Why are experts warning against Benadryl, the common cough syrup?
A new
review
published in February 2025 by allergy experts from Johns Hopkins University and the University of California, San Diego, is urging for the drug to be pulled from over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription markets in the U.S. due to its side effects and availability of safer alternatives.
Here's why medical professionals are now advising people to think twice before reaching for this common medication.
Outdated and risky, say experts
Diphenhydramine was approved back in 1946 as a first-generation antihistamine.
While it does help manage allergy symptoms like sneezing and itching, experts argue it affects more than just the allergy-related parts of the brain. It can also cause sedation, dizziness, confusion, and even dangerous heart issues.
According to the review, Benadryl poses more harm than newer antihistamines, especially for young children and older adults. The drug can stay in the body for up to 18 hours in seniors, leading to ongoing drowsiness and increased risk of falls.
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In children, misuse can cause agitation, extreme sedation, or even coma and death in rare cases.
Not the best choice for allergic reactions
Despite its popularity, some doctors say Benadryl isn't the best option during severe allergic reactions. Dr. Anna Wolfson, an allergist at Massachusetts General Hospital, told CNN, 'If someone has an allergic reaction to a food, people will say, 'Don't worry, I have diphenhydramine in my purse,' and I would say, 'Really, epinephrine is the first-line treatment for food allergies.''
Benadryl affects acetylcholine, a brain chemical involved in memory and learning. A 2015
study
in JAMA Internal Medicine found that those who used drugs that block acetylcholine, like Benadryl, had a 54% higher risk of dementia and a 63% greater chance of developing Alzheimer's.
The World Allergy Organization Journal also linked diphenhydramine to poor academic outcomes, citing major declines in attention, memory, and processing speed.
Not safe for children
Doctors are also raising concerns about how diphenhydramine is being used in children. Dr. Alyssa Kuban, a pediatrician and associate medical director at Texas Children's Pediatrics, told CNN: 'I see some families use diphenhydramine when the child has a cold or upper respiratory infection, thinking it will help with the congestion and help them to sleep better at night. This is not effective for cold symptoms, nor is it very safe.
'
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Experts say that loratadine and cetirizine are safer for children over 6 months, while saline drops and suction are better for infants.
Experts also pointed to social media risks. The drug was involved in dangerous viral trends like the "Benadryl Challenge," which led to child hospitalizations and even fatalities.
What should you do?
Although Benadryl is found in over 300 products and still widely used, experts are clear: safer alternatives exist.
Second-generation antihistamines like cetirizine and loratadine offer similar relief with fewer side effects and longer-lasting results. These newer medications don't cause the same level of sedation or cognitive impairment.
The authors of the February 2024 review concluded: 'In the past, it has been a useful medication that has helped millions of patients; however, its current therapeutic ratio is matched or exceeded by second-generation antihistamines, especially due to their markedly reduced adverse reactions. It is time to say a final goodbye to diphenhydramine, a public health hazard.'
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