1. Study analyzed FDA Adverse Event Reporting System data (2013–2024) on diphenhydramine in patients aged 10–25 years.
2. Total of 413 reports identified; highest in 2023 (73 cases) and 2020 (62 cases).
3. Reports exceeded forecasted counts in multiple months following the 2020 TikTok “Benadryl Challenge.”
4. Challenge promoted ingestion of >300 mg diphenhydramine, which can cause arrhythmias, seizures, coma, or death.
5. "The continued rise in cases among adolescents and young adults underscores a concerning national trend warranting healthcare provider attention,” said Noelia Swymeler, MD, University of Oklahoma at Tulsa School of Community Medicine
6. Limitations: voluntary reporting may undercount events; increases not solely attributable to the challenge; findings presented only as abstract.

Source: American Academy of Pediatrics