Benadryl has been around since 1947! It has been used as a first-line antihistamine for treating allergies and insomnia for decades.

Since it has been around so long, most of us (doctors included) have thought it to be ‘tried-and-true’ and rarely concern ourselves with the safety data.

In fact, it can be bought over-the-counter under a dozen brand names and also in combination medications like Tylenol PM.

This article, however, suggests that it is time to let Benadryl (diphenhydramine) go for good.

When you look at the overall data, Benadryl is far more dangerous and less effective than the newer antihistamines. (This was news to me, too!)

The article suggests that if diphenhydramine were submitted to the FDA today, it would never be cleared for over-the-counter use. (I’ve read similar articles about Tylenol, as well.)

You might remember one of my previous blog posts where we explored the connection between some OTC meds (like Benadryl) and the development of dementia.

So, our take-home here is that perhaps we should steer away from Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and other Benadryl-containing products.

(I need to do a little research on doxylamine, which is similar. I’ll get back with you when I figure that out.)

Instead, opt for the newer antihistamines for your allergy symptoms. These would be medicines like Claritin (loratadine), Allegra (fexofenadine) and Zyrtec (cetirizine).

Safer and more effective.

And generic, too.

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