Are Fenistil Drops Safe To Give For An Infant?

Posted on Mon, 16 May 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 16 May 2016 Answered on

Fri, 24 Jun 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi my 22days old boy has cough and congestion and the doctor prescribed fenistil drops. Is it safe to give this medication for a baby under a month?

Answered by Dr. Archana Verma (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No need for fenistil drops

Detailed Answer:
Hi

I understand your concerns and would strongly advise you to avoid using fenistil drops at this age. It may lead to several side effects including excess sedation and respiratory depression in early infants.

You may use nasoclear or otrivin saline nasal drops for your baby. Use nasal aspirators for baby if the nostrils seems to be blocked by thick mucus. Most babies improve with this.

If he develops fever spikes or respiratory distress ( high rates and chest wall retractions) in spite of clearing nostrils, then a CBC, CRP and chest X Ray will be useful to rule out associated pneumonia. You may upload the reports for my reference.

Hopefully it will be of help.
Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar