How should "Benadryl 50mg capsules #50 to be taken every 4hrs as needed for itching" be interpreted?

The instruction "Benadryl 50mg capsules #50 to be taken every 4 hours as needed for itching" clearly indicates that the patient should take one capsule every 4 hours when they experience itching. This is standard for medications prescribed for symptomatic relief, allowing the individual to manage their symptoms as they arise while adhering to a safe dosing interval. By stating "as needed," it gives the flexibility for the user to decide when to take the medication based on their level of discomfort, emphasizing patient autonomy in managing their symptoms.

Taking all capsules at once would not be safe or effective, as it could lead to an overdose and potentially harmful side effects. Similarly, taking two capsules every 8 hours does not follow the original instruction of every 4 hours, and taking all capsules within a 4-hour period goes against the intended dosage schedule, which is designed to maintain therapeutic levels of the medication without exceeding safe limits. Therefore, the correct interpretation is that one capsule should be taken every 4 hours as needed for itching.