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Q. Can I give my kid some ibuprofen and diphenhydramine at the same time? He has a cold.

Dr. Zibners' Answer:

Kudos to the mom who asked before combining medications! You have to be really careful when giving your little one pain or fever medicines because some products are combination medications containing more than one active ingredient. While intended to simplify your life, they can sometimes result in the inadvertent overdosing of one or more ingredients. So, the answer is: Yes, it is okay to give ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) with diphenhydramine (Benadryl), as long as each bottle contains a single ingredient. However, that doesn’t change the fact that there is no medication that effectively and safely treats coughs and colds in little kids. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are great for the discomfort and fever. But allergy or cold medications are unlikely to help and very likely to make your kid either really sleepy or completely nuts.

The information herein is not intended to replace the services of trained health professionals, or be a substitute for medical advice. You are advised to consult with your health care professional with regard to matters relating to health, and in particular regarding matters that may require diagnosis or medical attention.

 

Dr. Lara Zibners, Jan 27, 2010

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