3 Connecticut children die from apparent diphenhydramine overdoses, no confirmed link to viral 'Benadryl challenge'
Three children in Connecticut have died in the past two months from apparent diphenhydramine overdoses, prompting state officials to warn parents about medication safety and the potential risks of misuse.
The Connecticut Office of the Child Advocate confirmed the deaths in a public statement on Wednesday, saying it hoped to provide the public with clarification and information following "numerous media inquiries" on the matter.
Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine sold under several brand names, including Benadryl, according to MedlinePlus, an online health resource run by the National Library of Medicine.
The Connecticut OCA said it had reached out to the state's Department of Public Health "to discuss prevention strategies" in the wake of those deaths, adding that the two agencies had "issued a communication to treatment providers" about the risks of diphenhydramine "and the importance of discussing safe storage with parents and caregivers."
The OCA warning comes as health officials in several states continue to raise awareness about the so-called "Benadryl challenge," an online social media trend that encourages people to take excessive amounts of diphenhydramine and film the effects.
The agency said Wednesday it could not confirm whether the recent deaths were connected to the challenge, but urged providers and parents to "be aware that adolescents may misuse the medication."
"We want parents to be aware that any medication, including prescription and non-prescription medication, is potentially dangerous to children of all ages," it stated. "We strongly encourage parents to store all medications safely, to ensure they are not easily accessible to children."
Officials also highlighted the importance of mental health resources for children and families.
"We also want parents to know that resources are available if their children are experiencing mental health needs," the agency said, noting that on average, 17 children present to emergency departments across the state each day "for self-harm or suicidal ideation."
The agency provided a list of mental health resources for children and families, including a list of crisis centers across Connecticut.
Kenvue, the maker of Benadryl, said in a statement to ABC News on Wednesday that "the health and safety of people who use our products is our top priority."
"For decades, BENADRYL has provided trusted relief from allergies to colds to itches for generations of families. ...Our hearts go out to those impacted by the misuse of diphenhydramine-containing products," the company said.
The company said social media trends promoting misuse of diphenhydramine products are "extremely dangerous and should be stopped immediately," adding that it had taken action to stop them from spreading by working with social media platforms to remove dangerous posts.
According to MedlinePlus, diphenhydramine use can cause a range of side effects including dry mouth, nose, and throat; drowsiness or dizziness; muscle weakness; and hyperactivity in children. Some people can have a more severe reaction to the drug and may experience vision problems, difficulty urinating or painful urination.
In case of a diphenhydramine overdose, MedlinePlus urges people to call the poison control helpline at 800-222-1222.
"If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911," it adds.
