Good evening, my 4 year old son has a reaction to an insect bite and is covering a cold at the same time. Can we give him Benadryl or Tylenol at the same time?

Question

Since yesterday I have been giving him Tylenol and Advil for his fever because he was ugly. Every time he has a cold it goes down into his bronchial tubes. So I also gave him ventolin every 4 hours plus his daily Alvesco. Tonight he has regained his strength, but he has a big bug bite on his back. I put some polysporin cream "heals fast" and I was wondering if I should give benadryl in addition. Should I stop the Tylenol for the cold and fever?

Alexandre Chagnon · Accepted Answer

Good morning,Benadryl will only help your son if he complains of itching or is very swollen near these bites. The risk of giving Benadryl when the child doesn't need it that much is that it makes nasal and bronchial secretions somewhat thicker. In a child with asthma or at risk of developing bronchitis, this should be avoided. Of course, giving it only once is unlikely to affect the thickness of the secretions. Instead, avoid giving it frequently. If you decide to give Benadryl, there is no need to stop taking Tylenol. The two medications are compatible.