Authorities in the state of Georgia are advising parents not to use allergy medications like Benadryl as a sedative for young children during summer trips. Both The Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Georgia Poison Center have suggested against the practice.

Avoid using antihistamines as a sedative for young kids

“Parents think it’s safe because you don’t need a prescription, but that’s not the case. These drugs can be dangerous,” Georgia Poison Center Director Dr. Gaylord Garcia said.

Many antihistamines contain an active ingredient, diphendramine, which has a sedative side effect. It can cause adverse reactions in children younger than five. Most drug makers say infants and children younger than two should not be given an allergy drug.

“Kids who have low doses can suffer from hallucinations, which is real scary for a parent. As the dose gets higher, you start worrying about tremors, convulsions and in the worst case scenario, rarely, death,” Garcia said.

The GBI reports four infant deaths between 2015 and 2017 caused by acute antihistamine toxicity.

Pharmacists said parents should carefully read all instructions on drug labels. including allergy medications.

“It’s very clear: Children under two, do not use. Two to five, do not use unless you consult a physician. This should never be used as a sleep aide,” said Ira Katz, owner of Little Five Points Pharmacy in Atlanta. “It’s not indicated as a sleep aide.”

Some parents said they are careful not use allergy drugs to help children sleep or rest.

“If they got stung by a bee, I would probably give them Benadryl for that, or an allergic reaction to shellfish, but not to go to sleep,” parent Samantha Bosley said.

Pharmacists also warned parents to keep over-the-counter drugs out of reach of children.

“Put it way up in the cabinet so no one can get ahold of it,” Katz said.