Please help

Published

Hello everyone, I am new here. This is my first post as a matter of fact, but I hope you all can give me a little help. I am not a nurse, but my wife is. We have 3 young children and at this time, I have been the primary care giver for our children. All of you know as nurses the demanding scheduals of working in a hospital. Here is my issue and question.

Do any of you feel that it is ok to give children Benadryl as a seditave just to get the kids to sleep? I'll voice the reason for my concerns, and give you some more of my concerns so I can gather as much help from you all that I can.

Here is the situation. My wife works a 12 hour shift, and at times needs to watch the kids when she gets home from work. I know she needs the sleep, but someone needs to be there when I head off to work. We do have daycare, but there has been some issues over the past several weeks where we were just stuck and she had to care for the kids for a couple hours before I could get home from work. When I get home, 8 p.m. I find all of the kids sleeping. This has gone on several times, and she told me what she was doing. I voiced my concern about giving them medication they did not need, but I still noticed more and more of the Allergy liquid disapearing and she had even bought a new bottle for back-up. A couple weeks ago all of the kids started complaining of some stomach pains, also my one child has developed a rash on her leg and keps scratching. All of the kids have had these odd random fevers that come and go. They've all seemed to be consuming more liquids than normal as well.

I've always trusted my wifes judgement when it comes to the kids care, but I am really becoming concerned for their safety. What are the long term issues with this drug? What should I do. I don't want her to get into trouble, but I also want to protect my kids. PLEASE help me:redbeathe

Up Vote Up Vote ×

as in the TOS we can not provide medical advice here. Talk to your wife get her side of the sory. If you are still concerned take them the the pediatrician and disuss this with them.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I guess I was not looking for medical advice. Maybe more of opinions of people who should know right from wrong.

Maybe I should just ask if anyone thinks that my concerns are valid based on the facts? From what you read above, do you think I should have the kids checked soon? Can Benadryl be life threatening if used outside of the FDA's guidlines?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in RN, BSN, CHDN.

I hear your concerns but we are unable to offer this kind of advice on here.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

Please inform your Pediatrician what your wife is doing... possibility of wife's inability to cope or depression needs to be discussed

Benadryl

Symptoms of Benadryl overdose may include:

Central nervous system depression or stimulation, especially in children, dry mouth, fixed, dilated pupils, flushing, stomach and intestinal symptoms

http://www.healthsquare.com/newrx/ben1050.htm

Benadryl Fails to Benefit Babies' Sleep

http://www.thechildrenshospital.org/wellness/info/news/51505.aspx

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion