A retrospective analysis of the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System identified 413 diphenhydramine-related reports among patients aged 10 to 25 years from 2013 to 2024. The highest counts occurred in 2023 (73 cases) and 2020 (62 cases), coinciding with the TikTok “Benadryl Challenge.” Monthly reports frequently exceeded forecasted values following the challenge’s emergence. The study noted that while increases could not be attributed solely to the challenge, the rise in cases highlighted a concerning trend among adolescents and young adults. Lead author Noelia Swymeler, MD, of the University of Oklahoma at Tulsa School of Community Medicine, emphasized that the trend warrants health care provider attention. Limitations included reliance on voluntary reporting and data presented only in abstract form.

Source: American Academy of Pediatrics