Benadryl Side Effects
in Toddlers
Stuffy nose, watery eyes and sneezing are all common symptoms that may occur with a common cold or allergy. There are many ways to deal with these irritating symptoms. Most people choose an over-the-counter medicine on an as-needed basis. One commonly selected medication is Benadryl. It contains the active ingredient diphenhydramine. This medication can be used for adults or for children ages 2 and up as long as there is no diagnosis of chronic lung disease or glaucoma.
Forms of Benadryl (Diphenhydramine)
There are three basic forms of Benadryl: a liquid or elixir, a tablet and a topical cream. The first and most commonly used is the liquid or elixir. The children's product will most likely be in one of these two forms. The children's liquid is for ages 2 and up, whereas the children's elixir is for ages 6 and up. Any version that can be taken orally can be used to alleviate allergy symptoms including stuffy nose, runny nose or watery eyes. There is even a melt-in-your-mouth strip if you're in need of something that can easily be packaged for on the go. A mosquito bite might require the topical cream. This form relieves the itch from bites, as well as poison oak and poison ivy. It also works well to cool a sunburn.
Common Side Effects for Sensitive Groups (Infants and Toddlers)
It's imperative when providing any kind of medication for a child that the directions be followed exactly when administering the dose. It's especially important when dealing with toddlers and infants. Read the back of the label on the box or bottle for dosing amounts. For these sensitive groups, side effects that may occur with a normal dose include excitability, dizziness, dry mouth, nausea, nervousness and drowsiness.
Serious Side Effects for Sensitive Groups (Infants and Toddlers)
Other more serious side effects that have been reported may include blurry vision, headaches, restlessness, insomnia, vertigo, thick mucus from the lungs or even heart palpitations. Although these side effects have been reported, they occur considerably less frequently than the first group.
Seek Medical Attention
Seek medical attention if these allergic reactions to Benadryl occur: extreme excitability, vomiting and diarrhea. Diminished mental alertness may also occur. A drug overdose can produce hallucinations, convulsions or even death for an infant or toddler.
Conclusion
As with any medication, providing accurate dosing and obeying the recommended guidelines can make for a much more enjoyable life--whether you're treating for an allergy or for a bite or a burn. It's always recommended to take the least amount of medication necessary to alleviate the symptoms. It's also a good idea to wait the longest amount of time before re-dosing.
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