*JNK*

NikCole

hey! ? about medication dosing...

Evan had a fever last night and this morning he broke out in a rash on his legs. By the time he woke up from his nap he was covered in the rash and was crying because it was itching him so bad. So I took him to the pedi and she said it's probably an allergic reaction to the virus he has. She said to give him a half dose (1/2tsp) of children's Benadryl. DH stopped to get some (the RiteAid brand) and the dosing chart on the back says not to give to children under 4, and only for children 4-6 as directed by doctor.

So, my question is- can I give it to him? Is there such a thing as infant Benadryl? I'm just nervous since he's so much younger than the dosage chart. And I don't want to call the on-call doctor for something so minor. He's actually a bit better now, so I might just wait till the morning and call the nurses line... but I thought you'd have an answer! TIA! 

battybtags

I was going to ask you about Benadryl too. I know a lot of people that keep it on hand in case of any allergic reactions (my nephew just had one to a bee sting and luckily they had it in the house)....so I went to buy some to keep here just in case and saw the same thing-children's but not under the age of 4 so I didnt buy any. Curious what would be good to keep on hand just in case she ever has a reaction to something and how much would you give? Thanks!

Kim72508

Yes, you can use Children's Benadry for allergic reactions.  DS has had it many times unfortunately.  It's not to be used as a cold medicine but in an emergency it's fine.  DS is around 25lbs and he gets 1 tsp for any signs of an allergic reaction.  They do not make infant benadryl.

jnk062602

Yup, what Kim said. The otc kids meds just don't have the younger dosing on them bc they want parents to get the dosing from the pediatrician.  I keep some on hand as well, but thankfully have never had to use it.  I personally bought the pre-filled spoon ones just bc it is easy to keep one in the diaper bag.

Kim72508

jnk062602:

Yup, what Kim said. The otc kids meds just don't have the younger dosing on them bc they want parents to get the dosing from the pediatrician.  I keep some on hand as well, but thankfully have never had to use it.  I personally bought the pre-filled spoon ones just bc it is easy to keep one in the diaper bag.

Did you buy the prefilled ones recently?  I can't find them anywhere!

NikCole

thanks girls! I did some googling, and found a dosage chart on Dr. Sears website. DH also got a hold of his aunt (she's a nurse in a pedi's office) and she assured us it was fine.

The stuff made him soooo tired. We gave it to him right before his bath, and by the time he got out his eyes were so heavy. He basically was sleeping as soon as his head hit the pillow. 

He woke up this morning and first thing he said was "Evan feel all better" So, it helped him to get a good night sleep, and the rash is only in a few small areas now. 

jnk062602

I'm glad he is feeling better.  And you are lucky too - some kids get the opposite effect and are wired!

Kim72508:

jnk062602:

Yup, what Kim said. The otc kids meds just don't have the younger dosing on them bc they want parents to get the dosing from the pediatrician.  I keep some on hand as well, but thankfully have never had to use it.  I personally bought the pre-filled spoon ones just bc it is easy to keep one in the diaper bag.

Did you buy the prefilled ones recently?  I can't find them anywhere!

No, I bought them at least a year ago.  Probably more like 15 months ago when she was getting in to more solids.  I will check Monday though and see if we still carry them, or if as a special order it is still available at regular retail price.  They are on amazon (https://www.amazon.com/Childrens-Benadryl-Perfect-Measure-Pre-Filled/dp/B001113U2M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1316200823&sr=8-1) but there is no way I spent that much on them.  I should also check mine anyway for expiration.