FDA Warns Against Dangerous NyQuil Chicken Challenge

The Troubling NyQuil Chicken Challenge

A dangerous social media trend called the “NyQuil Chicken Challenge” has prompted a warning from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The challenge involves cooking chicken in NyQuil or a similar over-the-counter cough medicine. Teenagers attempting the challenge have posted videos on platforms like TikTok and YouTube showing chickens boiling in a pot of green-tinted liquid.

FDA Warns Against Medicine Abuse

In their statement, the FDA cautioned against misusing over-the-counter cough medicines to get high or hallucinate. Even if meant as a joke, boiling chicken in NyQuil poses serious health risks. The FDA warning also serves as a sobering reminder that over-the-counter drugs can be dangerous if abused or used inappropriately.

Dangers of Cough Medicine Abuse

While safe and effective when used as directed, cough medicines containing dextromethorphan (DXM) or doxylamine can cause very serious health problems in high doses. Effects of overdose can include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Blurred vision
• Dizziness and loss of coordination
• Changes in heart rate and blood pressure
• Liver damage
• Seizures
• Coma

Abusing cough medicine that contains other active ingredients like acetaminophen or antihistamines adds further risks like stomach bleeding or liver failure.

Signs of Cough Medicine Abuse

Parents should watch for signs of cough medicine abuse in teens and young adults, such as:

• Acting drunk, confused, or agitated
• Vomiting
• Shallow breathing
• Racing pulse
• Reduced fever in someone who is sick

Finding empty medicine bottles or packages can also indicate a problem. Seek emergency medical attention if you suspect someone has overdosed.

Using Cough Medicine Safely

When used properly, cough medicines can help relieve misery from colds and flu. To avoid risks, always follow dosage guidelines on the label. Additional tips for safe use include:

• Carefully measure liquid doses, don’t guess
• Never take more than 4 grams of acetaminophen per day
• Don’t take with other drugs without asking a doctor
• Only use in the person for whom it is prescribed
• Store medicine properly and securely

Alternative Cold and Flu Remedies

While medicine can help ease symptoms, it is not a cure. Plenty of other remedies can support recovery from viral infections like colds and flu:

• Drink extra fluids and get ample rest
• Try over-the-counter saline nasal sprays for congestion
• Use vaporizers or steamy showers to relieve coughs and sore throats
• Take OTC pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fevers or body aches
• Consider supplements like vitamin C, zinc, or elderberry
• Eat nourishing foods like broths, soups, or juices

When to See a Doctor

Most healthy people can treat colds and flu at home. But some symptoms warrant medical attention:

• Fever over 104 F lasting more than 3 days
• Face pain from sinus pressure or earaches
• Shortness of breath or worsening wheezing
• No symptom improvement after 10 days

People at high risk for complications should also call their doctor—including those with lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, or weakened immune systems.

Preventing Colds and Flu

Beyond treating symptoms, preventing viral illness can limit misery. Tips to avoid getting sick include:

• Get an annual flu vaccine
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water
• Limit contact with obviously sick people
• Sanitize commonly touched surfaces like phones or door handles
• Avoid touching your face, nose, and eyes
• Practice good health habits like eating well and getting enough sleep

The Bottom Line

Treating the common cold or flu with over-the-counter medicines can ease irritating symptoms. But misusing drugs containing dextromethorphan or doxylamine is extremely hazardous. Parents and caregivers must prevent inappropriate use and monitor for signs of medicine abuse—especially unsafe social media challenges like cooking chicken in NyQuil. With sound judgment no drugs are necessary to create a viral video.

FAQs

What is the NyQuil chicken challenge?

The NyQuil chicken challenge is a dangerous social media trend where people boil chicken in NyQuil or another cough medicine containing dextromethorphan (DXM) or doxylamine. Videos showing the cooked chicken are then posted on sites like TikTok.

Why is the FDA warning against this challenge?

The FDA issued a warning because boiling chicken in cough medicine to get high poses serious health risks. Even if done as a joke, misusing these over-the-counter drugs can cause overdose reactions including seizures, liver damage, or even death.

What are signs of cough medicine abuse?

Signs someone has abused cough medicine to get high can include: acting drunk or confused, vomiting, shallow breathing, racing pulse, or otherwise seeming impaired after taking the medicine.

How can parents prevent cough medicine abuse?

Parents should educate kids about the dangers of misusing medicine to get high and monitor for any signs of abuse. Keep over-the-counter drugs secured, track refills, and properly dispose of any unused medicines to help keep them from being misused.