A 13-year-old Ohio teenager has died after ingesting a large quantity of Benadryl while participating in a dangerous viral challenge circulating on TikTok, according to reports from a local news affiliate and a family fundraising page.
Jacob Stevens was at home with friends when he consumed the over-the-counter antihistamine as part of the online trend, his family's GoFundMe account stated. Following the ingestion, Jacob was placed on a ventilator for nearly a week before he passed away, according to local television station WSYX. The official cause of death has not been independently confirmed, and requests for comment have been sent to both the Stevens family and Columbus Public Health.
In the wake of the tragedy, Jacob’s grandmother told WSYX that she is dedicated to doing everything in her power to ensure no other family has to experience a similar loss due to the online challenge.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had previously issued a public warning in 2020 regarding the risks of the "Benadryl Challenge" on TikTok. The agency warned that overdosing on the medication can cause severe health complications, including serious heart problems, seizures, coma, or death. During that time, the FDA contacted TikTok to strongly urge the platform to remove the videos and remain vigilant against future uploads.
In response to the incident, TikTok released a statement expressing its deepest sympathies to the Stevens family. The social media company stated that it strictly prohibits and removes content that promotes dangerous behavior, prioritizing the safety of its community. TikTok added that it has never seen this specific challenge trend on its platform and has blocked searches for the term for years to discourage copycat actions. The company noted that its team of 40,000 safety professionals actively works to remove violations of its Community Guidelines, and they encourage users to report any concerning content.
Johnson & Johnson, the manufacturer of Benadryl, also released an undated online statement calling the challenge a "dangerous trend" that must be stopped immediately. The company emphasized that Benadryl and other products containing diphenhydramine should only be used in strict accordance with the product label. Johnson & Johnson added that they are actively working alongside TikTok and other social media platforms to remove videos showcasing the misuse of the drug and plan to partner with industry stakeholders to address the issue.
Diphenhydramine, the active ingredient in Benadryl, is marketed under the brand name, store brands, and generics, and is also available in combination with pain relievers, fever reducers, and decongestants. It is widely used to treat symptoms of upper respiratory allergies, hay fever, and the common cold, such as a runny nose or sneezing. While the FDA notes that the medication is safe and effective when used as recommended, the agency advises parents and consumers to store all over-the-counter and prescription medicines securely out of the reach of children.
