Bottles of benadryl recalled for child poisoning risk

Benadryl recall: 2,300 bottles pulled from Amazon over child poisoning risk

CPSC.gov

This week, thousands of bottles of liquid Benadryl have been recalled due to a packaging issue that poses a potential poisoning risk for children.

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For parents, ensuring their child’s safety is always a top priority, and that includes being mindful of medication safety. This week, thousands of bottles of liquid Benadryl have been recalled due to a packaging issue that poses a potential poisoning risk for children.

Why is Benadryl being recalled?

According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the recall was issued because the product was not packaged in child-resistant containers, as required by the Poison Prevention Packaging Act (PPPA). The concern is that young children could accidentally ingest the medication, which contains diphenhydramine, an antihistamine that can be dangerous if consumed in high doses. Read the official CPSC recall notice here.

So far, no reports of child poisoning have been linked to this recall, but the CPSC is urging parents to take immediate action to prevent potential harm.

Which Benadryl bottles are affected?

The recall applies to approximately 2,300 bottles of Benadryl Liquid Elixir 100 mL sold in round, dark plastic bottles. The packaging features a pink and white label with the word “Benadryl” in blue text. The affected bottles were manufactured in Canada and packaged in a paper box with a white label on the bottom. Parents can check for the recall code “X003VRIGUL” printed in black text.

Where was the recalled Benadryl sold?

The recalled Benadryl bottles were exclusively sold online via Amazon.com between July 2023 and October 2024, retailing for approximately $16 to $19. If you purchased Benadryl through Amazon during this timeframe, it’s important to verify if your product is affected.

What should parents do if they have this Benadryl?

If you have purchased the recalled Benadryl:

Stop using it immediately.
DisposDispose of both the bottle and the medicine.Although the medicine itself is not defective, the packaging poses a safety risk and both should be discarded.
Request a refund. Consumers can get a refund by submitting their Amazon order number and a photo showing proof of disposal to recall@arsellsupport.com.

What are the risks of diphenhydramine poisoning?

Diphenhydramine, the active ingredient in Benadryl, can be dangerous in high doses, especially for children. Symptoms of overdose or poisoning include:

Extreme drowsiness
Confusion
Blurred vision
Rapid heart rate
Seizures
Trouble breathing (Learn more about diphenhydramine poisoning from the Mount Sinai report).

If you suspect your child has ingested a high dose of Benadryl, seek immediate medical attention by calling 911 or the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

Why child-resistant packaging matters

This recall highlights the importance of child-resistant packaging, which serves as a critical safety barrier to prevent accidental poisonings. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), household medications are one of the leading causes of poisoning among young children. Parents are encouraged to always store medications in a locked or high cabinet, away from children’s reach. Read more from the AAP on medication safety.

While no children have been reported sick due to this recall, it serves as a crucial reminder for parents to double-check medication packaging and storage. If you have the recalled Benadryl at home, follow the steps for disposal and refund as soon as possible.

For more information, visit the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website or speak with your pediatrician if you have any concerns.