how much benadryl should i give my 2 yr old, 32lb. boy, who just got the nasal flu vaccine yesterday? And is that the best solution for his symptoms? He has no fever, just started getting a progressive runny & congested nose throughout the day today. Enough to be disruptive for his sleep. Pretty sure the symptoms of his nose & vaccine are related. Doesn't act like he feels sick or seem at all irritable. Just heavily congested nose. He's a big boy for just turning 2, so I'm little unsure on dosages on meds with him, but I always feel it necessary to remain conservative with them either way.
Optional Information: Gender: I'm a mother of a young boy Age: 2yrs Already Tried: Nothing yet. Don't like to give him meds usually, but I know his symptoms are bothersome enough to disrupt his & my sleep unnecessarily. I just want to give him some relief & easier breathing tonight for more restful sleep. Hopefully, aiding in resolve with his reaction to the flu vacc. Thank you for your help.
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Hello, I am not a big fan of giving benadryl to toddlers as it can cause unpleasant side effects such as very dry mouth and either drowsiness or paradoxical agitation. If you choose to use benadryl, the dose would be 0.25-0.5 mg / kg of weight or 5-7 milligrams total. Recommend instead nasal saline to help him clean out his congestion.
I would much rather use the saline. Thank you for the helpful suggestion.
Experience: Pediatrician, Board-certified in Ped Hematology/Oncology