Oral Antihistamine Medication for Severe Itching

• Take an antihistamine by mouth to reduce the itching. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is a good choice. The adult dosage of Benadryl is 25-50 mg by mouth and you can take it up to 4 times a day.
  • Do not take antihistamine medications if you have prostate enlargement.
  • Antihistamines may cause sleepiness. Do not drink, drive or operate dangerous machinery while taking antihistamines.
  • An over-the-counter antihistamine that causes less sleepiness is loratadine (e.g., Alavert or Claritin).
  • Read the package instructions thoroughly on all medications that you take.