Health Officials Sound The Alarm Over Viral ‘benadryl Challenge’ After 5 Kids Hospitalized In San Diego

Health officials person sounded nan siren complete nan viral alleged Benadryl challenge aft astatine slightest 5 kids were hospitalized successful San Diego.

The challenge, which began spreading connected societal media years ago, continues to harm children who are encouraged to return vulnerable amounts of nan over-the-counter allergy medicine successful an effort to induce hallucinations.

At slightest 5 kids were sent to Rady Children’s Hospital successful San Diego, California, successful precocious May aft attempting nan Benadryl challenge, according to section outlet KUSI.

“So we’re seeing a batch of 16 to 18 twelvemonth olds, besides young adults, 20 to 22,” Dr. Shahfar Khan, a pediatrician astatine nan hospital, told KUSI.

Khan explained nan superior health effect that nan situation tin person connected a person, including symptoms that could lead to cardiac arrest.

“When you’re really taking it successful ample quantities, it tin person an effect connected various systems of nan body,” Khan said.

“It tin origin agitation, hallucinations, a very accelerated bosom complaint that could lead to cardiac arrest. Seizures we spot often pinch nan Benadryl ingestion arsenic well.”

None of nan 5 kids had to beryllium admitted for ongoing care, according to nan hospital.

A 13-year-old boy from Columbus, Ohio, died from an overdose successful 2023 aft attempting nan challenge.

Jacob Stevens' family said retired aft his decease to bring consciousness to nan dangers of nan challenge.

"It was excessively overmuch for his body," Jacob’s father, Justin Stevens, told section outlet WSYX at nan time.

Jacob was connected a ventilator for six days earlier he died. Justin called it “the worst time of his life."

“Keep an oculus connected what your kid’s doing pinch that phone,” Jacob’s family said successful a plea to parents. “Talk to them astir nan situation. I want everyone to cognize astir my son’s situation."

The Benadryl situation dates backmost to astatine slightest 2020, erstwhile nan Food and Drug Administration issued a warning astir it.

“Teens are participating successful a vulnerable ‘Benadryl Challenge’ connected TikTok, which tin lead to superior problems and death,” nan FDA said, adding that they were investigating reports of teen overdoses.

The FDA advised parents to fastener up Benadryl, which has nan generic supplier sanction diphenhydramine, to forestall its misuse.

Kenvue, nan makers of Benadryl, admit connected nan brand’s website that nan situation is “dangerous” and “should beryllium stopped immediately.”

“Abuse aliases misuse of this merchandise tin lead to superior broadside effects pinch perchance long-lasting aliases moreover life-threatening consequences,” nan connection read.

The Independent has reached retired to Kenvue for comment.