Taking 2 Benadryl pills is generally considered safe for most adults and children over age 12. The active ingredient in Benadryl is diphenhydramine, an antihistamine that can help relieve allergy symptoms like runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, and itching. It also has sedative effects that can help with insomnia. The standard adult dose of Benadryl is 25-50 mg every 4-6 hours. So taking 2 capsules or tablets (50 mg total) is within the recommended dosage guidelines.
What is Benadryl?
Benadryl is a brand name for antihistamine medications containing the active ingredient diphenhydramine. It is available over-the-counter without a prescription in capsule, tablet, liquid, and topical cream forms. Diphenhydramine blocks the effects of histamine, a chemical released by the body during an allergic reaction. This leads to relief of allergy symptoms like:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Itchy/watery eyes
- Hives and itching
- Skin rash
In addition to its antihistamine properties, diphenhydramine also has anticholinergic and sedative effects. It can cause drowsiness by crossing the blood-brain barrier and blocking histamine receptors in the brain. For this reason, Benadryl is often used as a sleep aid for people with insomnia or allergies that interfere with sleep.
Benadryl Dosage Forms
Benadryl is sold in the following dosage forms and strengths:
- Capsules: 25 mg, 50 mg diphenhydramine
- Tablets: 25 mg, 50 mg diphenhydramine
- Chewable tablets: 12.5 mg diphenhydramine
- Liquid: 12.5 mg/5mL diphenhydramine
- Topical cream: 1% and 2% diphenhydramine
- Spray: 0.4% diphenhydramine
The capsules and tablets are the most common oral forms for taking Benadryl. The chewable tablets and liquid forms are often used for children.
How much Benadryl can you take?
The recommended dosage guidelines for Benadryl depend on a person’s age:
- Adults and children over age 12: 25-50 mg every 4-6 hours. Do not exceed 300 mg per day.
- Children ages 6-11: 12.5-25 mg every 4-6 hours. Do not exceed 150 mg per day.
- Children under age 6: 6.25 mg every 4-6 hours. Do not exceed 75 mg per day.
So for most healthy adults, taking 1-2 capsules or tablets (25-50 mg) every 4-6 hours as needed is considered generally safe. The dose may be lowered for elderly patients or those with liver impairment.
Active Ingredient
The active ingredient in all Benadryl products is diphenhydramine hydrochloride or diphenhydramine citrate. These are both salt forms of diphenhydramine that readily dissolve. Each capsule or tablet contains 25 mg or 50 mg of diphenhydramine.
Is it safe to take 2 Benadryl?
For most adults and children over age 12, taking 2 Benadryl capsules or tablets (50 mg) is typically safe when used occasionally. This is within the recommended dosage range for treating allergy symptoms or trouble sleeping.
Potential side effects from normal doses of Benadryl include:
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Nausea
These side effects are usually mild and often resolve after a few days of continued use. More severe reactions are possible but rare if someone is hypersensitive to diphenhydramine.
Overdose Dangers
While occasional use of 2 Benadryl is considered safe, taking more than the recommended amount can be dangerous. Consuming too much diphenhydramine can lead to overdose symptoms like:
- Extreme drowsiness
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Trouble urinating
- Fast heart rate
- Nausea/vomiting
- Seizures
- Coma
Antihistamine overdose can be fatal, so seek immediate medical attention if you suspect Benadryl overdose after taking more than the recommended dosage.
Who should not take Benadryl?
While Benadryl is approved for use by most people, some individuals should use caution or avoid it completely:
- Children under age 2: Not recommended due to the risk of serious side effects.
- Older adults: More likely to experience confusion, drowsiness, and falls.
- Pregnant women: Should avoid Benadryl during the first trimester.
- Breastfeeding women: Diphenhydramine passes into breast milk and may cause side effects in infants.
- People with glaucoma: May worsen eye pressure.
- People with prostate issues: May worsen urinary retention.
- People with seizures: May lower seizure threshold.
