Quebec proposes stricter Benadryl controls with pharmacist tracking after teen death
Under a new regulatory proposal, diphenhydramine products would move behind pharmacy counters to reduce overdose risk following an 18-year-old's death in 2023.
The day's top stories, food & events — every morning at 7. Unsubscribe anytime.
Quebec is proposing to move Benadryl and other medications containing diphenhydramine behind pharmacy counters, where pharmacists must document each sale. The regulatory change is designed to reduce the risk of misuse and overdose.
The proposal follows the overdose death of an 18-year-old in 2023. According to Dr. Michael Kalin, a Montreal family doctor, the change does not remove Benadryl from the market — it simply requires customers to request it from a pharmacist rather than picking it off a shelf. This allows for extra control and gives pharmacists an opportunity to discuss possible side effects.
Benadryl is widely used for allergies and sleep. The main side effect is sedation, and while it is very effective, newer antihistamines such as Reactine, Claritin, and Allegra are equally effective and longer-acting without the same sedation risk.
The proposal would keep second-generation antihistamines available over the counter while moving first-generation medications like Benadryl behind the pharmacy counter. No other Canadian province currently has similar restrictions. The allergy association has recommended the change as a safety measure given the real risk of overdose, particularly among teens and young adults.
