Is benadryl unsafe for toddlers?

Question

I give my 2 year old benadryl when she has a cold to help with her runny nose. I read an article this morning that we shouldn't give toddlers antihistamines, does anybody know why? Has anyone researched or heard of any negative effects, short or long term? With all this scare about vaccines and autism, I am nervous about giving my 2 year old anything these days? Is benadryl for colds ok? I DO NOT give my children any medicine I think is unneccessary... Educated answers?

Additional details: I am an RN, and I know my childs weight and dosage, and follow directions, as well as calling the doctor if needed.

Answer 1

There are several issues that tend to be behind these media reports:

#1 Dosing is not studied on children, particularly under the age of two -which is acknowledged as having unique reactions when it comes to medication. So #1 often the dosing is excessive, #2 with the decongestant recently in the news overdosing was caused by stupid parents mixing prescription medication with OTC drugs with the same ingredients.

#2 Toddlers are said not to have a fully developed histamine system. Also ABUSE of antihistamines is sometimes said to damage the pleasure centers of the brain (remember that many parents use benadryl to put their kids to sleep on a regular basis)

A warning on kids' cold doses
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/health/bal-te.fda29sep29,0,3599818.story

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

Benadryl And Toddlers

Answer 4

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Is benadryl unsafe for toddlers?
I give my 2 year old benadryl when she has a cold to help with her runny nose. I read an article this morning that we shouldn't give toddlers antihistamines, does anybody know why? Has anyone researched or heard of any negative effects, short or long term? With all this scare about vaccines...

Answer 5

if you're giving her children's Benadryl at a weight appropriate dose there is nothing wrong with giving her what she needs. As for vaccines being linked with Autism, there is absolutely no research that proves they are linked. that is a bunch of hooey. Would you rather expose your child to the dangers that the diseases can produce? Why do people insist on putting their children in danger from preventable diseases when they can protect them?

Answer 6

Self prescription can be dangerous especially for toddlers because all drugs have side effects. Other than that you don't know the correct dosage that will be best suitable for children. Better get help from a pediatrician or something...

Answer 7

The instructions on the bottle or box will tell you whether it is safe to give a child the medicine or not and the amount that it is safe to administer. There are childrens cold medicines available at all pharmacies or WALMART. Don't Guess!
Just check the package for the instructions and do as it says.

Answer 8

Medical science can never make up their mind whats good or not. In my opinion, use meds sparingly, but if your child is really miserable then by all means give them the benedryll, robitussin etc that will relieve the symptom so they can sleep, which is what will really help them heal.

Answer 9

Dr tell me yesterday to give my 9 month some for hives he get saw i would think it would be okay.

Answer 10

IF OYU ARE GIVING THEM CHILDRENS BENADRYL THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT. MY LITTLE SISTER TAKES THE SAME ONE WHEN SHE GETS SICK. ALTHOUGH OF COURSE SOME PEOPLE HAVE DIFFERENT IMMUNE SYSTEMS AND CANT HANDLE IT. BUT IF YOUR CHILD I HEALTHY THEN ITS FINE. AND OF COURSE YOU CAN ALWAYS ASK HIS PEDRIATRICIAN