Quebec mulls moving Benadryl behind pharmacy counters

A stock photo of a 36-caplet package of Benadryl allergy medication. (Benadryl)

The province of Quebec is considering moving Benadryl behind pharmacy counters.

The over-the-counter medication, commonly used to treat allergies, cold symptoms and even as a sleep aid, is currently readily available on pharmacy shelves.

The proposal comes after a coroner called for tighter controls following the death of an 18-year-old in the Montérégie who died of acute diphenhydramine poisoning.

The investigation found he had obtained the medication from multiple pharmacies.

The question is now being studied by the Order of Pharmacists. A draft regulation would move Benadryl and similar medications off open shelves.

While a prescription wouldn’t be required, pharmacists would have to record each sale in a patient’s file.

The goal isn’t to remove access, but to allow pharmacists to identify risks and spot troubling purchase patterns.

Hugues Mousseau, executive director of the Association of Pharmacy Chains and Banners of Quebec, said the industry supports improving safety, but also acknowledges the change could create more work for staff.

- More to come