Child Safety: FDA Warns Parents Over The Dangers Of Homeopathic Teething Products

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently warned parents about the danger of giving their children homeopathic teething products. The FDA warning covered teething products distributed by Hyland's, CVS and other companies.

The FDA says consumers should immediately seek medical help the moment they see their kids exhibiting symptoms that can endanger their health. Among these symptoms are breathing difficulties, seizures, muscle weakness, constipation, lethargy and urinating difficulties after playing with homeopathic teething gels or tablets.

"Teething can be managed without prescription or over-the-counter remedies,"  FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research director Janet Woodcock, M.D. said. "We recommend parents and caregivers not give homeopathic teething tablets and gels to children and seek advice from their health care professional for safe alternatives." 

The FDA has received reports of children suffering from these symptoms as a result of using homeopathic teething gels and tablets, according to USA Today. A safety alert on the dangers of homeopathic teething tablets was released as early as 2010.

The FDA has investigated up to 370 cases of adverse events involving the homeopathic teething products from Hyland's. The reported events involving the use of these products has resulted in eight deaths but the FDA has yet to conclude if these were caused by Hyland's teething gels and tablets.

A statement was released by the FDA on the result of laboratory tests showing traces of belladonna in the teething products distributed by Hyland's, as per NBC4i. It said exposing kids to belladonna puts their health at risk as it is a toxic substance.

Woodcock said parents should not give children these homeopathic teething products but instead ask their doctors for safer alternatives. She urged parents to throw these products if they have these at home.

Hyland's said the FDA warning against their teething tablets has resulted in confusion, according to Scary Mommy. The company said it has decided to pull out the products for the shelves but insisted those already bought by consumers are safe for their children's use. Hyland's did not, however, issue a recall on their homeopathic teething products.