Canadian doctors are raising red flags about overusing allergy medications like Benadryl

The Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (CSACI) wants Benadryl and other first-generation antihistamines to be moved behind the counter instead of being easily available on the shelves at drug stores.

Mike Chong is a Drug Information Pharmacist at MUN’s School of Pharmacy. He says concerns of the danger of antihistamine overuse have been around for a while, even though some of the side effects are taken for granted.

He says as even regular doses can cause drowsiness or sedation, taking a normal dose and driving, for example, can be extremely dangerous.

First-gen antihistamines were introduced before 1940. Chong recommends more recent choices with fewer side effects such as Allegra or Claritin.

Chong says there are alternatives: pic.twitter.com/VAsrkzEBB0

— Gerri Lynn Mackey (@GerriLynnMackey) November 19, 2019