Side Effects of Children's Benadryl
Benadryl is a medication that treats conditions such as allergic reactions, coughs, colds and motion sickness. Its actions in the body are wide-ranging, but so too are its unintended effects. Caregivers of children taking Benadryl should be aware of its benefits and also how to deal with its potential side effects.
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About Benadryl
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Benadryl, McNeill-PPC's brand of the drug diphenhydramine, is a first-generation antihistamine. In fact, in 1946, diphenydramine became the first prescription antihistamine approved by the FDA. First-generation antihistamines, unlike more recently developed antihistamines, act broadly in the body, both treating a number of conditions and causing a number of side effects. They remain in frequent use because they work more powerfully than newer drugs.
Widely used in hospitals intravenously and by injection to treat a variety of symptoms, diphenhydramine is more commonly known in its over the counter form. Doctors commonly recommend it for allergic reactions, coughs, colds, motion sickness and insomnia.
Benadryl is available over the counter for children in a variety of forms, including as a syrup, as dissolvable tablets and as thin strips that melt on the tongue.
How it Works
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The immune systems of allergy sufferers initiate reactions to substances ordinarily considered harmless. These reactions include sneezing, watery eyes and itchiness, and occur in an effort to cast out the invading substance.
Immune cells called mast cells release a hormone, histamine. Benadryl, as an antihistamine, blocks histamine from stimulating the receptors that would otherwise cause allergy symptoms.
Benadryl also acts as an anticholinergic. In this role, it dries congested sinuses, quiets coughing and induces sleepiness.
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Suitability for Children
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For allergic symptoms, coughs, colds, or motion sickness, caretakers may administer Benadryl to children in its over the counter forms. While adults may use diphenhydramine specifically to induce sleepiness, the drug's sedating effects on children are unreliable.
Children 5 years and older may take Benadryl; those under 5 should take it only under a doctor's advice. The normal dosage for children from ages 5 to 12 is 12.5 to 25 mg daily, repeated every four to six hours.
Side Effects
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While diphenhydramine acts against a multitude of symptoms, its broad action causes side effects and possible interactions with other drugs.
Benadryl's most common side effects are drowsiness and dry mouth. Other potential side effects include dizziness, mild confusion, lack of coordination, stomach distress, low blood pressure, difficulty urinating and heart palpitations. Immediately consult a medical professional if a child taking Benadryl experiences more serious effects such as continuing heart palpitations, a heart-racing sensation, wheezing, or allergic reaction to the drug itself, such as hives.
Benadryl reacts frequently with other medications. It enhances the sedating effect of other drugs that cause sedation. It also compounds the drying effects of medications that act as anticholinergics in the same way diphenhydramine does. Consult a physician or a pharmacist before administering Benadryl to a child already taking other medications.
For Comfort
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While Benadryl works effectively to relieve allergy symptoms and motion sickness, its side effects can be troublesome. Children experiencing them may find relief with some simple comfort measures.
Allow a profoundly sleepy child to sleep freely; fighting this effect often results in grumpiness.
Children experiencing less debilitating fatigue may engage, while resting, in low-key activities like reading books or solving puzzles.
Offer drinks regularly to a child with a dry mouth, and consider alternatives such as ice pops, juicy fruit and flavored gelatin.
When in doubt about the effects of a medication on a child, don't hesitate to call a medical professional or a pharmacist. Sometimes, the best comfort measure is information.
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- Photo Credit Phaedra Wilkinson: morgueFile
