Quick help: Did I give her too much?

[Indianamom2]

I'm panicking a bit here. I called the pedi's office about DD#1's reaction to the varicella vax. They advised that I give her Benadryl (along with some other things to do/watch). I asked how much to give and I am virtually positive that the nurse said 2 tsp. She's a month away from 6 years old and weighs about 50 lbs. (she's extremely tall for her age).

I gave her the Benadryl and then she complained of her tummy hurting. She even thought she was going to throw up, but she frequently does this due to lots of anxiety.

She's out cold on the couch and so I just for some reason wanted to double check the dosage. The site I found said 1.25 tsp for her age/weight. Is 2 tsp. going to hurt her?

Thanks

[swrc00]

I would call the ped back and verify the dosage amount or call poison control. I just checked the generic Benadryl that I have and it said 1 to 2 tsps for 6 and up.

[MSWR0319]

I just had to call our pedi because DS had hives and they told me 1 tsp up to 3 x a day and he's 21 months and about 27 pounds. He didn't even get knocked out by it! Don't know if that helps but it's something to compare to.

[hillview]

I think you are fine. DS1 is 48 lbs and just turned 5. He had 1.5 tsp and I am positive an extra .5 tsp would not harm him.
/hillary

[Indianamom2]

Thanks ladies.

I found all sorts of dosing info for liquid Benadryl, including up to 2 tsp, and she seems fine, so I think we're okay. Still, it's a little worrisome when it knocks her out that fast...if only it were approved for regular nighttime useage!! :)

[bubbaray]

That's fine. DD#2 had about triple the dose when she had her anaphylactic reaction to fish when she was not quite 1. I gave her a dose and the ambulance gave her an IM dose (which is way more potent/fast acting).

She slept really really well that night, LOL.

[ThreeofUs]

Unless she's having a reaction to the Benadryl (and this is super unlikely), she's well within the range of dosage. Much higher doses are routinely prescribed. And she should be out cold; Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is also a sedative.

Watch her for any signs of difficulty breathing or swallowing; swelling lips, tongue, or face; or hives. These are reactions that would indicate a problem.

Here's a link on dosage - you'll see she had a perfect dose:
http://www.kidsgrowth.com/resources/articledetail.cfm?id=808

Hugs, mama. I'm sorry you and your DD are going through this.

[Dr C]

A typical dose for benadryl would be 1 mg/kg. Your DD is 50 lbs so a little less than 25 kg. So 25 mg benadryl may make her a little sleepy but she should be ok.

[clc053103]

At age 2, DS removed the child safety caps and drank tylenol and benadryl- unknown amounts, but there was some left in each bottle. I called poison control and they told me that he could drink the entire bottle of each and be totally fine, with only a stomach ache to show for it.

Your DD should be fine! Good for you to err on the side of caution!

[Indianamom2]

At age 2, DS removed the child safety caps and drank tylenol and benadryl- unknown amounts, but there was some left in each bottle. I called poison control and they told me that he could drink the entire bottle of each and be totally fine, with only a stomach ache to show for it.

Your DD should be fine! Good for you to err on the side of caution!

:47::eek: Oh my goodness! So glad your little one was okay!

I'm really suprised about that...especially about the Tylenol. Good to know, but I don't think we'll be trying that!

[kbud]

That's the does I give my 6 year old, 50 pound dd. I use Dr. Sears' Medicine Chest. I love it! Gives dosing for all OTC medications (including cold/cough) based on weight.
http://www.askdrsears.com/html/8/T088800.asp