Other safety alerts
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| The United States: FDA warns about serious problems with high doses of the allergy medicine diphenhydramine (Benadryl) |
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The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning that taking higher than recommended doses of the common over-the-counter (OTC) allergy medicine diphenhydramine (Benadryl) can lead to serious heart problems, seizures, coma, or even death. FDA is aware of news reports of teenagers ending up in emergency rooms or dying after participating in the “Benadryl Challenge” encouraged in videos posted on social media. FDA is investigating these reports and conducting a review to determine if additional cases have been reported. FDA will update the public once it has completed its review or has more information to share.
Consumers, parents, and caregivers should store diphenhydramine and all other OTC and prescription medicines up and away and out of children’s reach and sight. FDA recommends you lock up medicines to prevent accidental poisonings by children and misuse by teens. Always read the Drug Facts label included on all OTC medicines to find out if they contain diphenhydramine, how much and how often you should take them, and important safety information. Do not take more than the dose listed on the label, as doing so can cause serious problems.
Health care professionals should be aware that the “Benadryl Challenge” is occurring among teens and alert their caregivers about it. Encourage teens and caregivers to read and follow the Drug Facts label. In the event of an overdose, health care professionals should attempt to determine whether a patient with a suspected overdose took diphenhydramine.
Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine used to temporarily relieve symptoms due to hay fever, upper respiratory allergies, or the common cold, such as runny nose and sneezing.
Please refer to the following website in FDA for details:
http://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-warns-about-serious-problems-high-doses-allergy-medicine-diphenhydramine-benadryl
In Hong Kong, there are 305 registered pharmaceutical products containing diphenhydramine, of which 57 products are oral preparations. So far, the Department of Health (DH) has received one case of adverse drug reaction related to diphenhydramine, but this case is not related to overdose. Consumers are advised to check the product label carefully and follow the product instructions accordingly.
Ends/Friday, Sep 25, 2020
Issued at HKT 15:00
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