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, and hay 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 at poisonhelp.org/help.
You can reach your local poison control center by calling the Poison Control Center helpline (1-800-222-1222) in the United States.
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:
- Rapid heartbeat
- Dry mouth
- Enlarged pupils
- Drowsiness
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Nervousness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Low blood pressure
- Tremor
- Unsteadiness
- Dry, red skin
At higher doses, an overdose can cause more severe symptoms such as:
- Agitation
- Confusion
- Delirium (change in attention and awareness)
- Inability to urinate
- Vision problems
- Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there)
- Seizures
Complications
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
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:
- Constant cardiac monitoring
- IV fluids for tachycardia (increased heart rate)
- Medications to control specific symptoms, such as benzodiazepines for agitation and seizures, sodium bicarbonate to control abnormal heart rhythm, and physostigmine for altered mental status
- Cooling measures for hyperthermia (increased body temperature)
- Urinary catheter for fluid retention
- Activated charcoal
- Intravenous lipid emulsion in case of a cardiac arrest
- Breathing and cardiac support (such as a ventilator)
How to Take It Safely
Benadryl is available in different formulations, including:
- Benadryl film-coated tablets (25 milligrams [mg] of diphenhydramine)
- Benadryl allergy extra strength film-coated tablets (50 mg of diphenhydramine)
- Children’s Benadryl allergy solution (12.5 mg of diphenhydramine in every 5 milliliters [mL])
| Benadryl Dosage and Frequency | ||
|---|---|---|
| Age | Benadryl Dose | Frequency |
| Adults and children 12 years and older | 1 to 2 tablets | Every 4 to 6 hours |
| Children 6 to under 12 years | 1 tablet or 5 mL to 10 mL (Benadryl children solution) | Every 4 to 6 hours |
| Children under 6 years | Do not use unless directed by a healthcare provider | As directed |
| Children under 2 years | Do not use | x |
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:
- In children younger than 6 years without direction from a healthcare provider
- To make a child sleepy
- With any other product containing diphenhydramine, not even on the skin
An overdose of antihistamines, including Benadryl, may cause symptoms in children, such as:
- Fast heart rate
- Hallucinations
- Drowsiness
- Agitation
- Convulsions
- Dilated pupils
- Dry mouth
- Flushing
- Gastrointestinal symptoms
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.
Be Aware of Combination Products
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:
- Aler-Dryl
- Diphenhist
- Nytol
- PediaCare Children’s Allergy
- Siladryl
- syllables
- Sominex
- Unisome
Some other combination products examples include:
- Advil PM (diphenhydramine, ibuprofen)
- Alahist LQ (diphenhydramine, phenylephrine)
- Aldex CT (diphenhydramine, phenylephrine)
- Aleve PM (diphenhydramine, naproxen)
- Midol PM (acetaminophen, diphenhydramine)
- Motrin PM (diphenhydramine, ibuprofen)
- PediaCare Children’s Allergy and Cold (diphenhydramine, phenylephrine)
- Robitussin Night Time Cough and Cold (diphenhydramine, phenylephrine)
- Sudafed PE Day/Night Cold (acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, diphenhydramine, guaifenesin, phenylephrine)
- Sudafed PE Day/Night Congestion (diphenhydramine, phenylephrine)
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.
Summary
Benadryl is a commonly used antihistamine to treat the symptoms of seasonal 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.
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