What are the effects of Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) in 7-month-old infants?

From the Guidelines

Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is not recommended for 7-month-old infants due to potential serious side effects and lack of proven effectiveness. Parents should avoid giving Benadryl to babies under 2 years of age unless specifically directed by a pediatrician 1. The FDA and pediatric organizations advise against using over-the-counter cough and cold medications, including antihistamines like Benadryl, in children under 2 years due to potential serious side effects and lack of proven effectiveness.

Key Considerations

• Infants are particularly vulnerable to the sedative effects and potential overdose risks of diphenhydramine.
• If your 7-month-old is experiencing allergy symptoms, congestion, or sleep issues, consult your pediatrician for age-appropriate treatments.
• For mild allergic reactions, your doctor might recommend infant-safe alternatives or non-medication approaches.
• For severe allergic reactions, seek immediate medical attention.

Important Factors

• Infants' bodies process medications differently than adults due to their immature liver and kidney function, making dosing particularly challenging and potentially dangerous without medical supervision.
• Second-generation antihistamines, such as cetirizine, desloratadine, fexofenadine, levocetirizine, and loratadine, have been shown to be well tolerated and have a good safety profile in young children 1.

Recommendation

Avoid using Benadryl in 7-month-old infants and consult a pediatrician for alternative treatments. In cases of severe allergic reactions, follow the guidelines for first-line treatment, which may include epinephrine, bronchodilators, and corticosteroids 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

Warnings Do not use • to make a child sleepy • with any other product containing diphenhydramine, even one used on skin Ask a doctor before use if you have • a breathing problem such as chronic bronchitis • glaucoma • trouble urinating due to enlarged prostate gland Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are taking sedatives or tranquilizers When using this product • marked drowsiness may occur • avoid alcoholic drinks • alcohol, sedatives, and traquilizers may increase drowsiness • be careful when driving a motor vehicle or operating machinery • excitability may occur, especially in children If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a healthcare professional before use Keep out of reach of children. In case of accidental overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away (1-800-222-1222)

The use of Benadryl (diphenhydramine) in 7-month-old children is not explicitly addressed in the provided drug label. However, it does mention that excitability may occur, especially in children.

• The label advises against using the product to make a child sleepy.
• It also recommends keeping the product out of reach of children and seeking medical help in case of accidental overdose. Given the lack of direct information on the use of Benadryl in 7-month-old children, it is prudent to consult a healthcare professional before administering the medication to a child of this age 2.

From the Research

Antihistamines in Children

• Antihistamines are commonly administered to children to treat symptoms of allergic diseases, such as rhinitis, asthma, urticaria, and anaphylaxis 3.
• However, many antihistamines are prescribed off-label, especially in children younger than 2 years of age, due to a lack of data on drug safety in this age group 3.

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) in Children

• Diphenhydramine is a first-generation antihistamine that has been widely used, but it has many side effects, including sedation and risk of toxicity in overdose, including cardiac toxicity 4.
• Studies have shown that diphenhydramine can impair psychomotor performance and cognitive function in children 5.
• The use of diphenhydramine in children is not recommended due to its adverse side-effect profile, and second-generation antihistamines are considered a safer alternative 6.

Safety of Antihistamines in Children

• The safety of antihistamines in children is a concern, particularly in the first years of life, and many antihistamines are not recommended for use in children younger than 2 years of age 3, 7.
• Second-generation antihistamines are considered safer than first-generation antihistamines, with fewer adverse effects and less sedation 5, 7.
• In the event of an antihistamine overdose, treatment is supportive, and children who accidentally ingest excessive doses of a third-generation compound may usually be adequately managed at home, but medical attention is required for large ingestions 7.