Benadryl is an over-the-counter medication used to alleviate allergy symptoms, such as sneezing or nasal congestion. This medication contains the active ingredient diphenhydramine, an antihistamine that limits that action of an allergy-inducing substance in the body called histamine. Benadryl should not be used in children under the age of 4 and should only be administered as directed. Before giving this medication to a child, parents or caregivers should be aware of the side effects of Benadryl in children.
Hyperactivity or Fatigue
Unlike adult patients, children who take Benadryl can become unusually hyperactive or excited as a side effect treatment, reports PDRHealth, a medical information website associated with the "Physicians Desktop Reference." A child may appear restless or fidgety and can experience difficulty falling asleep after taking a dose of this antihistamine. Alternatively, certain children can become drowsy or fatigued following treatment with Benadryl. Excessive fatigue can make it difficult for children to remain awake and attentive while at school. Parents or caregivers should take these side effects into consideration when selecting an appropriate time to administer this medication.
Oral or Nasal Dryness
This medication can dry out a child's oral or nasal passageways as a side effect of treatment, warns Medline Plus, a health information website supported by the U.S. National Library of Medicine. If this occurs, children may experience side effects of dry mouth, increased thirst, sneezing or sore throat. These oral and nasal side effects of Benadryl are typically temporary and will subside once treatment with this medication ends.
Stomach Upset
After taking a dose of Benadryl, children may complain of stomach upset side effects. These stomach symptoms can include nausea, vomiting or stomach discomfort, explains MedlinePlus. Certain children can develop difficulty producing a bowel movement, a Benadryl side effect referred to as constipation. Children who become constipated during treatment with this antihistamine may also experience abdominal cramping or bloating. Nausea, vomiting and constipation can contribute to a decreased appetite in affected children. These temporary side effects can be managed by ensuring that a child eats a small snack before taking a dose of Benadryl and increases her fluid intake during treatment.
Headache, Dizziness or Weakness
During treatment with Benadryl, children can develop side effects of headache, dizziness or weakness, reports Medline Plus. Headache and dizziness side effects can be uncomfortable and may make it difficult for affected children to remain alert and focused throughout the day. Sensations of dizziness or weakness can cause children to appear unstable or unbalanced when attempting to stand or walk around normally. These side effects of Benadryl are temporary and typically subside with continued use of this medication. If a child experiences dizziness or headache side effect in conjunction with vision difficulties, a parent or caregiver should report these serious side effects to a pediatrician immediately.
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