'Benadryl Challenge' on Tiktok: US FDA Issues Warning After Reports of Injuries and Deaths to TikTok Challenge

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning Thursday about "serious problems with high doses" of Benadryl, a common over-the-counter allergy drug.

Too much diphenhydramine (Benadryl) can lead to serious health problems, including serious heart problems, seizures, coma, and even death.

#BenadrylChallenge

The FDA cited reports of teenagers ending up in hospital emergency rooms or dying after participating in the so-called "Benadryl Challenge" (#BenadrylChallenge) on the social media platform TikTok.

"We are investigating these reports and conducting a review to determine if additional cases have been reported," the agency said in a statement.

The FDA said it had contacted TikTok and "strongly urged" it to remove the "Benadryl Challenge" or #BenadrylChallenge videos from its platform and to monitor new posts.

"Health professionals should be aware that the 'Benadryl Challenge' is occurring among adolescents and alert their caregivers to it," the agency said.

Benadryl is an antihistamine used to treat symptoms such as a runny nose or sneezing from upper respiratory allergies, hay fever, or the common cold.

Safe and effective

It is safe and effective when used as recommended, the FDA said.

“Diphenhydramine is marketed under the brand name Benadryl, store brands and generics.

"It is also available in combination with pain relievers, fever reducers and decongestants," the agency said.

Consumers and parents should store Benadryl and other over-the-counter and prescription medications out of the reach of children.

The FDA also recommends keeping medications locked up to prevent accidental poisonings and misuse by teens.

"Especially when they are at home more often due to the covid-19 pandemic and are more likely to happen," he said.

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