Benadryl Liquid For Adults

I wish I could be paid a dime for every time I am asked the following question:

I have a hard time swallowing pills and I need to take some Benadryl - where is the Benadryl (diphenhydramine) liquid for adults? The truth is it doesn't exist...sorry dudes! However, there is a way to get around this problem by taking more of the Children's Benadryl Liquid than what is listed in the directions on the box.  

The Benadryl tablet for adults contains 25mg of diphenhydramine per tablet while Children's Benadryl Liquid contains 12.5mg for every teaspoon (5mL) of liquid (12.5mg/5mL).

To get a normal adult dose of Benadryl you should take 1 to 2 tablets every time you take it (25 to 50mg) and if you are going to take it more than once, you would repeat the dose every 4 to 6 hours. In order to get the same amount of Benadryl from the children's liquid you would have to take 2 to 4 teaspoonfuls (10 to 20mL) per dose.

The moral of the story here is that even if you are past your younger years, you can still get the adult dose from taking the Children's Benadryl Liquid. You may have to buy extra bottles of the liquid, but at least the option is out there!

One other thing worth mentioning while we're on the topic of Benadryl - if you are having an allergic reaction to a substance and you are told to take Benadryl, you are still going to be taking the stuff that is in the pink box. You know, the pink box that says the medication can be used for sneezing, watery/itchy eyes, and runny nose. Benadryl does not come in a box with a claim on the front that says it's used for allergic reactions - just thought I'd clear-up the confusion as people often approach me about this issue!