The Quebec Poison Centre says it is supporting a proposal to reclassify and restrict access to Benadryl following a rise in poisonings across the province. According to a report from Noovo Info, the Quebec government proposed regulations on June 30 that would move Benadryl from open pharmacy shelves to behind the counter, where it would be available under a pharmacist’s supervision. The goal is not to limit access to the medication, but to allow pharmacists to identify potential risks and detect concerning purchasing patterns. The Quebec Poison Centre said its position is based on a rise in diphenhydramine, the active ingredient in Benadryl, poisonings over the past five years. “In 2021, the Quebec Poison Centre managed 549 cases involving diphenhydramine exposure, including 237 intentional poisonings, 67 cases involving misuse or substance use, and 120 therapeutic errors,” the centre told Noovo info in a statement. That number rose to 603 cases in 2024, including 301 intentional poisonings. The centre also recorded 71 cases involving misuse or substance use and 98 therapeutic errors. The poison centre says restricting access to the medication could help reduce the growing number of poisonings. It also points to Gravol as evidence the measure can be effective. Gravol, whose main active ingredient is dimenhydrinate, has been kept behind the pharmacy counter under a pharmacist’s supervision since 1998. According to the poison centre, “the number of cases involving dimenhydrinate (Gravol) remains significantly lower than those involving diphenhydramine (Benadryl).” In 2024, it recorded 78 intentional poisonings and 17 cases involving misuse or substance use linked to Gravol. “Safer medications for the same indications are already available over the counter in pharmacies. Reclassifying diphenhydramine would therefore have only a limited impact on access to treatment while improving public safety through pharmacist intervention when its use is being considered,” the centre said. The over-the-counter medication is commonly used to treat allergies and cold symptoms, and is also used as a sleep aid. The proposed regulation follows a coroner’s recommendation for stricter controls after the death of an 18-year-old in the Montérégie region from acute diphenhydramine poisoning. With files from CTV News’ Denise Roberts.
