Deaths Of 10 Children Linked To Homeopathic Teething Tablets, FDA Says

An ongoing investigation is being conducted now in the possible link of homeopathic teething tablets and gels to 10 death of children and over 400 other adverse events. The Food and Drug Administration warned the parents and caregivers of the children to stop using the teething tablets, which are used to pacify teething babies.

FDA is investigating now the Hyland's teething tablets and gels and the deaths of 10 children. The investigation also includes the adverse events that occurred in other children over the past six years such as sleepiness, seizures, fever, vomiting, lethargy, shortness of breath, tremors, agitation and irritability.

Hyland company decided not to distribute the teething medicines in the United States. The company stated on its website that the decision was made in light of the recent warning issued by the Food & Drug Administration against the use of homeopathic teething tablets and gels. They further stated that the warning has created confusion among parents and limited access to the medicines, as noted by Fox News.

In the lab testing, the FDA found inconsistent amounts of belladonna in the tablets. The agency had received reports of adverse events that were linked to belladonna toxicity. In 2010, the agency issued a safety alert about the tablets. The bottles didn't have child-resistant caps, too.

Likewise, the American Academy of Pediatrics' Healthy Children.Org has also warned parents and caregivers to keep away from using teething tablets with belladonna and gels and with benzocaine, as they cited the FDA warnings and its side effects.

CNN reports that the American Academy of Pediatrics advises parents to massage the child's gums with a clean finger when a teething baby is in pain and use a solid teething ring or clean, wet washcloth, frozen bananas or bagels. They can also give their children a weight-appropriate dose of acetaminophen. On the other hand, they should consult the doctor about the right dose.