This common allergy medication may do more harm than good, experts say

(CNN) - Some doctors say people with allergies may want to take something other than the drug diphenhydramine, which is sold under the brand name Benadryl.

Allergy experts from Johns Hopkins University and the University of California, San Diego, said in a review published earlier this year the medication is outdated and dangerous. They also say there are safer alternatives on the market, such as Claritin and Allegra.

At the very minimum, these experts say diphenhydramine should be moved behind the pharmacy counter.

The review notes Benadryl and other drugs with the same active ingredient can cause sedation, cognitive impairment and, in some cases, dangerous cardiac effects.

The Consumer Health Products Association provided a statement on behalf of Benadryl’s maker, Kenvue. They say re