What is the pediatric dose of diphenhydramine by weight?

What is the pediatric dose of diphenhydramine by weight?

• A. 0.5 mg/kg PO
• B. 1 mg/kg PO
• C. 2 mg/kg PO
• D. 1 mg/kg IV

Answer: (B)

In kids, drug dosing is based on body weight so the amount given matches the child’s size. For diphenhydramine given by mouth, the standard dose is 1 mg per kilogram of body weight per dose, typically every 6 to 8 hours as needed, with a practical upper per-dose limit for older kids. That’s why 1 mg/kg by mouth is the best choice: it provides a balanced, effective dose for most pediatric patients while limiting the risk of underdosing (which could fail to control symptoms) or overdosing (which increases sedative and anticholinergic side effects). The lower option would be underdosing, the higher option could raise adverse effects, and while IV dosing exists, the oral route is preferred when the child can take meds by mouth and the protocol supports that.

In kids, drug dosing is based on body weight so the amount given matches the child’s size. For diphenhydramine given by mouth, the standard dose is 1 mg per kilogram of body weight per dose, typically every 6 to 8 hours as needed, with a practical upper per-dose limit for older kids. That’s why 1 mg/kg by mouth is the best choice: it provides a balanced, effective dose for most pediatric patients while limiting the risk of underdosing (which could fail to control symptoms) or overdosing (which increases sedative and anticholinergic side effects). The lower option would be underdosing, the higher option could raise adverse effects, and while IV dosing exists, the oral route is preferred when the child can take meds by mouth and the protocol supports that.