Health officials have issued an urgent warning after at least five children were hospitalized in San Diego, California, for attempting the viral Benadryl challenge. The challenge encourages individuals to consume dangerous amounts of the over-the-counter allergy medication to induce hallucinations.
Dangers of the Benadryl Challenge
Pediatricians warn that taking large quantities of Benadryl can lead to severe health issues, including agitation, hallucinations, rapid heart rate, seizures, and potentially cardiac arrest. The trend has resurfaced on social media platforms, prompting concern among medical professionals and parents alike.
Manufacturer's Response
Kenvue, the manufacturer of Benadryl, has condemned the challenge as dangerous and stated that they are working with social media platforms to remove related content. The company emphasizes that the medication should only be used as directed.
Previous Incidents
The Benadryl challenge has a history of causing harm. In 2023, a 13-year-old boy in Ohio died after participating in the challenge. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning about the trend in 2020. Health officials continue to urge parents to talk to their children about the risks of such online challenges.
