Is Diphenhydramine Safe For Children Under The Age Of Six?

Posted on Mon, 6 Mar 2017

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

Mon, 6 Mar 2017 Answered on

Thu, 23 Mar 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I want to know the specific reasons why diphenhydramine is not recommended for children under the age of six. What side effects in that age group and the specific child described below make that drug potentially dangerous to use? Or, could it be used with appropriate warning of what to watch for?

Answered by Dr. Eric Goldstein (51 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Diphenhydramine

Detailed Answer:
Hello. I just read through your question.
Diphenhydramine is safe to use in children under six. The label standardizes doses for children age 6-12, and 12 and up. For children under the age of six years, the dose is weight based so it must be individualized for each patient.

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