On Friday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that laboratory tests found levels of toxic belladonna in particular homeopathic teething products.
The FDA reports that after laboratory analysis the federal organization found inconsistent levels of belladonna, which could pose a risk to infants and children. As a result, the FDA urges consumers not to use these homeopathic teething tablets. Also, the FDA has contacted the Standard Homeopathic Company in Los Angeles calling for the company to recall their teething tablet products containing belladonna.
“The body’s response to belladonna in children under two years of age is unpredictable and puts them at unnecessary risk,” said Janet Woodcock, M.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, explained in a statement. ”We recommend that parents and caregivers not give these homeopathic teething tablets to children and seek advice from their health care professional for safe alternatives.”
The FDA also points out that the agency has not approved homeopathic teething products. However, this is not the first time the FDA warned consumers about the risks associated with homeopathic products. Moreover, in November 2016, the FDA reports Raritan Pharmaceuticals recalled three belladonna-containing homeopathic products; CVS sold two of those products.
FDA warns consumers who have recently given their child the homeopathic teething products to immediately seek medical care if their child displays the following symptoms:
- Symptoms
- Difficulty Breathing
- Excessive Sleepiness
- Muscle Weakness
- Constipation
- Difficulty urinating
- Agitation
What is Belladonna?
The U.S. National Library of Medicine says “Belladonna” can be used as a sedative, painkiller, motion sickness and motion sickness. However, when taken by mouth, belladonna is toxic. Side effects include: “include dry mouth, enlarged pupils, blurred vision, red dry skin, fever, fast heartbeat inability to urinate or sweat, hallucinations, spasms, mental problems, convulsions, and coma.”