Is Benadryl safe to take with Zarbee’s cough syrup?
By
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii, PhD, is a Pharmacist with expertise in Drug Design and Development, Enzymes, Molecular Modelling, and Photodynamic Therapy. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii’s Highlights:
- Postdoctoral fellow at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo, emphasizing therapy of neglected diseases using light.
- PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Six months as an international researcher at the Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases (University of California San Diego)
- Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes – São Paulo / Brazil
Professional Experience:
2012 – 2018 Project manager at University of São Paulo – Pharmacy Department
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii has worked with computational studies, synthesis, biological evaluation, design, and development of new inhibitor candidates for Chagas Disease and Leishmaniasis.
2017 – 2017 International research fellow at University of California San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences – Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases.
She used Virtual Screening (VS) and High-Throughput Screening (HTS) Integration in the Discovery of new drugs against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
2018 – 2019 Faculdades Oswaldo Cruz
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a professor in the Faculty of Pharmacy, teaching the subjects of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Drug Development.
2019 – 2021 Researcher in Biochemistry University of São Paulo – Biochemistry Department
She applied Photodynamic Therapy in Leishmaniasis Treatment, mentored undergraduate students in scientific activities, and wrote, executed, translated, and reported scientific projects with funding agencies.
2023-2023 UniPiaget – University Center.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a Biology, Nutrition, Physiotherapy, and Pharmacy professor.
Education:
2018 -2021 Postdoctoral at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo
2013 -2018 PhD of Science: Drugs and Medicines at Department of Pharmacy at University of São Paulo
2012 -2013 M.Sc. of Sciences: Drugs and Medicines at the Department of Pharmacy at the University of São Paulo
2005-2008 Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes
The leading publications of Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii are:
Vital-Fujii, D.G, Baptista, M.S. (2021). Progress in the photodynamic therapy treatment of Leishmaniasis. Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 54, 1-11.
Gatti, F. M., Gomes, R.A., da Fonseca, A.L., Lima, E.J.C., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Taranto, A.G., Varotti, F.P., Trossini, G.H.G. (2020). Antiplasmodial activity of sulfonylhydrazones: in vitro and in silico approaches. Future medicinal chemistry, 13, 233-250.
Silva, E.J., Bezerra-Souza, A., Passero, L.F., Laurenti, M.D., Ferreira, G.M., Fujii, D.G.V., et al. (2018). Synthesis, leishmanicidal activity, structural descriptors and structure-activity relationship of quinoline derivatives. Future medicinal chemistry, 10, 2069-2085.
Leite, F.H.A., Froes, T.Q., da Silva, S.G., de Souza, E.I.M., Vital-Fuji,i D.G., Trossini, G.H.G., et al. (2017). An integrated approach towards the discovery of novel non-nucleoside Leishmania major pteridine reductase 1 inhibitors. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 132, 322-332.
Vital, D.G., Damasceno, F.S., Rapado, L.N., Silber, A.M., Vilella, F.S., Ferreira, R.S., et al. (2017). Application of bioisosterism in design of the semicarbazone derivatives as cruzain inhibitors: a theoretical and experimental study. Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, 35, 1244–1259.
Mello, J. F.R., Gomes, R.A., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Ferreira, G.M., Trossini, G.H.G. (2017). Fragment-based drug discovery as alternative strategy to the drug development for neglected diseases. Chemical Biology & Drug Design, 90, 1067-1078.
Pantaleao, S.Q., Fujii, D.G.V., Maltarollo, V.G., da C. Silva, D., Trossini, G.H.G., Weber, K.C., et al. (2017). The Role of QSAR and Virtual Screening Studies in Type 2 Diabetes Drug Discovery. Medicinal Chemistry, 13, 706-720.
Vital, D., Arribas, M., Trossini, G. (2014). Molecular Modeling and Docking Application to Evaluate Cruzain Inhibitory Activity by Chalcones and Hydrazides. Letters in Drug Design and Discovery, 11, 249-255.
Blau, L., Menegon, R.F., Trossini, G.H.G., Molino, J.V.D., Vital, D.G., Cicarelli, R.M.B., et al. (2013). Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of new aryl thiosemicarbazone as antichagasic candidates. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 67, 142-151.
