epocrates

Trending Patient News: Week of July 14, 2025

July 18, 2025

Keeping you a step ahead is our priority. That's why we've gathered some of the top stories your patients might be seeing. Here are this week's highlights:

This popular allergy drug might do more harm than good—and it's probably in your medicine cabinet
(People)—Diphenhydramine, the active ingredient in Benadryl, is under scrutiny for potential cognitive and health risks, especially in older adults. Read more

Nicotine poisonings soar in babies and toddlers
(NBC News)—Calls to poison control centers have surged as more young children accidentally ingest nicotine products like e-cigarettes and pouches, prompting urgent warnings from pediatricians. Read more

Popular artificial sweetener linked to higher risk of strokes
(Newsweek)—Another study finds that erythritol, a common sugar substitute in “keto” and low-calorie foods, may significantly increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. Read more

The diseases that could return as vaccination rates decline—and why you should care
(CNN)—Experts warn that falling childhood vaccination rates could lead to the resurgence of preventable diseases like measles and polio. Read more

YouTube, TikTok, and short video addictions among emerging adults
(Forbes)—New research highlights how compulsive short-form video consumption is affecting mental health, sleep, and attention spans in young adults. Read more

Any views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in these articles are solely that of the publication and/or author and do not reflect the views, opinions, policies, or position of epocrates and athenahealth.