Your privacy is a PRIMARY consideration of AskDrSears.com. Your
e-mail address is used ONLY by AskDrSears.com for the purpose of
announcing news, events and special offers available only
AskDrSears.com registered users.
Baby Sling Closeout Special! Extended through May until sold out!
Buy a baby sling for a friend and get one free for yourself or get just one at 50% off.
Buy one get one free Discount code: freesling
Or 50% off your babysling Discount code: halfoff expires: 05/30/08
*Not valid in conjuction with any other offers.
Your privacy is a PRIMARY consideration of AskDrSears.com. Your
e-mail address is used ONLY by AskDrSears.com for the purpose of
announcing news, events and special offers available only
AskDrSears.com registered users.
"BENADRYL (DIPHENHYDRAMINE)"
WHAT IT IS
WARNING
NEVER give Benadryl or any other sedatives to infants under 1 year of age for sleep. Do not allow daycare providers to give sedatives to your infants. Always consult your child's physician before using sedatives for sleep in children.
The generic name is Diphenhydramine. This is an "anti-histamine" medication. During an allergic
reaction, histamine is released into the blood stream by certain cells called Mast cells. The histamine is
responsible for much of the itching, sneezing, swelling or rash that occurs during a reaction. The "anti-
histamine" blocks these nuisances.
WHAT IT'S USED FOR
Benadryl is great for just about any cause of itching: insect bites, bee stings, poison ivy, chicken pox,
and allergy. It is also good for the swelling that can sometimes accompany these reactions. Benadryl will
also relieve runny nose and sneezing whether from a cold or allergy.
DR. SEARS HELPFUL TIP FOR TREATING COLDS
When I give my children cold medications, I have found that the nasal passages can
become dry, that's why it's important to use saline nasal spray throughout the day and a
humidifier in the bedroom at night (see natural cold treatments).
DOSAGE
Give 0.5 mg per pound every 4-6 hours. (See dosing chart) The package doesn't
give a dose for under 2 years of age and we don't recommend use under the age of one. The package also gives rather vague doses (one dose for a 2-6
year-old), often resulting in under-dosing. I prefer to calculate the dose by
the child's weight. The dose is about 0.5 mg per pound of bodyweight (or 1.25 mg
per kilogram). For example, a 25 lb child would get 12.5 mg (25lb X 0.5mg/lb = 12.5mg).
This
is exactly one teaspoon of liquid or one chewable tablet. This dose can be given every four to six hours.
Hint: the dose for Benadryl and Acetaminophen (Tylenol) are the same for the liquid or
chewables, i.e. if a child gets one teaspoon of Tylenol, then his dose of Benadryl is also one teaspoon.
SIDE EFFECTS/SAFETY
Antihistamines can cause drowsiness, dry mouth, and sometimes, upset stomach.
Instead of drowsiness, some children will have an opposite effect and get "revved-up". This is
more of a nuisance than a medical concern.
Antihistamines can be given with any antibiotic, Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, decongestants and
cough suppressants.
Should not be given for Croup (dries the air passages).
AskDrSears.com is intended to help parents become better informed consumers
of health care. The information presented in this site gives general advice
on parenting and health care. Always consult your doctor for your individual
needs.