5 Key Takeaways

• 1

  Adverse event reports involving diphenhydramine increased among adolescents and young adults after the 'Benadryl Challenge' on TikTok in 2020.

• 2

  A total of 413 reports were identified in the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System from January 2013 to December 2024 for patients aged 10 to 25 years.

• 3

  The highest number of reports occurred in 2023 with 73 cases, while the lowest were recorded in 2013 and 2016, with 7 cases each.

• 4

  Monthly counts of adverse events exceeded forecasted values during several months after the challenge began, indicating a concerning trend.

• 5

  Diphenhydramine misuse can lead to serious health risks, including arrhythmias, seizures, coma, and death, particularly when ingested in high doses.