A tragic incident in Ohio has claimed the life of a 13-year-old boy named Jacob Stevens, who succumbed to the dangers of a TikTok challenge involving the misuse of the common antihistamine, Benadryl. This incident was reported by a CNN affiliate and further highlighted through a GoFundMe campaign organized by Jacob’s family. Jacob had taken a significant quantity of Benadryl while participating in this dangerous trend, ultimately leading to dire consequences.
According to the family’s GoFundMe account, Jacob was participating in the TikTok challenge with friends at home when he ingested the antihistamine. Subsequently, he had to be placed on a ventilator for nearly a week before his untimely death. However, CNN has not independently verified the exact cause of his death.
The dangers associated with overdosing on Benadryl are underscored by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In a warning issued in 2020, the FDA highlighted the potentially life-threatening consequences of such actions, including serious heart problems, seizures, coma, and even death. This grim reality surrounding the “Benadryl Challenge” on TikTok serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of engaging in risky online trends.
Jacob’s grandmother, deeply affected by this tragedy, expressed her determination to prevent other children from falling victim to similar challenges. She spoke to a CNN affiliate, emphasizing the need for awareness and prevention in light of the grave consequences her family has endured.
In response to this distressing incident, TikTok issued a statement expressing its condolences to Jacob’s family. The platform reiterated its commitment to the safety of its community, emphasizing the strict prohibition and removal of content that promotes dangerous behavior. TikTok also claimed to have blocked related searches for years to discourage copycat behavior and mentioned its substantial team of safety professionals dedicated to enforcing community guidelines.
The manufacturer of Benadryl, Johnson & Johnson, has also condemned the challenge as “dangerous” and called for its immediate cessation. In an undated online statement, the company emphasized the importance of using Benadryl and similar products only as directed by the label, urging consumers to avoid excessive consumption. Johnson & Johnson has been collaborating with TikTok and other social platforms to remove content that promotes this hazardous behavior and expressed its intention to work with industry stakeholders to address the issue comprehensively.
It is worth noting that Benadryl is a widely used antihistamine intended for the treatment of symptoms associated with allergies, such as runny noses, sneezing, hay fever, or the common cold. When used as directed, it is considered safe and effective by the FDA. The agency also pointed out that diphenhydramine, the active ingredient in Benadryl, is available under various brand names, store brands, and generic versions, sometimes in combination with other medications like pain relievers, fever reducers, and decongestants.
The FDA emphasized the importance of safe storage practices for Benadryl and other over-the-counter medications, as well as prescription drugs, to prevent children from accessing them unintentionally. This tragedy serves as a poignant reminder of the responsibility that both parents and society bear in safeguarding young individuals from the potential dangers lurking in online challenges and the misuse of readily available medications.
