Healthcare experts are calling for the end of routine use of diphenhydramine, the active ingredient in a common allergy medication, sold as Benadryl, citing safety concerns that outweigh benefits, CNN reported Aug. 1.
“It’s time to move on. For every single indication that people are using diphenhydramine, there are better drugs that are more effective at treating the symptoms people are trying to treat with fewer side effects,” said Anna Wolfsen, MD, an allergist at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. “I’ve had patients where I worried that diphenhydramine was impairing their ability to drive or fully participate in their daily lives.”
The widely used, first-generation antihistamine is commonly used to treat allergies. However, other second-generation antihistamines, including brand names such as Claritin, Zyrtec and Allegra, offer the same or better relief with fewer side effects, experts told CNN.
In a February review, allergy specialists from John Hopkins University and University of California in San Diego called for the removal of diphenhydramine from prescription markets in the U.S., citing the drug’s danger.
Manuel Murray, MD, director of general pediatrics and urgent care at the University of Texas Medical Branch said the medication should not be used lightly and “should always be used under the guidance of a medical professional, and it is only indicated to treat allergic reactions and motion sickness.”
