Quebec proposes tighter Benadryl controls after teen death

Quebec is proposing new limits on Benadryl and other medicines that contain diphenhydramine as the only active ingredient. Under the draft rule, these products would be moved behind the pharmacy counter, although they would still be available without a prescription. Pharmacists would also have to record each sale in a patient file. The proposal is now open for public consultation. The change follows a recommendation from a Quebec coroner after the overdose death of an 18yearold in StMathiassurRichelieu in 2023. The coroner said the case highlighted concerns about the easy availability of a substance that can be dangerous in high doses and noted that diphenhydramine has been linked to past deaths and misuse.