Belladonna Prompts Another Homeopathic Teething Tablets Recall

Published on November 30, 2016 by Sandy Liebhard

Raritan Pharmaceuticals has recalled homeopathic teething tablets and ear relief medications due to concerns that the products may contain inconsistent amounts of belladonna. The action is being characterized as precautionary, as no injuries have been tied to any of the recalled medications.

Products affected include:

• CVS Homeopathic Infants’ Teething Tablet 135 tablets, UPC: 050428424162, Lots: 41116 and 43436;
• Kids Relief Homeopathic Ear Relief Oral Liquid 0.85 fl. oz., UPC: 778159090639, Lot: 35254
• CVS Homeopathic Kids’ Ear Relief Liquid 0.85 fl. oz., UPC: 050428441633, Lot: 33149

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers to stop using these homeopathic remedies, and to contact a healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to their use.

Belladonna can be toxic when ingested in large amounts. Symptoms of belladonna poisoning may include:

• Seizures
• Difficulty breathing
• Lethargy
• Excessive sleepiness

Death, Injuries Linked to Homeopathic Teething Tablets

In September, the FDA warned against the use of homeopathic teething tablets and gels, after such products were tied to 10 infant deaths and hundreds of adverse events. Teething medications of this type have not been evaluated by the agency for safety, nor have they been proven to offer any actual health benefits.

The FDA’s alert prompted CVS to announce a voluntary recall of homeopathic teething gels and tablets sold at its retail stores. Affected products include:

• Baby Orajel Naturals Gel for Teething Pain, .33 oz
• Baby Orajel Naturals Gel for Teething Pain Nighttime Formula, .33 oz
• Baby Orajel Naturals Tablets for Teething Pain, 125 Count
• CVS Homeopathic Infant’s Teething Tablet, 135 Count
• CVS Homeopathic Infants’ Teething Liquid, .85 oz
• Hyland’s Baby Nighttime Teething Tablets, 135 Count
• Hyland’s Baby Teething Gel, .5 oz
• Hyland’s Baby Teething Tablets, 13 Count
• Hyland’s Baby Teething Tablets, 135 Count
• Hyland’s Teething Gel, .33 oz

Hyland’s later announced that it would discontinue U.S. sales of its homeopathic teething remedies. The same company announced a teething tablet recall in 2010, after the products were linked to a number of adverse events. The pills involved in that recall were also found to contain inconsistent amounts of belladonna.