Quebec coroner wants tighter diphenhydramine sales controls

A Quebec coroner is calling for stricter controls on the sale of diphenhydramine after an 18-year-old died from an overdose in December 2023. The coroner wants the antihistamine, often used as a sleep aid, to be better managed in pharmacies. The young man died from acute diphenhydramine poisoning, with a lethal level of the drug found in his blood. The coroner's report highlighted the uncontrolled availability of the over-the-counter medication, noting previous instances of deaths related to the drug. The coroner recommended classifying diphenhydramine for oral use in a section requiring more pharmacist oversight, including record-keeping and pharmacological review. The pharmacists' order will review the recommendation.