CNN
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A 13-year-old Ohio boy died after “he drank a bunch of Benadryl,” trying to dangerous TikTok challenge that’s going viral online, according to a CNN affiliate and a GoFundMe account from his family.
The family donation account says Jacob Stevens was participating in a TikTok challenge with some friends at home when he took an antihistamine. Jacob was on a ventilator for almost a week before he died, according to WSYX.
CNN has not independently confirmed his cause of death.
An overdose of Benadryl can lead to “serious heart problems, seizures, coma, or even death,” the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said in a 2020 warning to the public. them about the deadly “Benadryl Trial”. on TikTok.
CNN took over the 14-year-old boy’s TikTok account. 17 minutes later, here’s what we saw
Jacob’s grandmother is doing whatever she can “to make sure another kid doesn’t pass” the challenge, she told CNN affiliate WSYX.
In a statement to CNN, TikTok said: “Our deepest condolences to the family. At TikTok, we prohibit and remove content that promotes dangerous behavior with the safety of the community as a top priority. We’ve never seen this type of content trend on our platform, and have blocked searches for years to help prevent imitation. Our team of 40,000 safety experts work to eliminate breaches Community guide and we encourage our community to report any content or accounts that they have concerns about.”
Benadryl’s producer, Johnson & Johnson, called the challenge “dangerous”.
“We understand that consumers may have heard of an online ‘challenge’ involving the misuse or abuse of diphenhydramine,” the statement undated. online statement read.
“The challenge associated with taking too much diphenhydramine, is a dangerous trend and needs to be stopped immediately. BENADRYL® and other diphenhydramine products should only be used as directed on the label.”
“We are working with TikTok and other social platforms to remove content that exhibits this behavior,” the statement added. “We will be looking for partners across the industry and with key stakeholders to address this malicious behavior.”
CNN has reached out to the Stevens family and the Columbus Department of Public Health for comment.
FDA’s 2020 Warning said the agency has “contacted TikTok and strongly urges them to remove the videos from their platform and to exercise caution to remove additional videos that may be posted”.
Benadryl is an antihistamine used to treat symptoms such as a runny nose or sneezing caused by upper respiratory allergies, hay fever, or the common cold. The FDA says it is safe and effective when used as recommended.
“Diphenhydramine is marketed under the brand names Benadryl, store brand, and generics. It is also available in combination with an analgesic, antipyretic and decongestant,” the agency said.
The FDA says consumers and parents should keep Benadryl and other over-the-counter and prescription drugs out of the reach of children.
