How often can child take benadryl?

You’ve heard “Benadryl is safe for kids”, but you’re not really sure what that means. Can you give it every day? Three times a day? None of the above, at all? Fear not, dear reader – we have answers!

Editorial note: Please do not give your kids Benadryl just because you read something on the internet. Always consult with a medical professional before giving any medication to children.

Why would my child need Benadryl?

Before we dive into how much is too much, let’s talk about why someone might even be considering giving their kid an antihistamine in the first place. There are several reasons:

  • Allergic reactions: Kids might need Benadryl (or diphenhydramine) if they’re having an allergic reaction to something like food, insect bites or bee stings.
  • Hay fever: If your kid has hay fever or seasonal allergies and their symptoms include sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes then they could benefit from using Benadryl.
  • Insomnia: Diphenhydramine may also be prescribed by doctors to aid sleep issues due to its sedative properties.

So how often can I give my kid Benadryl?

We know it’s annoying when parenting information provided comes with caveats – but these next few sentences will probably begin sounding like a broken record- so bear with us! The amount of Benadryl one should consume depends mainly on two things:

  1. Their age
  2. Weight

The manufacturer recommends this dosing chart below:

Age Group Dose
6 – 12 1 tsp(5 ml)
>12 2 tsp(10 ml)

If your child weighs less than 30 pounds or is under two years old then they should not be given this medication. If you have a child who’s older but weighs less it’s important to consult with their doctor before giving them Benadryl.

If your little one is struggling with hay fever, seasonal allergies or insomnia then a daily dosage could be prescribed by their healthcare provider.

Can I give my kid more if the recommended dose isn’t working?

As with all medications, taking too much can lead to harmful consequences- so resist that urge! If your child doesn’t find relief even after taking the maximum amount of Benadryl as per the manufacturer recommendations – call your pediatrician rather than upping the dose yourself. It’s worth emphasizing yet again that overdosing on Benadryl can result in rapid heartbeat, seizures and kidney failure.

What precautious measures are needed when administering dipsyphenhydramine?

Remember: Diphenhydramine typically comes either in tablet form or liquid suspension which makes it easier for parents to administer- because a spoonful of sugar may work wonders for some folk…but might not cure the whole case of medicine going down others’ throat! However, there are certain precautions that need to be kept while administering:

  • Always use an approved measuring device provided by manufacturers such as spoon/syringe etc.
  • Don’t use another personal device like kitchen spoons
  • Store at room temperature (15C – 29C)
  • Keep out of sight and reach from children

Editorial note: ensure you NEVER leave medication within easy reach of small children; close those bathroom doors!

How does diphenhydramine effect other medicines?

It’s best practice always read everything on packaging labeling and any information coming along with items. Be careful how diphenhydramine interacts with other meds taken simultaneously – particularly avoiding alcohol since both substances cause drowsiness, adding them up may cause excessive sleep.

Conclusion

We hope we’ve provided you with helpful information on how to safely administer diphenhydramine to your children-given its potential serious effects when taken in large amounts-it is best practice to seek advice from a physician before giving this medication. Nonetheless, if the occasion calls for it and the correct procedure followed-diphenhydramine can provide some relief against hay fever/seasonal allergies or as a sedative against insomnia.

Stay safe!

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