Allergy/Itching

  • For insect bites, apply Benadryl cream or hydrocortisone cream.
  • For more severe allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, hives or excema, use oral Benadryl or one of the less drowsy medications references below.
  • Benadryl commonly causes drowsiness.
  • If you have any doubts, call the office for advice on closing. 
Age Weight Benadryl 12.5 mg/5 mL Chewable Tab 12.5 mg Tab 25 mg
6-8 mo 11-15 lbs 1/2 tsp. (2.5 mL) Do not use Do not use
9-12 mo 16-18 lbs 3/4 tsp. (3.75 mL) Do not use Do not use
1-2 yrs 19-30 lbs 1 tsp. (5 mL) 1 tabs Do not use
3-6 yrs 31-44 lbs 1 1/2 tsp. (7.5 mL) 1.5 tabs Do not use
6-12 yrs 45+ lbs 2 tsp. (10 mL) 2 tabs 1 tab

Benadryl (diphenhydramine)

The following are less drowsy medications:

Medication Frequency 2-6 mo 6-9 mo 9-12 mo 12+ mo 2+ yrs 7+ yrs
Zyrtec 5mg/5 ml Once daily 1/4 tsp. 1/2 tsp. 3/4 tsp. 1 tsp. 1-2 tsp. 2 tsp.
Claritin 10 mg/5 ml Once daily 1/4 tsp. 1/2 tsp. 3/4 tsp. 1 tsp. 1-2 tsp. 2 tsp.
Xyzal 2 mg/5 cc Once daily 1/4 tsp. 1/2 tsp. 3/4 tsp. 1 tsp. 1-2 tsp. 2 tsp.
Dymetapp Cold & Allergy Once daily 1/4 tsp. 1/2 tsp. 3/4 tsp. 1 tsp. 1-2 tsp. 2 tsp.
Allegra 30 mg/5 cc Once daily 1/4 tsp. 1/2 tsp. 3/4 tsp. 1 tsp. 1-2 tsp. 2 tsp.

1/4 tsp = 1.25 ML
1/2 tsp = 2.5 ML
3/4 tsp = 3.75 ML
1 tsp = 5 ML

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