Side Effects of Intravenous Benadryl in Children

Benadryl intravenous is a prescription strength, injectable form of the drug diphenhydramine. Despite its use to treat severe allergic reactions in patients of all ages, Benadryl intravenous poses a risk for side effects, including some that affect children.
  1. Types of Common Side Effects

    • Many of the most common side effects of intravenous Benadryl in children are similar to those experienced by adults, including sedation, dizziness, lack of coordination, upset stomach and thickening of mucus. Additionally, intravenous Benadryl has the potential to cause the unique reaction of excitability in young children.

    Dosage

    • For children, the maximum safe dosage of Benadryl is 5mg for every kilogram the child weighs per twenty-four hours. The dose given to children is very important because even the slightest overdose can cause serious side effects in children.

    Features

    • Excessive dosages of intravenous Benadryl have the potential to cause hallucinations, convulsions and even death, warns RxList.

    Risks

    • As in adults, intravenous Benadryl poses a risk for death of the skin in the area where the injection is administered in children.

    Considerations

    • If your child has a history of glaucoma, stomach ulcers or intestinal or bladder obstruction, intravenous Benadryl may not be safe for use, warns RxList.

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