor about the best way to take Benadryl for allergies.
How much guinea pigs benadryl?
Guinea pigs are small rodents that are often kept as pets in the United States. These animals can react to common allergens just like humans do. That’s why it is crucial to know how much Benadryl your guinea pig should take.
Guinea pigs need to be treated with antihistamines only if their allergies cause them to have symptoms that are mild but persistent.
If your guinea pig is not responding to allergy treatment and allergy symptoms are severe, antihistamines are not a necessary intervention.
What are the side effects of taking Benadryl?
Let’s talk about the side effects of Benadryl so you know how much of a potential risk they pose to you.
Since diphenhydramine is the active ingredient in Benadryl, it makes sense that the side effects are similar to those of other drugs with which it shares that same ingredient.
The most common side effects of taking Benadryl include dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, and headaches. You may also have trouble concentrating and may experience blurred vision.
These effects are most likely to occur in people who have taken large doses of Benadryl or who have taken it for several days in a row.
The recommended dosage of Benedryl for adults and children
The recommended dosage of Benadryl for adults and children is 25-50 mg every 4-8 hours. You should not exceed taking more than 375 mg of Benadryl in a single day.
The dosage of Benadryl for children will depend on the child’s weight.
The recommended dosage for children aged two years or younger is half of the dosage for older children.
For children aged two to six years old, the dosage is 10 mg every four hours. For children aged seven to eleven years, the dosage is 12.5 mg every four hours. For children aged twelve years or older, the dosage is 25 mg every four hours.
Conclusion
We hope that you’ve learned a lot about Benadryl and how much to take. This is definitely a valuable article to bookmark if you or your child ever suffers from allergies or other conditions that are seen with a rash.
On that note, allergies are extremely common. As much as 25% of the population has allergies. That’s a huge portion of people!
These allergies are often seasonal, triggered by the changing of the seasons. In most cases, a Benadryl dosage is enough to relieve allergy symptoms.
If you or your child suffer from allergies and you’d like to try Benadryl, make sure to follow the dosage instructions carefully.
