13-year-old dies after participating in Benadryl TikTok challenge
Multiple children have died from apparent diphenhydramine (Benadryl) overdoses, with at least one case in Ohio confirmed as participation in a viral TikTok challenge. The 'Benadryl Challenge' involves ingesting excessive quantities of the over-the-counter antihistamine and has circulated on social media for years despite FDA warnings. Health officials and manufacturers are warning parents about the dangerous trend as cases resurface.
A 13-year-old in Ohio died after ingesting large quantities of Benadryl while participating in a TikTok challenge, according to family accounts and local reports. Additionally, three children in Connecticut have died from apparent diphenhydramine overdoses, though authorities have not confirmed a direct link to the viral challenge in those cases. The 'Benadryl Challenge' has been circulating online for several years; the FDA issued a warning about it in 2020, noting that overdosing can cause serious heart problems, seizures, coma, or death. TikTok stated it has blocked searches for the challenge for years and removes related content, while Benadryl manufacturer Johnson & Johnson called the trend dangerous and said it is working with social platforms to remove promotional content. Medical professionals and public health officials are now warning parents about the resurgence of the challenge.
How coverage differed
CNN's reporting emphasizes the confirmed Ohio case with family details and includes direct statements from TikTok and Johnson & Johnson defending their safety measures. ABC News's headline focuses on the Connecticut deaths while explicitly noting no confirmed link to the challenge, suggesting a more cautious framing regarding causation.
What different sources said
- Daily WireRight
The Deadly Online Trend Parents Thought Was Gone Is Back
- ABC7 Eyewitness NewsCenter
Connecticut reports three child deaths tied to antihistamine overdoses tied to Benadryl
- CNN Top StoriesLeft
A 13-year-old dies after participating in a Benadryl TikTok 'challenge'
Amid social media challenge, calls to poison centers for Benadryl among teens more than double this year than last
- CT InsiderCenter
3 Connecticut children die of Benadryl overdoses, officials say
- ABC7 ChicagoCenter
3 children's deaths tied to Benadryl overdoses amid social media challenge
- WEAR-TVCenter
Pensacola doctor warns as social media 'Benadryl Challenge' resurfaces online
- Click2HoustonCenter
Doctors warn parents as dangerous ‘Benadryl Challenge’ may be resurfacing after children’s deaths
- 6abc PhiladelphiaCenter
3 children's deaths tied to Benadryl overdoses amid social media challenge
- LiveNOW from FOXCenter
3 child Benadryl deaths spark renewed fears of dangerous social media trend
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