Too much diphenhydramine (Benadryl) can lead to serious health problems, including serious heart problems, seizures, coma and even death.
The FDA cited reports on social media platform Ticket OK that teenagers ended up in the hospital’s emergency room or died after participating in the so-called “Benadril Challenge”.
“We are investigating these reports and conducting a review to determine whether additional cases have been reported,” the agency said in a news release.
The FDA said it had contacted Ticket Ok and “strongly urged” to remove “Benadrill Challenge” videos from its platform and monitor for any new posts.
“Healthcare professionals should be aware that the ‘Benadril Challenge’ is happening in adolescents and warn their carers about it,” the agency said.
Benadryl is an antihistamine used to treat symptoms such as sneezing from a runny nose or upper respiratory allergies, hay fever or the common cold. The FDA said it is safe and effective when used as recommended.
Diphenhydramine is named under Benadryl, Store Brands and Generics, the agency said. It is also available with pain relievers, fever relievers and decongestants.
Consumers and parents should store Benadryl and other over-the-counter drugs and prescription drugs out of reach of children.
The FDA also recommends discontinuing drugs to prevent accidental poisoning and abuse by adolescents, “especially when they are at home more often due to the COVID-19 epidemic and are more likely to experiment.”
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