Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride in Benadryl Allergy leads to dementia? Know the fact.

Benadryl is a commonly used antihistamine that helps relieve symptoms of allergies, such as sneezing, itching, and hives. The active ingredient in it is Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride which is an antihistamine. 

Recently, consumers have raised their concern over the use of Diphenhydramine HCL in this drug. They are claiming that this ingredient is a major cause of dementia when used for a long time. 

However, Fact Crescendo found the claim to be misleading.

What’s the claim? 

The claim states that Benadryl (diphenhydramine hydrochloride) provides allergy relief but can cause significant drowsiness, confusion, and increase the risk of dementia due to its anticholinergic effects. It may also lead to central nervous system issues like memory problems or hallucinations. Some formulations contain artificial colors (such as Red 40 and Yellow 6), inactive fillers (like propylene glycol, artificial sweeteners, and high-fructose corn syrup), and preservatives (such as sodium benzoate), which can trigger reactions in sensitive individuals. 

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Fact Check- 

According to the National Institute of Health report, Diphenhydramine is a first-generation antihistamine commonly used to treat allergies, hives, itching, motion sickness, insomnia, and as part of the treatment for severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). It is also used off-label for conditions like muscle spasms, vertigo, oral pain (mucositis), and as a local anesthetic in people allergic to standard anesthetics.

Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, and difficulty urinating. Serious side effects can include severe allergic reactions, heart rhythm problems, blood cell disorders, seizures, and heatstroke. It should not be used in people who are allergic to it, premature babies, newborns, or breastfeeding mothers. Diphenhydramine should be used carefully in older adults and those with asthma, heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid problems, or glaucoma, as it can cause drowsiness, confusion, and increase the risk of falls.

Another report stated that Diphenhydramine is generally safe when used as directed, but it should be taken with caution. It can cause drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, constipation, and stomach upset. It is not recommended for children under 4 years old, and older adults should use it carefully because they are at higher risk of side effects like confusion or falls. People with conditions such as asthma, glaucoma, enlarged prostate, heart disease, high blood pressure, or thyroid problems should consult a doctor before using it. 

Benadryl is listed as an approved brand containing Diphenhydramine. 

On September 24, 2020 FDA warned that taking higher than recommended doses of the common over-the-counter (OTC) allergy medicine diphenhydramine (brand name Benadryl) can lead to serious heart problems, seizures, coma, or even death. The agency urges users to always follow the Drug Facts label, lock up medications to prevent misuse by children or teens, and seek emergency care in case of overdose. 

A recent study looked at whether using antihistamines for allergies could raise the risk of dementia. Antihistamines come in two types: first-generation (FGAs), which can make people sleepy and affect thinking, and second-generation (SGAs), which have fewer of these side effects. The study was done in Taiwan on 700,000 people with allergic rhinitis between 2011 and 2017. It found that the more antihistamines people took over time, the higher their risk of developing dementia. The risk was greater for those using FGAs compared to SGAs. The study suggested that doctors should be careful about giving antihistamines, especially for long-term use, because they might increase the chance of memory and thinking problems later in life.

Conclusion: 

Fact Crescendo found the claim to be misleading. Research studies have shown that taking Diphenhydramine can lead to dementia, but it is safe when taken as prescribed by doctors. Bendryl is listed under FDA approved drugs but comes with a warning.