Common OTC Medicine Linked to Higher Dementia Risk, Say Scientists

Quick Summary

• Diphenhydramine, a first-generation antihistamine approved in 1946, is widely used for allergies, insomnia, motion sickness, cold symptoms, and Parkinson’s disease despite mounting safety concerns.
• Risks associated with diphenhydramine usage include weight gain, cognitive impairment (such as memory loss and concentration issues), and heightened likelihood of neurodegenerative diseases like dementia.
• Side effects of recommended doses include drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, and trouble urinating. Overuse can lead to toxicity with severe outcomes such as seizures or death.
• Studies suggest long-term use may permanently alter brain structure and increase the risk of dementia by up to 54% if consumed daily for years.
• Safer alternatives like second-generation antihistamines (e.g., loratadine or cetirizine) are praised for effectiveness without crossing the blood-brain barrier or triggering anticholinergic side effects.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The widespread use of diphenhydramine in India raises questions about public awareness regarding its risks. Although commonly found in over-the-counter medications targeting everyday ailments like colds or allergies, emerging research underscores meaningful health risks tied to both short-term misuse and prolonged usage. Globally recognized studies suggest that older adults who consume it may be more vulnerable to impaired cognition and dementia-related illnesses-a key concern given India’s rapidly aging population.

the availability of safer alternatives presents an opportunity for improved pharmaceutical recommendations within Indian healthcare frameworks.Prioritizing second-generation antihistamines could help reduce dependency on diphenhydramine while ensuring fewer adverse effects among users. As consumer education remains crucial across all demographics in India-especially less medically informed rural populations-active government efforts around medicine regulation could mitigate self-medication risks.

India must consider adopting global best practices by limiting access to higher-risk medicines through stricter policies akin to prescription-only models proposed internationally. Such approaches align well with safeguarding public health amid advancing medical research findings on drug safety.

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