FDA Urges Caregivers and Parents to Get Rid of Teething Rings Found to Contain Belladonna

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, teething rings manufactured by Standard Homeopathic Company contain dangerous levels of belladonna, more commonly known as nightshade. Hence, FDA officials have issued warnings in regard to these products, recommending caregivers and parents altogether to throw them out.

The warning comes after the agency found out the teething rings contain more of the poisonous plant than mentioned on the product’s label. According to the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research director, Dr. Janet Woodcock, the small children’s response to belladonna, especially those under the age of 2, is unpredictable and places them at “unnecessary risk”. As a result, the best way to go about it is for parents and caregivers not to provide children with Hyland’s brand teething tablets and seek professional help from their healthcare providers for safer alternatives.

Last year, East Brunswick, New Jersey, Raritan Pharmaceuticals recalled three homeopathic products that also contained the poisonous ingredient. Two out of the three were manufactured by CVS. Furthermore, Food and Drug Administration officials said during a press release, that the marketing of the homeopathic teething rings has not been approved by the agency. If something, they were deemed ineffective and regarded as a safety hazard to the children’s health. In the same press release, the agency added that specialists are still unaware of any health benefits associated with the products. Homeopathic teething products are marketed as a means of relieving symptoms associated with teething in small children.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration officials have also issued recommendations for parents who provided their children with teething rings before the announcement on the negative side effects on the little ones’ health came out. Also, healthcare providers have identified the symptoms that point to a potential belladonna poisoning in children who have been munching on these products.

Hence, parents whose kids experience lethargy, difficulty urinating, difficulty breathing, skin flushing, seizures, excessive sleepiness, agitation after using the homeopathic products, and muscle weakness are advised to take immediate action and contact their healthcare provider as soon as possible.

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