Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is an antihistamine medication used primarily for the treatment of allergies. It is also widely used as a sleep aid. It is available without a prescription and there are a wide number of generic or store brands that make Benadryl as well. This has led to it having a fairly low price. It achieves the majority of its effects through its action at the H1 receptor site in the brain. Benadryl is also often used to help treat extrapyramidal symptoms experienced by those with Parkinson's disease. It is a fairly old medication with it first being discovered and synthesized in 1943. A common question about Benadryl is whether or not it is safe to give to children. In the majority of situations Benadryl is safe to give to children as long as close attention is paid to the dosage.
Benadryl for infants
If at all possible giving Benadryl to infants should be avoided. The main reason for this is the small size of infants make in harder to determine an accurate dose. This makes it easier to accidentally give the infant too high of a dosage of Benadryl. Furthermore, any side effects experienced from Benadryl may be more pronounced in infants. It is recommended to never give your infant Benadryl without first checking with a doctor or a medical professional. If an infant has allergies the doctor may prescribe Benadryl. Typically the dosage is determined by the weight of the infant. Infants should not be given tablets or chewable forms of Benadryl. Rather they should be given Benadryl through the liquid form. This ensures a more accurate dosage and is easier for the infant to swallow.
Benadryl for babies
Once a child is above 22 pounds it is not necessary to check with a medical professional before giving them Benadryl. The recommended dosage for babies this size is ¾ of a teaspoon of liquid Benadryl at a concentration of 12.5mg/ml of Benadryl. Babies can be given Benadryl to treat allergies. Many babies will have seasonal allergies which can be treated with Benadryl. Bug bites may also be treated with Benadryl for babies. The Benadryl will help to relieve any swelling or itchiness which may be experienced by the Baby.
Benadryl for toddlers
Benadryl is also safe to give to toddlers. Benadryl can be used to treat allergies in toddlers. It can also help to relieve congestion from colds due to Benadryl's antitussive effects. Like with babies Benadryl can be given to toddlers to treat bug bites. Benadryl also possess anti-nausea effects and can be given to toddlers to help calm nausea. Toddlers with difficulty sleeping can also be given Benadryl. Typically toddlers can be given 12.5 mg of Benadryl to treat all of the listed symptoms. Benadryl is available in a chewable form which children this age will usually prefer.
Benadryl for children
Children can be given Benadryl for all the same reasons already listed for infants, babies, and toddlers. It is best to start children with just 12.5 mg of Benadryl. Depending on the age of the child they can be either given Benadryl in the tablet form or a chewable form. If 12.5 mg does not achieve the desired effects 25mg of Benadryl can be administered. The most common side effect experienced when giving a child Benadryl of any age is increased sedation. This is not anything to worry about and may just indicate the dosage needs to be lowered. In rare cases Benadryl will make children act moody. If this happens treatment with Benadryl should be stopped immediately and the child taken to a medical professional for proper evaluation.