Adult Allergy Medication Dosing Chart

Different over-the-counter (OTC) allergy symptom relief medicines have different doses, directions, and daily limits. To help ensure you’re using allergy symptom relief medicines appropriately, download and print these dosing charts and keep them wherever you store your medicines.

 IMPORTANT: Seek medical attention immediately if you or someone around you is experiencing a life-threatening allergic (anaphylactic) reaction. OTC allergy symptom relief medicines are not to be used in this type of situation. 

Click here to download adult dosing charts.

Get your allergy symptom relief medicine dose right. Why?

If you take more medicine than the label says, you may increase your chance of experiencing serious side effects. To use OTC allergy relief medicines responsibly:

• Take only the dose directed on the label.

• Wait the right amount of time between doses.

• NEVER take more than the daily limit.

• If your allergy symptoms last longer than a few days (described in the following bullets), consult a healthcare professional for advice. It’s possible that the problem may need more attention or a different treatment approach may be needed.

• For BENADRYL^® (diphenhydramine), stop use and ask a doctor if symptoms worsen, last for more than 7 days or if new symptoms occur. Do not use more than the recommended dosage or use for prolonged periods of time except on the advice of a doctor. Never use two diphenhydramine products together, even one taken orally and one applied to the skin.

• For CLARITIN^® (loratadine), prolonged usage should only be on the advice of a doctor. If you have liver disease, seek the advice of a doctor before using this product. Do not use if allergic to loratadine or any of the ingredients in the product. Not recommended for nursing or pregnant women.

• For REACTINE^® (cetirizine), stop use and ask a doctor if symptoms persist, worsen or new symptoms occur. Prolonged use only as directed by a doctor.

• For AERIUS^® (desloratadine) or AERIUS^® Double Action 12 Hour (desloratadine with pseudoephedrine sulfate), prolonged treatment should only be on the advice of a doctor. Limit treatment to 14 days. Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding.

Refer to product labelling for complete directions for use, including full warnings and other important information before use.