Anyone with medical conditions should consult their doctor before taking Benadryl, as diphenhydramine can interact with many medications and worsen some health problems.
Benadryl Interactions
Before taking Benadryl, be sure to tell your doctor about any prescription or over-the-counter medications, herbs, or supplements you are taking. Diphenhydramine can interact with a range of drugs and substances, including:
Medications that Cause Drowsiness
Taking Benadryl with other drugs that have sedative effects like opioid pain relievers, anxiety medications, sleep medications, or alcohol can lead to excessive drowsiness and breathing problems. Use caution when combining with:
- Codeine, oxycodone, morphine
- Alprazolam, diazepam, lorazepam
- Zolpidem, eszopiclone
- Alcohol
Anticholinergic Drugs
Using multiple anticholinergic drugs together can increase side effects like dry mouth, constipation, trouble urinating, and confusion. Some drugs with anticholinergic properties include:
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Muscle relaxants
- Anti-nausea medications
- Parkinson’s disease medications
MAO Inhibitors
Benadryl should not be taken within 14 days of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) like isocarboxazid and phenelzine, as dangerous interactions may occur.
Benadryl Alternatives
Individuals looking for an alternative to Benadryl can consider the following options:
Other Antihistamines
Non-drowsy antihistamines like loratadine (Claritin), fexofenadine (Allegra), or cetirizine (Zyrtec) can provide allergy relief without sedation. However, these may not help as well with insomnia.
Natural Antihistamines
Some people report good results using natural antihistamines to treat mild allergy symptoms like:
- Vitamin C
- Stinging nettle
- Butterbur
- Peppermint
- Ginger
- Chamomile tea
Melatonin
The hormone melatonin promotes sleep without the same risks of daytime drowsiness as Benadryl. Typical doses range from 1-10 mg taken 30 minutes before bedtime.
Prescription Sleep Aids
For chronic insomnia, doctors may prescribe medications like zolpidem (Ambien), eszopiclone (Lunesta), or low-dose doxepin that have a lower risk of side effects compared to Benadryl.
Benadryl for Dogs
While Benadryl can be given to dogs, it should only be done under the direction of a veterinarian. The recommended dosage for dogs is 1 mg of diphenhydramine per pound of body weight, given 2-3 times per day. Always consult your vet before administering any medication to your pet.
Benadryl Dosage for Dogs
The general dosing guidelines for giving Benadryl to dogs are:
- 1 mg per pound of body weight
- Give 2-3 times daily
- Consult veterinarian for exact dosage
For example, a 25 lb dog would get 25 mg of diphenhydramine 2-3x per day. A 50 lb dog would get 50 mg 2-3x daily. Administer the proper dose based on your dog’s weight as advised by your vet.
Benadryl Uses in Dogs
Benadryl is commonly used in dogs for treating:
- Allergies
- Motion sickness
- Mild anxiety
- Itching and skin reactions
- Insect bites/stings
It can provide relief from symptoms like itchy skin, rashes, hives, redness, and sneezing. Always consult your vet first for proper diagnosis and dosage recommendations.
Benadryl Side Effects in Dogs
Potential side effects from Benadryl in dogs include:
- Drowsiness/sedation
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
Never give your dog more Benadryl than prescribed or apply topical creams without veterinary approval, as overdose can be fatal. Seek emergency vet care if you notice signs of Benadryl overdose in your dog.
Conclusion
To summarize, taking 2 Benadryl capsules or tablets at a time is generally considered safe for adults and children over age 12 when used occasionally. This provides 50 mg of the antihistamine diphenhydramine, which is within the recommended dosage range. However, exceeding the maximum daily limit of 300 mg can lead to severe and potentially dangerous side effects. Individuals with medical conditions like glaucoma or urinary retention may need to avoid Benadryl altogether. When used responsibly, Benadryl can provide effective temporary relief of allergy symptoms and insomnia. But it is always best to consult your doctor before taking any new medication.