When can LO have Benadryl?

LtlAngL · September 2013

My poor little guy woke up with so many boogers this morning! He was sneezing and coughing a bit too. I think he's allergic to the dust in the window AC unit in his room since it's really old. About an hour after he woke up (and after he had a GREAT time with the Nose Freida,) he was 100% better, which again leads me to believe that it's allergies and not illness. How old do kids have to be to use Benadryl?

KLL22 · September 2013

Babies don't develop allergies at this age. I would put a humidifier or air purifier in the room if you think the air quality is the problem. I would definitely not use Benadryl at this age.

kgs0505 · September 2013

I didn't start giving my kiddo Benadryl until he was nearly 2 and only because a doctor prescribed it for a specific reason. They also gave me a dosage because the packaging instructs no kid under 6 should have it.

jlpev · September 2013

I would try a humidifier first then if it gets worse then I would call your Dr. It might be something else. Just watch the color of the snot. You can also use saline drops. Good luck but as for medicine there really isn't anything you can use at this age. Everything is usually 2 years and up.

Eleventy11 · September 2013

Pharmacies cover their butts by saying two years and up...just like every medication says contact your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Some medicines can't be given to small children, but lots can. Ask your pediatrician. I don't know how young is too young, but our pedi told us to start giving childrens Benadryl at eight months due to an illness. It was the only thing that would clear up her runny nose.

kgs0505 · September 2013

kgs0505 said:

I didn't start giving my kiddo Benadryl until he was nearly 2 and only because a doctor prescribed it for a specific reason. They also gave me a dosage because the packaging instructs no kid under 6 should have it.

I wanted to add, that yes, a humidifier would probably work wonders in this situation, and if you think the air conditioner is that dirty, get hold of the manual and figure out how to clean it out. Is there a filter than can be replaced? Can it be opened and vac'd? Maybe just get a new one?

LtlAngL · September 2013

Update...I called the pediatrician and they told me that he can have 2.5 mL at bedtime since it works not only as an antihistamine, but also as a decongestant. He slept in his pack and play in our room last night (we have a new AC) and was still full of boogers. I think he caught something from the kids at daycare.

What I learned...premies and newborns can't have benadryl at all. Otherwise it's 5mg per kg over a 24 hour period. My little guy weighs 17 pounds (7.72 kg) X 5mg = max 24 hour dose of 38.6 mg. Assuming this is given the maximum of every 4 hours (6 doses daily) he would get 6.4mg each dose. Every 5mL of Benadryl contains 12.5 mg, so with 2.5 mL, he would get 6.25mg, which is appropriate for his weight.

Either way, we gave him 1.25 mL 3 hours ago and he's WIRED! No more for him!

Want a personalized experience?

When can LO have Benadryl?

Re: When can LO have Benadryl?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards