Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsComplicationsTreatmentHow to Take It SafelyOverdose in ChildrenBe Aware of Combination Products
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Complications
Treatment
How to Take It Safely
Overdose in Children
Be Aware of Combination Products
Benadryl is the brand name of the active drug diphenhydramine. It belongs to the class of drugs called antihistamines. It is commonly used to treat symptoms of allergies,common cold,andhay fever.
Benadryl is an effective medicine and is easily available over-the-counter (OTC). Taking too much Benadryl, however, can lead to an overdose. When severe, a Benadryl overdose may cause hallucinations, seizures, coma, and even death. It should only be used as prescribed or as directed on the drug label.
When to Seek Help
In case of a Benadryl overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. You can also seek information online atpoisonhelp.org/help.
If the user has collapsed, has seizures, has trouble breathing, or can’t be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.
Getty Images /Smith Collection/Gado/ Contributor
Symptoms of an Overdose
Symptoms of a Benadryl overdose may include:
At higher doses, an overdose can cause more severe symptoms such as:
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that taking higher than recommended doses of Benadryl can cause life-threatening complications. It can cross the blood-brain barrier and cause central nervous system effects.
An overdose can lead to serious complications such as:
Treatment is generally supportive and targets symptom control. Monitoring of vital signs may be required.
The healthcare provider may provide standard diagnostic tests such as:
There is currently no antidote that specifically works to reverse the effects of diphenhydramine toxicity. The major therapeutic goal is to control and reverse the symptoms of overdose in an individual.
Depending on the severity of symptoms, the management of a Benadryl overdose may include:
Benadryl is available in different formulations, including:
Always read the drug facts label on all OTC medicines or generic formulations to determine if they contain diphenhydramine, dosage, and how often they should be taken. Do not take more than the dose recommended on the label.
Benadryl Overdose in Children
Children’s Benadryl Allergy solution is approved for use in children above 6 years of age.It contains 12.5 mg of diphenhydramine.
Do not use this medication:
An overdose of antihistamines, including Benadryl, may cause symptoms in children, such as:
Safe Medication StorageAccording to a review of roughly 2,000 causes of Benadryl overdose occurring in young children, most (80%) involved accidental unsupervised ingestions.Some safety tips for storing medication:Keep medications stored up high and out of reach.Use medication containers with safety caps. These are child-resistant and are more difficult for a young child to open.Use safety latches or locks on medicine cabinets.Never leave your medication open and unattended while it is within a child’s reach.
Safe Medication Storage
According to a review of roughly 2,000 causes of Benadryl overdose occurring in young children, most (80%) involved accidental unsupervised ingestions.Some safety tips for storing medication:Keep medications stored up high and out of reach.Use medication containers with safety caps. These are child-resistant and are more difficult for a young child to open.Use safety latches or locks on medicine cabinets.Never leave your medication open and unattended while it is within a child’s reach.
According to a review of roughly 2,000 causes of Benadryl overdose occurring in young children, most (80%) involved accidental unsupervised ingestions.
Some safety tips for storing medication:
Many OTC and prescription medicines contain diphenhydramine alone or in combination with other drugs, such as pain relievers, fever reducers, and decongestants.
When using Benadryl, carefully read the label before taking any other OTC medicine. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines you are taking to avoid diphenhydramine overdose.
Some commonly available diphenhydramine-containing products include:
Some other combination products examples include:
What Is the “Benadryl Challenge” and Why Is It Dangerous?In 2020, news reports circulated of teenagers ending up in emergency rooms or dying after participating in the “Benadryl Challenge.” The viral TikTok challenge involves taking excessive amounts of Benadryl to get high, bring on hallucinations, and post videos online.The FDA is aware of this challenge and warns against it. High intake of Benadryl can lead to serious heart problems, seizures, coma, or even death.
What Is the “Benadryl Challenge” and Why Is It Dangerous?
In 2020, news reports circulated of teenagers ending up in emergency rooms or dying after participating in the “Benadryl Challenge.” The viral TikTok challenge involves taking excessive amounts of Benadryl to get high, bring on hallucinations, and post videos online.The FDA is aware of this challenge and warns against it. High intake of Benadryl can lead to serious heart problems, seizures, coma, or even death.
In 2020, news reports circulated of teenagers ending up in emergency rooms or dying after participating in the “Benadryl Challenge.” The viral TikTok challenge involves taking excessive amounts of Benadryl to get high, bring on hallucinations, and post videos online.
The FDA is aware of this challenge and warns against it. High intake of Benadryl can lead to serious heart problems, seizures, coma, or even death.
Summary
Benadryl is a commonly used antihistamine to treat the symptoms ofseasonal allergies,hay fever, and the common cold. It relieves symptoms like sneezing, a runny nose, sore throat, and watery eyes.
Benadryl is generally safe, but taking more than the recommended dose can lead to an increased risk of side effects or overdose. If severe, an overdose can bring on more serious complications, such as seizures, coma, and even death.
If you or someone around you has taken more than the recommended amount of Benadryl, contact a medical provider or the Poison Control Center helpline.
10 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Patel J, Edwards J.Treating diphenhydramine overdose: a literature review of currently available treatment methods.Toxics. 2024;12(6):376. doi:10.3390/toxics12060376
MedlinePlus.Diphenhydramine.
Food and Drug Administration.Benadryl (diphenhydramine): Drug Safety Communication - serious problems with high doses of the allergy medicine.
MedlinePlus.Diphenhydramine overdose.
DailyMed.Label: Benadryl- diphenhydramine hydrochloride tablet, film coated.
DailyMed.Label: Benadryl allergy extra strength- diphenhydramine hydrochloride tablet, film coated.
DailyMed.Label: Children Benadryl allergy- diphenhydramine hydrochloride solution.
Palmer RB, Reynolds KM, Banner W, et al.Adverse events associated with diphenhydramine in children, 2008-2015.Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2020;58(2):99-106. doi:10.1080/15563650.2019.1609683
Food and Drug Administration.FDA warns about serious problems with high doses of the allergy medicine diphenhydramine (Benadryl).
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