A 13-year-old in Ohio has died after “he took a bunch of Benadryl,” making an attempt a dangerous TikTok challenge that’s circulating on-line, in accordance with a CNN affiliate and a GoFundMe account from his household.
Jacob Stevens was taking part in a TikTok problem with some buddies at residence when he ingested the antihistamine, the household donation account states. Jacob was on a ventilator for nearly every week earlier than he died, according to WSYX.
CNN has not independently confirmed his reason for dying.
Overdosing on Benadryl can lead to “severe coronary heart issues, seizures, coma, and even dying,” the US Meals and Drug Administration mentioned in a 2020 warning to the general public concerning the lethal “Benadryl Problem” on TikTok.
CNN takes over a 14-year-old’s TikTok account. 17 minutes in, that is what we noticed
Jacob’s grandmother is doing something she will “to ensure one other youngster doesn’t undergo” with the problem, she informed CNN affiliate WSYX.
In a press release to CNN, TikTok mentioned, “Our deepest sympathies exit to the household. At TikTok, we strictly prohibit and take away content material that promotes harmful conduct with the security of our group as a precedence. We have now by no means seen such a content material pattern on our platform and have blocked searches for years to assist discourage copycat conduct. Our group of 40,000 security professionals works to take away violations of our Community Guidelines and we encourage our group to report any content material or accounts they’re involved about.”
The maker of Benadryl, Johnson & Johnson, has known as the problem “harmful.”
“We perceive that buyers might have heard about an internet ‘problem’ involving the misuse or abuse of diphenhydramine,” the undated online statement reads.
“The problem, which includes ingestion of extreme portions of diphenhydramine, is a harmful pattern and must be stopped instantly. BENADRYL® merchandise and different diphenhydramine merchandise ought to solely be used as directed by the label.”
“We’re working with TikTok and different social platforms to take away content material that showcases this conduct,” the assertion added. “We are going to look to accomplice throughout business and with key stakeholders to deal with this harmful conduct.”
CNN has reached out to the Stevens household and Columbus Public Well being for remark.
The FDA’s 2020 warning mentioned the company had “contacted TikTok and strongly urged them to take away the movies from their platform and to be vigilant to take away extra movies which may be posted.”
Benadryl is an antihistamine used to deal with signs corresponding to a runny nostril or sneezing from higher respiratory allergic reactions, hay fever or the widespread chilly. It’s protected and efficient when used as really helpful, the FDA mentioned.
“Diphenhydramine is marketed beneath the brand-name Benadryl, retailer manufacturers, and generics. Additionally it is obtainable together with ache relievers, fever reducers, and decongestants,” the company mentioned.
Customers and oldsters ought to retailer Benadryl and different over-the-counter drugs and prescription medicines out of the attain of youngsters, the FDA mentioned.
