What is the pediatric dose of diphenhydramine?

• A. Half A Milligram Per Kilogram
• B. Two Milligrams Per Kilogram
• C. Five Milligrams Per Kilogram
• D. One Milligram Per Kilogram, Maximum Of Fifty Milligrams

Answer: (D)

Dosing in pediatrics is based on weight (mg per kg) with an upper limit per dose to keep safety in check. For diphenhydramine, the typical pediatric dose is 1 mg per kilogram of body weight per dose, with a maximum of 50 mg per dose, given every 6 to 8 hours as needed. This weight-based approach ensures the child gets enough medicine to relieve symptoms without risking excessive sedation or anticholinergic side effects that can occur with higher doses. For example, a 20 kg child would receive about 20 mg per dose, not exceeding 50 mg. The other options—0.5 mg/kg, 2 mg/kg, or 5 mg/kg—either underdose or exceed safe per-dose limits in many children.