The Food and Drug Administration issued a warning for parents to immediately stop feeding babies any homeopathic teething tablets and gels, and to discard any unused products. The FDA’s action appears to stem from concern about the active ingredient belladonna in the tablets. The FDA recommends that consumers stop using these products and dispose of any in their possession. Consumers should seek medical care immediately if their child experiences seizures, difficulty breathing, lethargy, excessive sleepiness, muscle weakness, skin flushing, constipation, difficulty urinating, or agitation after using homeopathic teething tablets or gels.

Homeopathic teething tablets and gels have not been evaluated or approved by the FDA for safety or efficacy. The agency is also not aware of any proven health benefit of the products, which are labeled to relieve teething symptoms in children.