Social media trends can be entertaining, but some pose serious risks—especially to young users. The NyQuil Chicken challenge is one such dangerous trend that has resurfaced on TikTok, encouraging people to cook chicken in NyQuil cold medicine. While it may seem like a harmless joke, health experts and the FDA have issued warnings about its severe consequences. Understanding these risks can help parents protect their children from making dangerous decisions online.

Why Are Teens Drawn to Dangerous Social Media Challenges?

  • Social media trends create a sense of belonging and connection.
  • Peer pressure and the desire for online engagement push students to take part.
  • Thrill-seeking behavior makes dangerous challenges seem exciting.
  • Similar to past viral challenges like the Tide Pod Challenge and Benadryl Challenge, students may not fully understand the risks.

What Is the NyQuil Chicken Challenge?

  • A viral trend where people cook chicken in NyQuil cold medicine.
  • Originally started as a joke in 2017 but resurfaced on TikTok and Instagram.
  • The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned against this challenge due to health risks.
  • TikTok has placed warnings on related content, cautioning users about dangerous challenges.

FDA warns against TikTok challenge: cooking chicken in Nyquil

How Cooking with NyQuil Puts Health at Risk

  • Boiling NyQuil makes the medicine more concentrated, increasing its potency.
  • Inhaling the fumes while cooking can cause dangerous exposure to the drugs.
  • Potential side effects include:
    • Lung damage from inhaling toxic vapors
    • Hallucinations or altered brain chemistry
    • Loss of consciousness or seizures
    • Severe breathing difficulties

Recognizing the Warning Signs in Your Teen

  • Sudden interest in viral challenges or discussing risky activities.
  • Spending excessive time on social media platforms that feature these trends.
  • Talking about extreme ways to gain likes, shares, or online attention.
  • Signs of illness or breathing difficulties after exposure to medications.

NyQuil Chicken Challenge In the News

Earlier this month, social media users were shaking their heads at the latest example of the crazy antics of Gen Z: NyQuil chicken. The slimy, teal concoction was the latest dangerous social media trend, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which begged people to not cook chicken in cold medication. News of the warning began to spread in the media.  – USA Today

What Can Parents and Educators Do?

  • Open a conversation: Talk to students about the dangers of misusing medications.
  • Discourage participation: Make it clear that these challenges pose real health threats.
  • Suggest safer alternatives: Encourage participation in fun, harmless social media trends.
  • Know the signs of exposure: If a student appears unresponsive, is hallucinating, or has trouble breathing, call 911 immediately.

How Social Media Plays a Role in Spreading Dangerous Trends

  • Algorithms push viral content, increasing the reach of risky challenges.
  • The need for online recognition encourages users to try extreme activities.
  • Platforms like TikTok have started adding warning labels, but dangerous trends still spread quickly.

Final Thoughts

Not all social media challenges are dangerous, but some can pose serious risks. The NyQuil Chicken challenge is one such harmful trend. Parents and educators must stay informed and talk to students about online safety. Raising awareness can prevent dangerous decisions and help students make safer choices online.

 

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