Quebec’s provincial government announced on Wednesday that it is drafting new regulations to tighten control over the over‑the‑counter antihistamine Benadryl. The move follows a 2023 overdose death of an 18‑year‑old and a recommendation made by the Quebec coroner in 2025 for tighter safeguards.
The proposed rules would modify how Benadryl is sold in pharmacies and other retail outlets across the province. While specific limits have not yet been disclosed, the draft aims to reduce the availability of large quantities to the general public and to require additional labeling or age‑verification steps. The government said the measures are intended to address the misuse of the medication that can lead to serious health consequences.
The 2023 incident, in which an 18‑year‑old died after ingesting an excessive amount of the drug, sparked public concern and prompted the coroner’s office to examine the safety of unrestricted sales. In a report released last year, the coroner concluded that current regulations did not adequately prevent high‑dose consumption by minors and recommended that the province intervene with stricter controls.
Provincial officials indicated that the draft regulations are being prepared in response to that recommendation and will be presented to the health ministry for review. If approved, the changes could come into effect later in 2026, giving retailers a transition period to adjust inventory and sales practices.
Health advocates have noted that Benadryl, while effective for allergy relief, can cause severe toxicity when taken in large amounts. The Quebec government’s initiative reflects a broader trend among Canadian jurisdictions to re‑evaluate the accessibility of certain over‑the‑counter medications after high‑profile cases of misuse.
The final version of the regulations will be open for public comment before a legislative vote. Authorities plan to monitor the impact of any new rules on both public safety and consumer access to legitimate allergy treatment.