Medical Advisory-Social Media Challenge

Hello Parents and Guardians

We became aware yesterday of an online social media challenge which has led to the untimely deaths of children throughout the state and country: Three Connecticut children died in the last two months after apparently overdosing on an active ingredient in Benadryl.

The deaths were confirmed Monday by the state Office of the Child Advocate (OCA). They come as a so-called “Benadryl Challenge,” which first surfaced in 2020, has re-emerged on social media. The OCA did not confirm if the Connecticut deaths were related to the challenge.

Diphenhydramine, the active ingredient in Benadryl and several other over-the-counter drugs, was responsible for the apparent overdoses, the OCA said.

The CT Department of Health has issued a medical advisory to regional DPH Locations and to medical providers. It is important we also alert you to this concern. Please be aware of this social media challenge with your children. Please ensure all medication, including over the counter, is stored appropriately.

One of our CT Health Education Standards is focused on the education of prescription and non-prescription medication. Informing you as guardians of your children is an important step to raise awareness. Please reach out with any questions or concerns.