From the Guidelines
I strongly advise against giving Benadryl (diphenhydramine) to a 6-month-old infant without specific guidance from a pediatrician. The safety concerns associated with diphenhydramine in infants under 2 years of age, including potential side effects like sedation, excitability, and respiratory depression, outweigh any potential benefits 1.
Key Considerations
- The FDA and American Academy of Pediatrics advise against using over-the-counter cough and cold medications, including antihistamines like Benadryl, in children under 2 years.
- Infants have different metabolism rates than older children and adults, making medication dosing particularly critical and potentially dangerous without medical supervision.
- Alternative approaches, such as saline drops for nasal congestion, a cool-mist humidifier, or gentle suctioning with a bulb syringe, may be recommended by a pediatrician for infants experiencing allergy symptoms, congestion, or discomfort.
Recommended Course of Action
- Contact a pediatrician immediately for appropriate treatment options that are safe for infants.
- Follow the pediatrician's guidance on alternative approaches to manage the infant's symptoms.
- Be aware of the potential risks associated with diphenhydramine in infants and the importance of medical supervision in medication dosing.
Note: While some studies provide dosage information for diphenhydramine in infants, such as 1-2 mg/kg or 25-50 mg per dose (parenterally) 1, the safety concerns and potential risks associated with its use in infants under 2 years of age cannot be overstated, and medical supervision is essential.
From the FDA Drug Label
Directions • take every 4 to 6 hours, or as directed by a physician• do not take more than 6 doses in 24 hours age dose Adults and children over 12 years of age10 mL (25 mg) to 20 mL (50 mg) Children 6 to under 12 years of age10 mL (25 mg) Children under 6 years of ageDo not use
The recommended dose of Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) for a 6-month-old infant is: Do not use 2
From the Research
Recommended Dose of Diphenhydramine for a 6-month-old Infant
- The recommended dose of Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) for infants is not explicitly stated in the provided studies 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
- However, study 6 mentions a weight-age dosing schedule for children aged 2 to 17 years, with doses ranging from 6.25 to 50 mg.
- For infants under 2 years, including 6-month-old infants, there is no specific dosing information provided in the studies.
- Study 3 provides guidelines for the management of diphenhydramine poisoning, including referral to an emergency department for children under 6 years who ingest at least 7.5 mg/kg of diphenhydramine.
- Study 5 reports cases of fatal diphenhydramine intoxication in infants, highlighting the potential risks of diphenhydramine administration in this age group.
- Study 7 discusses adverse events associated with diphenhydramine in children, including accidental unsupervised ingestions and intentional misuse.
Important Considerations
- Diphenhydramine can cause paradoxical central nervous system stimulation in children, leading to excitation, seizures, and death 5.
- The potential cardiovascular and respiratory effects of diphenhydramine should be considered, particularly in infants with congenital heart disease 4.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that diphenhydramine not be used in infants under 2 years due to the risk of adverse effects.