How many benadryl should i take
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Recommended Dosage of Benadryl: Insights from Research
Typical Dosage for Allergic Reactions
Benadryl, also known as diphenhydramine, is commonly used to treat symptoms of allergies, such as urticaria and pruritus. The typical dosage for adults can vary, but a common regimen includes taking 50 mg every four to six hours. This dosage has been shown to be effective in managing symptoms, although it often causes drowsiness in a significant number of patients4.
Dosage for Asthma and Severe Allergic Reactions
In cases of bronchial asthma, dosages of Benadryl can range from 150 to 400 mg daily. This higher dosage is typically divided into multiple doses throughout the day. However, it is important to note that while some patients experience relief, a majority do not find it effective for asthma symptoms, especially if there are underlying organic changes in the lungs or heart3.
Pediatric Dosage
For children, the dosage of Benadryl is often calculated based on body weight. A study indicated that dosages ranged from 1 mg/lb to 4 mg/lb of body weight, divided into three equal portions throughout the day. Interestingly, children appeared to tolerate the drug better than adults, with fewer reports of drowsiness and other side effects5.
Risks of Overdosage and Self-Medication
It is crucial to adhere to prescribed dosages to avoid adverse effects. There have been reports of severe drowsiness and other side effects when higher doses are taken. For instance, taking 50 mg every four to six hours can lead to significant drowsiness, and in some cases, patients have reported sleeping for up to eighteen hours after a single 50 mg dose4. Additionally, self-medication and large dosages can be dangerous, as illustrated by a case where a patient took an excessive amount of Benadryl, leading to severe drowsiness and other complications6.
Conclusion
The appropriate dosage of Benadryl varies depending on the condition being treated and the patient's age and weight. For adults, a common dosage is 50 mg every four to six hours, while for children, the dosage is typically calculated based on body weight. It is essential to follow medical advice and avoid self-medicating with large doses to prevent adverse effects. Always consult with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate dosage for your specific needs.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
BETAMETHASONE (“CELESTONE”) IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
Betamethasone (Celestone) is a well-established treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, with a maximum daily dose of 200 mg.
The Fenestration Operation for Otosclerosis
"anahaemin" and "benadryl" have been successfully used to treat otosclerosis in a patient with severe urticaria, and the patient is now very fit and continuing on this regimen without untoward effects.
Evaluation of dimethylaminoethyl benzhydryl ether hydrochloride (benadryl) in bronchial asthma.
Abstract 1.1. Benadryl was administered orally in dosages of 150 to 400 mg. daily to a group of thirty adult asthmatics who were resistant to all forms of the usual asthmatic remedies. 2.2. Seven or 23 per cent of the patients experienced symptomatic relief. Withdrawal of the drug was followed by recurrence of symptoms. 3.3. Benadryl was beneficial to those patients whose asthmatic symptoms were not due to acute upper respiratory infections or to demonstrable organic lesions in the lungs or heart. 4.4. Twenty-three or 77 per cent of the patients failed to obtain any relief whatsoever. All of them showed organic changes in the lungs or heart or an active sinus infection. 5.5. The drug was without immediate effect upon severe attacks of asthma, regardless of etiology. 6.6. Benadryl was found to be helpful when used in conjunction with known antiasthmatic drugs. 7.7. Side reactions such as drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth and fatigue occurred in twenty-eight or 93 per cent of the patients.
Non-RCTBenadryl, a contributing cause of an accident.
In a study of 185 patients, drowsiness occurred in 58 per cent of those using 50 mg. doses of benadryl, with drowsiness occurring in 60 per cent of those using 50 mg. doses.
INTRA-MURAL NEW VESSELS IN AN OCCLUDED RETINAL VEIN
Benadryl may slightly improve symptoms in occluded retinal veins, but children may be more immune to side effects than adults.
Danger with benadryl of self medication and large dosage.
Slater and Francis recently reported the use of Benadryl (beta-dimethylaminoethyl benzohydryl ether hydrochloride) as a contributing cause of an accident.1They called attention to the frequency of drowsiness as a side action of the drug. The following report of a case illustrates the danger of self medication and large dosage. REPORT OF CASE A convent nun, aged 18, had been under my care for a year because of obesity and menstrual difficulties. She had had attacks of asthma since childhood, which were worse in ragweed season and early winter than during the rest of the year. She was given a prescription for forty-eight 50 mg. capsules of Benadryl. At the convent she was allowed to keep the medicament in her own room. She took two of the capsules, as prescribed, the first day, with decided relief. She felt so much improved that the next day she decided to take
Case ReportUnusual side reaction of hysteria from benadryl.
Increasing the dose of benadryl to 350 mg. daily can cause severe hysteria, which resolves within 48 hours when the drug is withdrawn.
Case ReportBenadryl in chronic urticaria.
Amphetamine sulfate can help reduce drowsiness in chronic urticaria patients, making it more practical to use Benadryl at bedtime.
Case ReportThe influence of intravenously administered benadryl on blood pressure and electrocardiogram.
Intravenous Benadryl can cause elevated blood pressure and electrocardiographic changes, making it contraindicated for patients with heart disease.
The nature of benadryl activity: glucose tolerance curves.
Benadryl has a mildly negative effect on glucose tolerance, causing a decrease in blood sugar levels in subjects after a single dose.
Non-RCT