3 Connecticut children die from apparent diphenhydramine overdoses

Three children apparently died in the last two months in Connecticut diphenhydramine overdoseencourages state officials to warn parents about medication safety and potential risks of abuse.

Connecticut Office of the Child Advocate confirms public deaths expression He said in a statement on Wednesday that he hoped to provide a public statement and information following “numerous media inquiries” into the matter.

Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine sold under various brand names, including Benadryl. MedlinePlusAn online health resource maintained by the National Library of Medicine.

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Connecticut OCA said it reached out to the state’s Department of Public Health “to discuss prevention strategies” in the wake of these deaths, adding that the two agencies “issued a communication to treatment providers” about the risks of diphenhydramine and the importance of discussing safe storage with parents and caregivers.

The OCA warning comes after health officials in many states have issued so-called “Benadryl challengeAn online social media trend encouraging people to take excessive amounts of diphenhydramine and film its effects.

The agency said Wednesday it could not confirm whether the recent deaths were linked to the problem but urged providers and parents to “be aware that adolescents may abuse the drug.”

“We want parents to be aware that all types of medications, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, are potentially dangerous for children of all ages.” “We strongly advise parents to store all medications securely to ensure they are not easily accessible to children.”

Officials also emphasized the importance of mental health resources for children and families.

“We also want parents to know that resources are available if their child is experiencing mental health issues,” the agency said, noting that an average of 17 children statewide present to emergency rooms each day “because of self-harm or suicidal thoughts.”

The agency provided a list of mental health resources for children and families, including a list of crisis centers in Connecticut.

“The health and safety of the people who use our products is our top priority,” Kenvue, the maker of Benadryl, said in a statement to ABC News on Wednesday.

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“For decades, BENADRYL has provided generations of families with reliable relief from allergies to colds to itching. …Our hearts go out to those affected by the misuse of products containing diphenhydramine,” the company said.

Social media trends encouraging the misuse of diphenhydramine products are “extremely dangerous and must be stopped immediately,” the company said, adding that it is taking action to stop their spread by working with social media platforms to remove dangerous posts.

According to MedlinePlus, diphenhydramine use can cause a variety of side effects, including dry mouth, nose and throat; drowsiness or dizziness; muscle weakness; and hyperactivity in children. Some people may have a more severe reaction to the medication and experience vision problems, difficulty urinating, or pain during urination.

In the event of a diphenhydramine overdose, MedlinePlus urges people to call the poison control hotline at 800-222-1222.

“If the victim faints, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or cannot be awakened, call emergency services at 911 immediately,” he adds.