Allergies & Benadryl: Burrito, Nap & Relief

A social media user reported taking Benadryl after experiencing allergy symptoms and subsequently planning to nap with a leftover burrito, a seemingly mundane act that reflects a broader reassessment of the antihistamine’s role in allergy treatment.

Benadryl, or diphenhydramine, was the first FDA-approved prescription antihistamine in 1946 and for decades was a go-to remedy for allergy sufferers. Antihistamines work by blocking histamines, chemicals released by the body during an allergic reaction, thereby alleviating symptoms like runny noses, itchy eyes and sneezing. However, medical professionals are increasingly steering patients toward newer, second-generation antihistamines like Zyrtec, Allegra, and Claritin.

The shift in recommendation stems from the side effects associated with Benadryl. As a first-generation antihistamine, it crosses the blood-brain barrier, causing drowsiness. While this sedative effect was sometimes exploited for off-label uses, it’s now considered a significant drawback for daily allergy management. More concerning, high doses of Benadryl can increase heart rate and cause agitation, and research suggests a potential link between long-term use of first-generation antihistamines and an increased risk of dementia.

Sarah A. Taylor-Black, an Allergist and Immunologist at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, stated that Benadryl is “definitely” not recommended for chronic daily use. She emphasized the advantages of second-generation antihistamines, noting they are “less sedating, they last all day and are equally as effective.”

While Benadryl remains readily available over-the-counter, its use is now largely reserved for situational relief, such as managing acute allergic reactions or as a sleep aid – a practice that, while common, is too subject to growing medical caution. The Food and Drug Administration has not issued any recent warnings regarding Benadryl, but the medical community’s evolving understanding of its potential risks is prompting a change in prescribing and recommendation patterns.