Medical experts are increasingly warning against the utilize of diphenhydramine, a widely available over-the-counter antihistamine, for common allergic reactions, particularly those involving food. Dr. Anna Wolfson, an allergist at Massachusetts General Hospital, has been vocal about the potential dangers of relying on the medication in situations where epinephrine is the more appropriate treatment.
Even as many individuals reach for diphenhydramine – commonly known by the brand name Benadryl – to combat allergy symptoms, specialists caution that its use can be risky and should be reserved for specific conditions. According to Dr. Wolfson, patients often self-treat food allergies with diphenhydramine, despite epinephrine being the recommended first-line defense. “If someone has a reaction to a food, people will say: ‘Don’t worry, I have diphenhydramine in my bag,’ and I would say, ‘Actually, epinephrine is the treatment most used for food allergies,’” she stated, as reported by CNN in August 2025.
The concern stems from diphenhydramine’s tendency to induce significant drowsiness. This sedation can mask worsening symptoms, preventing individuals from recognizing the need for more urgent medical intervention. Dr. Wolfson also noted that the drug can impair a person’s ability to perform essential tasks, such as driving or working, further compounding the risks. “It’s time to move on to something else,” she said. “For every medical picture in which people use diphenhydramine, there are better medications that are more effective, with fewer side effects.”
The call to reconsider diphenhydramine’s widespread availability isn’t limited to individual clinicians. In February 2025, allergy experts from Johns Hopkins University and the University of California, San Diego, published a review advocating for the removal of diphenhydramine from both over-the-counter and prescription markets in the United States. They argued that the drug is outdated, potentially dangerous and has safer alternatives available. Approved in 1946, diphenhydramine has long been a staple in American medicine for allergies, sleep aid, and cold symptoms.
The warnings about diphenhydramine come as experts observe a pattern of misuse. Dr. Wolfson reports seeing cases daily in her clinic where the medication is inappropriately used. A report from Wapa in February 2026 echoed these concerns, highlighting Dr. Wolfson’s warning that the drug is not recommended for treating food allergies or other common allergic reactions. The Cronista also reported in August 2025 that experts have registered several cases of negative effects from the drug.
Despite the growing concerns, diphenhydramine remains readily accessible to consumers. As of February 10, 2026, no official action has been taken by regulatory bodies to restrict its sale or alter its labeling. The Food and Drug Administration has not yet responded to requests for comment on the recommendations from allergy experts.
