Infant and Children Medications Recalled

McNeil Consumer Healthcare and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced a recall of numerous drugs for infants and children including popular pain medications Tylenol and Motrin. Also recalled were certain Zyrtec and Benadryl products (for children) often used this time of year to relieve allergies and colds.

Fort Washington, Pa.-based McNeil said Saturday it was initiating a voluntary recall that was not due to any adverse medical events, but because some products might not have met required quality standards. Check out the full list of the products here, or copy this link http://media.philly.com/images/ON+List+Final_list.jpg. In my house we have already found recalled infant and children's Motrin as well as children's Tylenol.

The FDA said alternative over-the-counter medications, including generic versions of the recalled products, were available and that it did not anticipate a shortage.

The company and the FDA said that the recalled medications could have higher concentrations of active ingredients than intended or inactive ingredients that didn't meet requirements. Other products could contain tiny particles.

The FDA stated that the potential for serious medical problems as a result of using these products was "remote." Still, consumers were advised to stop using the medications.

"We want to be certain that consumers discontinue using these products and that they know what to do if they have concerns about a specific product," said FDA commissioner Margaret A. Hamburg. "We are investigating the products and facilities associated with this recall and will provide updates as we learn more."

The FDA recommended that consumers who have purchased the medications check labeling to determine if it is among those recalled Saturday May 1.

McNeil has set up a website for people with questions and those who have purchased the products. Here's that link www.mcneilproductrecall.com.