More than 40 over-the-counter infants' and children's liquid medications are being recalled in the U.S. and 11 other countries because they did not meet required quality standards.
Parents need to stop using infants' and children's Tylenol, Motrin, Zyrtec and Benadryl products. (Check out this website, http://www.mcneilproductrecall.com/, for a complete list of the recalled products.)
McNeil voluntarily recalled the medicine because some products may have a higher concentration of active ingredient than is specified on the medicine bottle; others may contain particles; while others may have inactive ingredients that do not meet testing standards.
So far, McNeil said no adverse health effects have been reported, but the company asks parents and caregivers to report any suspected cases to the Food and Drug Administration's MedWatch Program ( http://www.fda/gov/medwatch)
McNeil has also set up a hotline (888-222-6036) to answer customer questions and concerns. The company's dedicated recall website also has instructions on how to safely dispose of the medication (http://www.mcneilproductrecall.com/page.jhtml?id=/include/faq.inc#3_b); plus a request form for you to be contacted (via e-mail or return phone call) if you would like to get a refund.
The FDA says there are a number of other products on the market, including generic brands, that can be used be in infants and children. Brands not listed on the official list are not affected by the recall. For example, parents can still give Children's Advil to their kids.
When it comes to treating your baby's cold, natural is better in some cases. Here are a few ideas to ease your sick child.
1. Loosen mucus with steam, saline nose spray or breast milk and remove it by suctioning with a bulb syringe.
2. Use a humidifier with a clean filter to keep the air in your baby's room moist.
3. Keep your child hydrated by breastfeeding or bottle-feeding more often. If your baby is 6 months or older, offer him a little water or diluted juice.
Just Remember to be patient. Colds are caused by viruses and the only cure is time! A typical virus lasts about seven days.
