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Many allergists prefer you just go with the epi-pen.
I would have your medical person review that. As I said above, a lot of allergists now prefer you go right to the epi-pen. There are lots of "ifs, ands and buts" with Benadryl administration.
Yes, but if this is a first reaction, as is often the case with a young toddler in a daycare setting, then the child does not have an epi-pen. The school also probably does not have an extra epi-pen on hand because they are prescription only. In that situation, Benadryl is better than nothing while waiting for the paramedics to arrive. Benadryl can be bought by anyone at the store and kept on hand in case this situation arises.
Also, my son has what his pediatrician called a "delayed reaction". Which means it took 2 hours for his symptoms to gradually worsen to the point where they were noticeable. The doc told me not to use the epi-pen for this type of reaction, and use Benadryl instead. In fact I had to insist before he would even give me the epi-pen prescription. My allergies (to cats) are the same way. It takes a few hours being around cats for any breathing symptoms to surface, and they are very slow to develop. Benadryl is the preferred remedy, not an epi-pen.
Many allergists prefer you just go with the epi-pen.
I would have your medical person review that. As I said above, a lot of allergists now prefer you go right to the epi-pen. There are lots of "ifs, ands and buts" with Benadryl administration.
For all other reactions, especially severe reactions, self-treatment is not recommended. Have a companion drive the person to the hospital emergency department, or call 9-1-1. Here's what to do while waiting for the ambulance:
Try to stay calm.
If it's possible to identify the cause of the reaction, prevent further exposure.
Give the person an antihistamine (1 to 2 tablets or capsules of diphenhydramine [Benadryl]) if they can swallow without difficulty.
If the person is wheezing or having difficulty breathing, have them use an inhaled bronchodilator such as albuterol (Proventil) or epinephrine (Primatene Mist) if one is available. These inhaled medications dilate the airway.
If the person is feeling lightheaded or faint, have them lie down and raise their legs higher than their head to help blood flow to the brain.
If the person has been given an epinephrine kit, they should inject themselves as they have been instructed. The kit provides a premeasured dose of epinephrine, a prescription drug that rapidly reverses the most serious symptoms (see Food Allergy Follow-up).
Bystanders should administer CPR to a person who becomes unconscious and stops breathing or does not have a pulse.
If at all possible, the person or their companion should be prepared to tell medical personnel what medications they have taken that day, what they usually take, and their allergy history.
This is exactly what I was told when I called the nurse when my son was having his delayed reaction. It was anaphylactic in that it was affecting his breathing and his heart rate, but it was very slow progressing. The nurse told me to give benedryl, and albuterol (since I had it at the house), then drive him to the ER. At the ER the doc said I did perfect, gave him a steroid, observed him for about 30 minutes, then sent us home.
At the follow up with the pediatrician, he gave us a refill for the albuterol, but balked at the suggestion of an epi-pen, saying that you don't need one for a slow reaction like that. I told him I had read that even when the first exposure to an allergen is delayed, it doesn't always mean that the next one will be. So he relented and gave me the script.
Yes, but if this is a first reaction, as is often the case with a young toddler in a daycare setting, then the child does not have an epi-pen. The school also probably does not have an extra epi-pen on hand because they are prescription only. In that situation, Benadryl is better than nothing while waiting for the paramedics to arrive. Benadryl can be bought by anyone at the store and kept on hand in case this situation arises.
Also, my son has what his pediatrician called a "delayed reaction". Which means it took 2 hours for his symptoms to gradually worsen to the point where they were noticeable. The doc told me not to use the epi-pen for this type of reaction, and use Benadryl instead. In fact I had to insist before he would even give me the epi-pen prescription. My allergies (to cats) are the same way. It takes a few hours being around cats for any breathing symptoms to surface, and they are very slow to develop. Benadryl is the preferred remedy, not an epi-pen.
Good advice for parents. For day cares, not so much.
I realize I'm veering OT here....but we knew a paramedic who said they carry benedryl on ER runs as its often the first line of defense. If an allergic reaction is even suspected, bendryl is ordered.
Once I had a allergic reaction to..... All I can think of was, it could have been the new carpet, and I wasn't wearing shoes or socks. I started getting intense itching on my feet, then hives, which spread up my legs, torso, even into my scalp. My eyes got watery, itchy, then my throat swelled, my lips and tongue swelled.....and I was home alone. I should have called 911, but instead, I remembered the paramedic's advice. I happened to have a bottle of children's benedryl on hand, by that time, I couldn't see well, so, I just drank the whole bottle! Well, the incident passed.
I've taught my kids in doubt, call 911 AND go unlock the door. Some places won't break the door in if locked....
Just saying, Benederl is potent stuff. It used to be RX only, now its OTC, its good to keep on hand in your emergency medical supply.
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All I can think of was, it could have been the new carpet, and I wasn't wearing shoes or socks. I started getting intense itching on my feet, then hives, which spread up my legs, torso, even into my scalp. My eyes got watery, itchy, then my throat swelled, my lips and tongue swelled.....and I was home alone. I should have called 911, but instead, I remembered the paramedic's advice. I happened to have a bottle of children's benedryl on hand, by that time, I couldn't see well, so, I just drank the whole bottle! Well, the incident passed. 
