PARENT ALERT: McNeil Recall of OTC Children’s Medicines

This Parent Alert is in reference to a recent announcement by McNeil Consumer Healthcare that they are voluntarily recalling numerous over-the-counter children and infant liquid medicines.  The reason behind this recall is the possibility that these medicines may have more of the active drug ingredient than is noted on the bottles or inactive ingredients that may either contain tiny particles or not meet their internal testing requirements.

The products that are covered by this recall include the following OTC medicines, which come in 43 different flavors and sizes:

1. Tylenol Infants’ Drops
2. Children’s Tylenol Suspensions
3. Children’s Tylenol Plus Suspensions
4. Motrin Infants’ Drops
5. Children’s Motrin Suspensions
6. Children’s Motrin Cold Suspensions
7. Children’s Zyrtec Liquids in Bottles
8. Children’s Benadryl Allergy Liquids in Bottles

McNeil has requested that consumers immediately stop using these products.  Important, as well, is that consumers understand this recall is not being done because of any adverse medical reactions.

If your child is sick and needs a medicine that is on the above list, look for generic versions of these products.   If there is a question in your mind about what product to use, be sure to call your doctor or pharmacist.  The FDA also emphasizes that parents not administer medicines that are adult strength to children.

To find out what lots have been recalled and whether or not you are in possession of any of them, you can check the McNeil website.  If you do have any packages, you can contact McNeil for a refund.

If you believe that your child has had an adverse reaction to one of these medicines, it can be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Program one of three ways:  Fax at 1-800-FDA-0178; Mail to MedWatch, FDA, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20852-9787; Report to the MedWatch website.