You can view some of Dr Drielli’s work below and links to her professional profile.
Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9270-0466
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Drielli-Gomes-Vital-Fujii
Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=55829534000
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=F9U50AEAAAAJ&hl=pt-BR
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/driellivital
Escavador: https://www.escavador.com/sobre/6101380/drielli-gomes-vital
CDIPD: https://cdipd.org/index.php/about-us/visiting-scientists
Is Benadryl safe to take with Zarbee’s cough syrup?
It is safe to give your child Benadryl with Zarbee’s cough syrup. Zarbee’s cough syrup contains no drug or active pharmaceutical ingredient.
The syrup is made up of natural ingredients like dark honey, zinc, vitamin C, etc to manage your child’s cough and to enhance immunity to fight against the common cold and flu.
Since there is no ‘drug’ present, Zarbee’s cough syrup does not interact in any way with Benadryl (Diphenhydramine). Zarbee’s cough syrup can also be paired with other antihistamines like Zyrtec, Claritin, etc. Other cough syrups, like Children’s cough DM, can also be taken with Benadryl.
However, make sure you don’t give any medication to your child without consulting a doctor first.
Each kid is unique and may have different factors affecting his/her health. This is why discussing medications with your child’s paediatrician is crucial.
Recommended doses of Benadryl in children
The appropriate doses of Benadryl are often calculated on the basis of body weight in children. This includes (2):
- Age 2-5 years: 6.25 mg by mouth, IM, or IV every 4 to 6 hours as needed, with a maximum daily dose of 37.5 mg.
- Age 6-11 years: 12.5 to 25 mg by mouth, IM, or IV every 4 to 6 hours as needed, with a maximum daily dose of 150 mg.
- Age 12 years and older: The adult dose is recommended – 25-50 mg every 4 to 6 hours as needed.
For more severe or persistent symptoms, the following doses are considered:
- Age 2-11 years: 1 to 2 mg/kg by mouth, IM, or IV every 2 to 4 hours as needed, with a maximum daily dose of 300 mg by mouth or 400 mg for IM/IV use.
- Age 12 years and older: The adult dose is recommended – 25-50 mg every 2 to 4 hours as needed.
Please note that dosages may vary based on the formulation of Benadryl (liquid, chewable tablets, etc.), and it’s crucial to use an appropriate measuring device for accurate dosing.
It’s best to consult a healthcare provider to determine the right dosage for a child based on their specific needs and medical history.
Potential risks associated with the use of Benadryl in children
Potential risks associated with the use of Benadryl in children include:
- Drowsiness: Benadryl can cause significant drowsiness in children, which may affect their ability to concentrate and engage in activities like schoolwork or outdoor play.
- Incoordination: Some children may experience a lack of coordination and balance while taking Benadryl, increasing the risk of accidents or falls.
- Upset stomach: Benadryl may cause stomach upset, leading to nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea in some children.
- Allergic reactions: Although rare, some children may have an allergic reaction to Benadryl, resulting in hives, itching, or difficulty breathing. Seek medical attention immediately if this occurs.
- Interaction with other medications: Benadryl can interact with certain medications, increasing the risk of adverse effects. Always inform the healthcare provider about other drugs your child may be taking.
- CNS excitation: In some cases, especially in young children, Benadryl may have the opposite effect and cause CNS excitation, leading to restlessness or irritability.
- Overdose: Accidental overdose can occur if the dosage is not measured correctly or if multiple products with the same active ingredient are used simultaneously.
Final words
To sum up, Benadryl can be given along with Zarbee’s cough syrup to children. However, Benadryl must be given properly and one should not exceed the recommended dose.
Be aware of potential side effects and allergic reactions, and never hesitate to seek medical attention if your child experiences any unexpected reactions.
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References
1.-
Zarbee’s cough syrup – The main information page. https://www.zarbees.com/products/?default=4bce4773-3507-4e97-b060-e2f2f07a5dbd~Baby~Select+Ages
2.-
Sicari V, Zabbo CP. Diphenhydramine. 2022 Jul 11. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 30252266. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526010
