Sunday, June 03, 2012

FDA: Health Warning against Using Teething Gels for Infants and Children


In a recent release the Food and Drug Administration issued a warning regarding potential health risks associated with the use of many brand name teething gels like Anbesol, Hurricaine, Orajel, Baby Orajel, and Orabase. The advisory, short of a product recall, is over concerns with the ingredient benzocaine used in the oral pain gels. Children under 2 years old appear to be at particular risk says the FDA.
Benzocaine is a local anesthetic found in the over-the-counter products like those previously listed in the gel and liquid pain relievers.