Which adverse reaction may occur in pediatric patients taking diphenhydramine?

Which adverse reaction may occur in pediatric patients taking diphenhydramine?

• A. Restlessness
• B. Drowsiness
• C. Hypertension
• D. Seizures

Answer: (A)

Restlessness reflects diphenhydramine’s paradoxical CNS stimulation that is commonly seen in pediatric patients. Although adults often become drowsy with this drug, children can react with irritability, agitation, and an inability to sit still due to the drug’s anticholinergic and central nervous system effects. Hypertension and seizures are not typical chief reactions in this setting, and while drowsiness is possible, it is less characteristic in kids compared with the stimulant response. So, restlessness is the most likely adverse reaction in pediatric patients taking diphenhydramine.

Restlessness reflects diphenhydramine’s paradoxical CNS stimulation that is commonly seen in pediatric patients. Although adults often become drowsy with this drug, children can react with irritability, agitation, and an inability to sit still due to the drug’s anticholinergic and central nervous system effects. Hypertension and seizures are not typical chief reactions in this setting, and while drowsiness is possible, it is less characteristic in kids compared with the stimulant response. So, restlessness is the most likely adverse reaction in pediatric patients taking diphenhydramine.