Even the most common over-the-counter medications can become dangerous when they’re not used correctly.
Health officials in Connecticut are investigating after three children died over the past two months from apparent overdoses involving diphenhydramine, the active ingredient in Benadryl. The cases are a sobering reminder that medications many families keep within easy reach can pose serious risks if children receive too much.
Medical experts stress that diphenhydramine is safe and effective when used exactly as directed. But taking too much — whether accidentally or intentionally — can quickly become life-threatening.
The warning extends far beyond Connecticut.
According to the Texas Poison Center Network, specialists managed more than 238,000 cases in 2024. Nearly half of all human exposure calls involved children younger than 6 years old, underscoring how frequently young children come into contact with medications and other potentially harmful substances.
Store over-the-counter medicines like prescription drugs
Toxicologists recommend treating over-the-counter medications with the same level of caution as prescription drugs.
That means:
- Store medicines high up and locked away.
- Keep medications in their original packaging so dosing instructions remain easy to read.
- Never leave medicines in purses, backpacks or places where children can easily access them.
Watch for hidden sources of diphenhydramine
One of the biggest risks is that many parents don’t realize diphenhydramine is found in more than just Benadryl.
The ingredient is also included in some:
- Cold and flu medications
- Nighttime sleep aids
- Multi-symptom allergy and cold products
Giving more than one medication containing diphenhydramine can unintentionally result in a dangerous double dose.
Experts recommend checking the “Active Ingredients” section on every medication label before giving children any medicine.
Signs of a diphenhydramine overdose
Symptoms can develop quickly and vary depending on how much was taken.
Early warning signs may include:
- Extreme drowsiness
- Confusion
- Dilated (large) pupils
More serious overdoses can cause:
- Rapid heart rate
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
- Trouble breathing
- Irregular heart rhythms
Anyone who suspects a child has taken too much medication should seek immediate medical guidance.
Social media challenges pose another concern
Toxicologists say they’re also seeing more cases involving older children and teenagers influenced by misinformation or dangerous social media trends.
Dr. Alex Harding, Director of Medical Toxicology at Baylor College of Medicine, says parents should encourage their children to question health advice they see online and make sure information comes from credible, science-based sources.
“Everybody has kind of the same voice when it comes to social media,” Harding said. “Somebody can publish something that is completely unfounded in actual scientific literature and get the same amount of following as somebody with credentials. Encouraging them to evaluate the source of the information and make sure they’re not taking things at face value is very important.”
Experts also recommend making sure children know they can ask a trusted adult, healthcare provider or pharmacist before trying anything they see online.
Save this number before you need it
Poison experts say one of the simplest steps families can take is saving the national Poison Help number in their phones.
The Poison Center is available 24 hours a day to provide immediate guidance if someone may have been exposed to a potentially dangerous medication or substance.
Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222
Acting quickly can help determine the safest next steps and, in some cases, prevent a medical emergency.