A 13-year-old boy died after participating in a Benadryl “challenge” on TikTok

(CNN)– A 13-year-old boy in Ohio lost his life after “taking a ton of Benadryl” when he attempted a dangerous TikTok challenge circulating online, according to a CNN affiliate and his family’s GoFundMe account.

Jacob Stevens was participating in a TikTok challenge with friends at home when he swallowed the antihistamine, the family’s GoFundMe account claims. Jacob was on a ventilator for almost a week before he died, according to WSYX.

CNN has not independently confirmed the cause of his death.

Benadryl overdose can lead to “serious heart problems, seizures, coma or even death,” the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said in a 2020 warning to the public about the use of Benadryl. deadly “Benadryl challenge” on TikTok.

Jacob’s grandmother is looking to do everything in her power “to make sure another kid” doesn’t attempt the challenge, she told CNN affiliate WSYX.

In a statement to CNN, TikTok noted: “Our deepest condolences to the family. On TikTok, we strictly ban and remove content that promotes dangerous behavior with the safety of our community at the forefront. We have never seen this type of content trend on our platform and have blocked searches for years to help discourage copycat behavior. Our team of 40,000 security professionals works to eliminate violations of our Community Guidelines and we encourage our community to report any content or account that concerns them.” .

Benadryl maker Johnson & Johnson called the challenge “dangerous.”

“We understand that consumers may have heard of an online ‘challenge’ involving the misuse or abuse of diphenhydramine,” the undated online statement reads.

“The challenge, which involves ingesting excessive amounts of diphenhydramine, is a dangerous trend and must be stopped immediately. Benadryl® products and other diphenhydramine products should only be used as directed on the label.”

“We are working with TikTok and other social platforms to remove content that displays this behavior,” the statement added. “We will seek to partner across the industry and with key stakeholders to address this dangerous behavior.”

CNN has contacted the Stevens family and Columbus Public Health for comment.

The FDA’s 2020 warning said the agency had “contacted TikTok and strongly urged them to remove the videos from their platform and to be vigilant in removing additional videos that may be posted.”

Benadryl is an antihistamine used to treat symptoms such as a runny nose or sneezing caused by upper respiratory allergies, hay fever, or the common cold. According to the FDA, it is safe and effective if used as recommended.

“Diphenhydramine is marketed under the brand name Benadryl, store brands, and generic. It is also available in combination with pain relievers, fever reducers, and decongestants,” the agency notes.

Consumers and parents should store Benadryl and other over-the-counter and prescription medications out of the reach of children, the FDA said.

— CNN’s Jamie Gumbrecht and Travis Nichols contributed to this report.