Dad confronts shopworker after daughter allegedly died of Benadryl overdose in viral challenge

A righteous father filmed himself challenging a shop worker for selling Benadryl to his 17-year-old daughter, after his other daughter allegedly died from an overdose of the drug.

Like the Benadryl social media challenge, where teens take as much of the allergy relief medicine as possible to spark hallucinations.

Benadryl is the brand name for the drug acrivastine, an antihistamine medicine that helps with symptoms of allergies, such as pet, skin or dust. It is available over the counter in the United Kingdom.

A 24-capsule box of Benadryl Allergy Relief costs £11.30 at Boots, though the shop does have its own age restrictions in place.

When it comes to the viral challenge, the consequences of a Benadryl overdose can be fatal.

Leah Presson, 15, died in Oklahoma City Hospital on June 14 after allegedly overdosing during the challenge, the Daily Mail reports.

Lea Presson died aged 15 after allegedly taking part in the Benadryl challenge (Facebook/Richard Presson)

'Kids are overdosing on that s**t'

That inspired her father, Richard Presson, to head to a store three days later to see if the server behind the till would sell Benadryl to his 17-year-old daughter.

"We're seeing if they'll sell her Benadryl," Richard said at the start of the video as his daughter queued up to be served.

She was not challenged on the Benadryl purchase, with the box being scanned and ready to hand over before Richard stepped in.

"Take that Benadryl off there please," he told the employee. "Kids are overdosing on that s**t. My daughter just died from it. I was gonna see if you'd sell it to her."

Richard continued: "There's a Benadryl challenge all over Facebook and TikToks, and my daughter just died from..." but it was the worker who finished his sentence with 'overdose.'

There is no indication Leah bought the medicine she took before she died from the shop in the video, or where she did buy them from.

Richard's 17-year-old daughter attempted to buy Benadryl over the counter, to which she was successful (Richard Presson/Facebook)

'My daughter is now laying lifeless because of some challenge that couldn’t be stopped'

There are no standardised age restrictions on purchasing Benadryl in the United States, though laws vary by city, country or state, and some stores set their own policies.

“I never heard of it until my ex-wife told me about it the other day…,” he told NewsNation in June of the challenge before his daughter's passing. “I urge other people to [communicate].

"Or if there’s ever a sign of something like this or a new challenge to educate their kids, communicate with someone that can communicate with the child.

“Leah is a very great person and she always wanted to be TikTok famous. It hurts to see that my daughter is now laying lifeless because of some challenge that couldn’t be stopped.”

Symptoms over a Benadryl overdose include: A very fast or irregular heartbeat, seizures, unconsciousness, uncontrollable movements, feelings of confusion and agitation, difficulties speaking and hallucinations.

Benadryl is available over the counter in the UK (Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Benadryl's statement on the overdoses

Kenvue, the producer of Benadryl, told LADbible in a statement: "The health and safety of people who use our products is our top priority. The social media trend promoting misuse of diphenhydramine-containing products is extremely dangerous and should be stopped immediately.

"Our hearts go out to those impacted by the misuse of diphenhydramine-containing products. We are working with social media platform Safety teams to remove these dangerous posts and help stop this behavior from spreading.

"We are also taking action to educate on the safe use and storage of over the counter (OTC) medicines, including those with the ingredient diphenhydramine."

The company's website also says: "Purchasing this product online is only suitable for those aged 16 years and over. If you are under 16 years of age and wish to purchase this product, please speak with a pharmacist in store.

"When taking any over-the-counter medicine, always read the drug facts label carefully and use only as directed."

The recommended Benadryl dosage is one capsule as necessary up to three times a day, with no more than three to be taken in 24 hours.

Diphenhydramine HCI is the ingredient in the drug that can lead to the overdose, and the NHS warns on its website: "Taking too much diphenhydramine can be dangerous. It's important to get medical advice if you take more than the recommended dose.

"Do not use diphenhydramine cream at the same time as other products containing diphenhydramine. This can lead to overdose."