Has anyone given their child Benadryl to help a cough? My 2 year old has this horrible persistent cough that has been keeping him up at night. Our doctor's office said we could try 1 tsp of Benedryl before bed and during the night if he wakes up. They said sometimes it works sometimes not. I am very cautious of giving my kids meds, I think we tend to over medicate when not completely necessary BUT if it will help, I'm willing to try. Any thoughts or experiences? PS. I have been trying all the usual, steam, humididfier, etc.
I agree with Jen. It wouldn't hurt to try especially if it is post nasal drip. I also agree with you about overmedicating. But if it helps him sleep, then it is working. Try it for a few nights.
Hi J.
I too, give meds only when needed. We have given our daughter (age 3) benedryl at time for her cough and it does work!
I do suggest calling you pediatrician just to keep them informed. A persistent cough could lead to other issues.
Take care!
E.
i'm like you and very hesitant to give meds to my son (i do'nt even take meds myself). but my son also had a very persistent cough that seemed to get worse at night and he could never sleep and steams and humidifiers didn't make it better. his ped. who is also against giving meds for everything little ailment finally suggested benadryl and it was like magic. my son slept through the night for the first time in almost a week. i gave it to him right before bed for a few more nights and then his cough cleared up. good luck!
Do they think the cough is related to post-nasal drip? Benedryl is an antihistimine, so that would make sense.
I don't think it's dangerous or anything - it's been in use for a very long time. Lots of kids with allergies take it occasionally, including my own kids. It doesn't seem like it would hurt to give it a try, and it seems like it would confirm that the cough is coming from mucus being produced in his sinuses.
