Many Canadians unaware that Benadryl is no longer recommended as first choice for allergy medication: experts

More than two years after allergy experts recommended newer antihistamines and recommended against using Benadryl as a first-line treatment, many Canadians are still reaching for that recognizable brand name over others.

 

In October 2019, the Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (CSASI) put out a position statement regarding oral allergy medication, stating that newer antihistamines were safer than first-generation ones, and that they should be recommended over older staples like Benadryl due to a higher rate of potential side effects. The position statement referred specifically to medications that treat non-life-threatening allergic reactions such as hay fever and hives.

 

If it’s news to you that Benadryl is no longer recommended as a first-line treatment for common allergies, you’re not the only one. In 2022, it’s not only adult patients and parents who are still influenced by brand familiarity and haven’t made the switch — some doctors are as well, experts say.