Hyland's teething tablets recalled, may pose a risk to children

If you have an infant who is teething, make sure you are not using Hyland's Teething Tablets for relief. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is sending a warning not to not use this product and dispose of any in your possession.

Hyland's Teething Tablets are manufactured to contain a small amount of belladonna, a substance that can cause serious harm at larger doses. It is a plant whose leaves and berries can be extremely toxic. It has been used as both a poison and a medicine throughout history. For such a product, it is important that the amount of belladonna be carefully controlled. FDA laboratory analysis, however, has found that Hyland's Teething Tablets contain inconsistent amounts of belladonna. The FDA has also gotten reports of serious adverse effects in children taking this product that are consistent with belladonna toxicity. There are also reports of children who consumed more tablets than recommended, because the containers do not have child resistant caps.

The FDA urges you to consult your doctor if your child experiences symptoms such as seizures, difficulty breathing, lethargy, excessive sleepiness, muscle weakness, skin flushing, constipation, difficulty urinating, or agitation after using Hyland's Teething Tablets.

Hyland's Teething Tablets is a homeopathic product sold over the counter and used to offer temporary relief of teething symptoms in children.  Hyland's Teething Tablets have not been evaluated by the FDA for safety or efficacy.

An ongoing inspection at the manufacturer also reveals substandard control of the manufacturing operation. FDA urges both health care professionals and consumers to report side effects from use of Hyland's Teething Tablets to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program.

For more information on the recall, click here. If you bought this product in an Atlanta area store or elsewhere nationwide, you can submit an online request for a refund by clicking here.