Free Medicine Cabinet Guide from Dr. Jocko

Medicine Cabinet Safety Check

Too much diphenhydramine (Benadryl) can cause seizures. The label is the limit.

The FDA warns that taking higher than recommended doses of the allergy medicine diphenhydramine (Benadryl) can lead to serious heart problems, seizures, coma, or death. When used as recommended, it is a safe and effective medicine. This free one page check covers what to look for in your medicine cabinet and when to get help. The line to remember: The label is the limit.

• Read the label. Check the Drug Facts label every time, and look for diphenhydramine under store brands and in combination products.
• Lock it up. Store medicines away from children and teens.
• Talk with your teens. Why FDA warned families after the 'Benadryl Challenge' on social media.
• When to get help. FDA's signs that someone took too much, plus Poison Control 1 800 222 1222.
• Sources. Backed by FDA.

Current as of Oct 10, 2026, based on FDA's Drug Safety Communication (Sept 24, 2020).

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