dear parents,
Today, we're diving into a topic that I get asked about a lot: Benadryl and why it’s not the best option for your kids' allergies. On my social media and Instagram stories, I've mentioned this several times, and I often hear parents saying, "But my doctor recommended it!"
So, let’s break it down. Benadryl is an old drug, and many leading children's hospitals around the country have actually removed it from their formularies. They don’t even stock it anymore because we now have better, safer, and more effective alternatives.
Why Skip Benadryl?
Benadryl, a first-generation antihistamine, was revolutionary 50 years ago, but now we have second-generation antihistamines that are more effective and have fewer side effects. Drugs like cetirizine (Zyrtec), loratadine (Claritin), and fexofenadine (Allegra) are superior options. These medications:
Work Just as Fast: Despite the common belief, second-generation antihistamines act just as quickly as Benadryl.
Last Longer: They provide relief for 24 hours, compared to Benadryl's short 6-hour duration.
Have Fewer Side Effects: The most common side effect of Benadryl is drowsiness, but it can also cause vomiting, confusion, difficulty urinating, dry mouth, and dizziness. These can impact your child’s ability to learn and function, especially if taken before school.
What Should You Use Instead?
For most allergy symptoms, I recommend generic cetirizine, loratidine, or fexofenadine. They are effective, easy to dose, and readily available. If your doctor insists on Benadryl, ask them why they don't recommend second-generation antihistamines. You can also refer them to the many articles available online or to guidelines from major children's hospitals that explain why Benadryl is outdated.
Be Wary of Misleading Labels
Another common query is about "natural" or "dye-free" versions of medications like Genexa. Even though they market themselves as a cleaner option, Genexa allergy medicine is still just Benadryl (diphenhydramine) in an expensive bottle.
Share Your Questions!
I hope this has been helpful! If you have more questions about parenting or pediatrics, please drop a comment below. I love answering your questions and providing bite-sized learning opportunities.
Keep up the good work. ~drb
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