Benadryl: Is It Actually Safe for Children?

When parents think of allergry relief for our children, most of us reach for a bottle of Benedry as if on cue.  However, there are negative side effects, in addition to the few that are always listed on the bottles of all medications. Benedryl has been around since the 1970’s which assumingly makes it safe.  This is true, in moderation, however, one would not know if a child would have allergic reactions to it until it actually happened.  

Benadryl’s sole purpose is to treat nasal allergies and rashes but can actually be the cause of a rash.   It is common knowledge that this drug can cause sleepiness, but nausea, vomiting, and rashes?   Long term use for adults has produced reported cases of chronic fatique, insomnia, depression, diziness and appendicitis and chest pain.  If these to mention a few, can be caused for adults, why should we chance these complications for children?

If you think benadryl would benefit your child as a sleep aid, please think again.  It may be handy to slow a child down for the moment or to help a very active child get to sleep at night, when the medication is not actually needed for allergies.  Some children have the opposite reaction to the drug, while wiring them for sound.  The single most important side effect to be aware of is the result of DEATH.  Yes, deaths have been reported.  I’m aware of this 1st hand, because there were numerous deaths reported in Billings Montana (my home state) in 2007.  A specific childcare was administering benadryl in order to get children to sleep.  Now they will never have the chance to reconsider their decision on the sly.  Like the old addage goes, IF IT AIN’T BROKE, DON’T FIX IT!