Health experts are raising serious concerns over the continued use of diphenhydramine, commonly known by its brand name Benadryl. As more people reach for this over-the-counter medication to combat allergies, medical professionals are urging caution, citing its potential risks.
The Dangers Lurking in Your Medicine Cabinet
Dr. Anna Wolfson, an allergist at Massachusetts General Hospital, warns that diphenhydramine may be causing more harm than good. Despite its popularity for treating allergy symptoms, including reactions to food, Wolfson notes that epinephrine should be the first-line treatment instead. “It’s time to move on,” she asserts, highlighting that the sedative effects of diphenhydramine can obscure the worsening of symptoms.
Understanding the Risks
Initially approved in 1946, diphenhydramine serves as a first-generation antihistamine. While effective at blocking allergy-related receptors, it inadvertently impacts other brain functions. In adults, this results in drowsiness, cognitive impairment, and even cardiac issues. Older adults face prolonged side effects, leading to disorientation and increased fall risks. For children, accidental overdose and severe reactions have sparked concern, especially following the viral “Benadryl Challenge”. Dr. Manuela Murray stresses that its misuse for cold symptoms or as a sleep aid is unsafe and unnecessary.
Modern Alternatives: A Safer Choice
Experts recommend newer antihistamines like loratadine, cetirizine, or fexofenadine. These second-generation medications offer similar benefits without the adverse effects. Dr. Alyssa Kuban particularly advises against using diphenhydramine for cold-related issues.
A Call for Change
According to WTOP, a recent review by Johns Hopkins and the University of California pushes for diphenhydramine’s removal from the market or at least from OTC shelves, moving it behind the counter. This shift would encourage safer medications and better guidance from pharmacists. However, with over 1.5 million prescriptions still written annually in the U.S., this transition won’t happen overnight. Yet, as advocacy grows, diphenhydramine might soon find itself classified as a relic of a bygone era—with safer, more effective alternatives taking its place.
