Benadryl Danger: Doctors Urge FDA Ban

Physicians are advocating for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to eliminate over-the-counter diphenhydramine, the active component in Benadryl, from store shelves. Concerns are mounting over potentially severe adverse effects, including significant brain damage.

This first-generation antihistamine easily crosses into the brain, causing profound drowsiness and impairing alertness, which can elevate the risk of accidents. Its impact on driving skills has been noted to be more severe than consuming alcohol above the legal limit.

Beyond sedation, diphenhydramine can cause dry mouth, confusion, and blurred vision, posing particular risks for older adults. Studies published a decade ago and a landmark 2015 JAMA Internal Medicine study indicated that frequent use of such anticholinergic medications is linked to a 54% higher risk of dementia.

Newer antihistamines like fexofenadine and loratadine offer comparable allergy relief with fewer side effects. Despite this, diphenhydramine's widespread availability in numerous cold, allergy, and sleep products contributes to its persistent popularity and under-recognition of its adverse effects.

The drug is implicated in thousands of hospitalizations each year, increasing healthcare costs. A review of poison center data revealed an alarming 87% rise in intentional diphenhydramine overdoses among children and teens in the past decade, with suicidal intent being a growing factor.