The FDA announced a recall on Hyland’s Teething Tablets today due to possible belladonna poison. The homeopathic tablets are used to soothe babies experiencing the symptoms of teething. The product is supposed to contain smalls amounts of belladonna, however, the FDA has found that the amounts actually vary. If consumed in large doses, belladonna can be toxic.
Incidents have been reported to the FDA that are consistent with belladonna poisoning. And the FDA notes that there are cases where children have taken more than the recommended dosage because the containers do not have child resistant caps. However, officials from Hyland’s say that they are confident that the teething tablets are still safe for babies and toddlers and that the recall is precautionary.
Symptoms of belladonna poisoning include seizures, difficulty breathing, lethargy, excessive sleepiness, muscle weakness, skin flushing, constipation, difficulty urinating or agitation. The FDA recommends calling a doctor if your baby experiences any of these symptoms after using Hyland’s Teething Tablets and to immediately stop using the tablets.
Pediatrician Joel Schwab at the University of Chicago Medical Center says he does not recommend the use of topical oinment for teething, especially ones that contain belladonna. “If the kids are uncomfortable, I recommend biting down on a cold teething ring, or maybe an ice they can bite down on,” he says. “Topical ointments only work temporarily, and occasionally some people may give too much.”
Hyland’s is offering a refund or a free replacement product. Contact them at 1-877-496-5044, or visit the website at hylandsteething.com/recall.
The Hyland’s Teething Tablets UPC codes included in the recall are:
- Hyland’s Teething Tablets, 125 tablets, UPC # 3 54973 75041
- Hyland’s Teething Tablets, 250 tablets, UPC # 3 54973 75042
- Hyland’s Teething Tablets, 125 tablets, UPC # 3 54973 75066
- Hyland’s Teething Tablets, 50 tablets, UPC # 3 54973 75044
- Hyland’s Teething Tablets, 145 tablets, UPC # 3 54973 75121
- Hyland’s Teething Tablets, Clip Strip 6×125 tablets, UPC # 3 54973 35109
