Health officials warn of dangerous "Benadryl Challenge" after hospitalizations

Health officials have sounded the alarm over the viral so-called Benadryl challenge after at least five kids were hospitalized in San Diego.

The challenge, which began spreading on social media years ago, continues to harm children who are encouraged to take dangerous amounts of the over-the-counter allergy medication in an attempt to induce hallucinations.

At least five kids were sent to Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego, California, in late May after attempting the Benadryl challenge, according to local outlet KUSI.

“So we’re seeing a lot of 16 to 18 year olds, also young adults, 20 to 22,” Dr. Shahfar Khan, a pediatrician at the hospital, told KUSI.

Khan explained the serious health impact that the challenge can have on a person, including symptoms that could lead to cardiac arrest.

“When you’re really taking it in large quantities, it can have an effect on various systems of the body,” Khan said.

“It can cause agitation, hallucinations, a very fast heart rate that could lead to cardiac arrest. Seizures we see often with the Benadryl ingestion as well.”

None of the five kids had to be admitted for ongoing care, according to the hospital.

A 13-year-old boy from Columbus, Ohio, died from an overdose in 2023 after attempting the challenge.

Jacob Stevens' family spoke out after his death to bring awareness to the dangers of the challenge.

"It was too much for his body," Jacob’s father, Justin Stevens, told local outlet WSYX at the time.

Jacob was on a ventilator for six days before he died. Justin called it “the worst day of his life."

“Keep an eye on what your kid’s doing with that phone,” Jacob’s family said in a plea to parents. “Talk to them about the situation. I want everyone to know about my son’s situation."

The Benadryl challenge dates back to at least 2020, when the Food and Drug Administration issued a warning about it.

“Teens are participating in a dangerous ‘Benadryl Challenge’ on TikTok, which can lead to serious problems and death,” the FDA said, adding that they were investigating reports of teen overdoses.

The FDA advised parents to lock up Benadryl, which has the generic drug name diphenhydramine, to prevent its misuse.

Kenvue, the makers of Benadryl, acknowledge on the brand’s website that the challenge is “dangerous” and “should be stopped immediately.”

“Abuse or misuse of this product can lead to serious side effects with potentially long-lasting or even life-threatening consequences,” the statement read.

The Independent has reached out to Kenvue for comment.