Why is children's Benadryl age restricted?
Asked by: Jayne Durgan | Last update: October 30, 2025Score: 4.4/5 (30 votes)
Does Benadryl have an age limit?
Reason: it causes most babies to be sleepy. For colds, not advised at any age. Reason: no proven benefits. It should not be given if under 6 years old.
Is it safe for a 2 year old to take Benadryl?
Benadryl is an anti-histamine that can be helpful for children having an allergic reaction or an itchy rash. It is usually given to children 2 years of age and older. Benadryl can be given 3-4 times per day, every 6 – 8 hours.
Can an adult take children's Benadryl?
It's generally considered safe for most adults and children 6 years and older. Doses are usually taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Adults ages 65 and older and caregivers of children under 6 years old should speak with a healthcare provider before taking Benadryl.
Why can't older adults take Benadryl?
Diphenhydramine has potentially harmful effects on older adults including risk of motor impairment [35] and anticholinergic effects [36, 37]; its use is also associated with falls [38]. Diphenhydramine may be especially dangerous in older adults due to its longer half-life compared younger individuals [39–41].
Urgent warning for parents regarding antihistamines
What is the age cut off for Benadryl?
It should not be given if under 4 years old. If under 6 years, don't give products with more than one ingredient in them (FDA recommendation 2008). Dose. Find the child's weight in the top row of the dose table.
What can I give my 2 year old instead of Benadryl?
Non-drowsy, long-acting antihistamines like Claritin, Zyrtec, Allegra and Xyzal are available in children's form over the counter and are generally safe for little ones ages 2 and older, as long as you get the okay from your doctor.
Is Benadryl based on age or weight?
Benadryl dosing is based on weight and not age.
Can I take Benadryl that's 2 years old?
After that expiration date, there's no guarantee because chemical compounds in medication break down over time, decreasing the medication's potency. In the case of common OTC medications like Advil, Tylenol,® or Benadryl®, that means the medication may not work as well (or at all) to alleviate your symptoms.
Does Benadryl come in liquid form for adults?
Diphenhydramine Syrup or Elixir. Benadryl® (diphenhydramine) is a liquid medication that treats the symptoms of allergies and allergic reactions. It may also prevent and treat motion sickness or the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. It's a type of antihistamine medication.
What are the long term side effects of taking Benadryl?
Benadryl and some other antihistamine drugs can sometimes cause decreased memory, confusion, and impaired thinking. These side effects are more common in older adults. In addition, taking Benadryl long term might increase the risk of dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease, especially in older adults.
Is Benadryl bad for your liver or kidneys?
Benadryl doesn't normally harm the kidneys. But it makes it harder for you to empty your bladder, which can create pressure and lead to kidney damage in rare cases. This is more likely in older adults or with higher doses than recommended. Benadryl isn't known to cause liver damage.
Can I give my 2 year old Mucinex?
The FDA doesn't recommend OTC medicines for cough and cold symptoms in children younger than 2 because they could cause serious and potentially life-threatening side effects. Manufacturers voluntarily label these cough and cold products to state: “Do not use in children under 4 years of age.”
What can I give my 2 year old for an allergic reaction?
If the symptoms are severe and you have epinephrine, use it as directed right away and call 911 for emergency medical help. If your child does not have an allergy action plan and has mild symptoms, give an antihistamine by mouth such as cetirizine (Zyrtec or a store brand).
Why can't children under 2 have Benadryl?
This is because the active ingredient diphenhydramine is an antihistamine, which can be dangerous to children younger than two. Because Benadryl is an antihistamine, it can cause serious or even fatal side effects in infants. These side effects include rapid heartbeat and convulsions.
Can kids have adult Benadryl?
Teens (12 years of age and older) Once your child is 12 years of age or older, it's safe for them to take adult Benadryl. Follow the recommended dosage on the box, based on your teen's weight. As always, though, only use Benadryl with infants and young children if your doctor has recommended it.
Can I give my 2 year old 2.5 ml of Benadryl?
Age of child: Do not give diphenhydramine to children less than 6 years of age unless your child's doctor tells you to.
Is Zyrtec or Benadryl better for toddlers?
Allergists and pediatricians prefer children's Zyrtec over children's Benadryl for babies when treating mild allergic reactions such as food allergies, says Jessica Hui, M.D.., a pediatric allergist and immunologist at National Jewish Health in Denver, really emphasizing the word, mild.
What antihistamines can a 2.5 year old take?
For oral dosage forms (tablets or liquid): Adults and children 6 years of age and older—10 milligrams (mg) once a day. Children 4 to 5 years of age—5 mg once a day. Children and infants up to 4 years of age—Use is not recommended .
Can you take Benadryl that's 2 years old?
Can I use BENADRYL® if it is expired? No. If your BENADRYL® has expired, please discard it properly and get a new package.
Who shouldn't take Benadryl?
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: breathing problems (such as asthma, emphysema), high pressure in the eye (glaucoma), heart problems, high blood pressure, liver disease, seizures, stomach/intestine problems (such as ulcers, blockage), overactive thyroid ( ...