We woke up today and I read the Tylenol, Motrin, Zyrtec, and Benadryl medication recall from yesterday. It’s a voluntary recall but concerns remain about quality of the medication. Then I realized the Tylenol I gave O yesterday was still on the counter.
O’s Tylenol is famous, it turns out. It’s part of the recall. Medications on the recall list include: Infant Tylenol, Children’s Tylenol, Motrin, Zyrtec, and Benadryl.
Check the list and check your medicine cabinet. Maybe you have a bottle of famous medicine, too.
Remember to look just above the medication name for the NDC number as seen in the photo. Then throw it out if you find a match. Call your pediatrician if you have any concerns.
O is fine……
Information for the McNeil product recall here.
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Wendy Sue Swanson, MD says
I’ve found two more bottles in the house, one of Infant Tylenol, one of Motrin, that match the recall.
I’m off to buy some generic acetaminophen tomorrow to replace these. Nearly every parent I’ve talked to has found a match in their cupboard. It’s a massive recall. No clear explanation of the why’s. I’ll update this post as I learn more…
Julie says
Can you recommend an alternative to those recalled medicines? I threw away 2 bottles of Tylenol Infant.
Thanks!
Wendy Sue Swanson, MD says
Julie, You can purchase the generic equivalent. So for Infant (concentrated) Tylenol, look for: “Infants’ Non-aspirin concentrated drops” The drug name is Acetaminophen. We have one in our home made by Premier Value.
Wendy Sue Swanson, MD says
Julie, read this article–It’s a great option, too!
https://health.usnews.com/health-news/family-health/childrens-health/articles/2010/05/03/worried-about-the-recall-3-non-drug-alternatives-to-childrens-medications.html
Erin says
Thanks so much for posting this article. I found 3 bottles in our house that matched the recall numbers!
Ben says
Is there any reason why we shouldn’t always buy the generic? It’s always cheaper — are there actual benefits to buying branded Tylenol over generic acetaminophen?
Wendy Sue Swanson, MD says
Generics are always just as good when it comes to over-the-counter meds. Sometimes they don’t have the same flavor (or in adult meds, the same coating on the pill) but otherwise, the active ingredients are the same and have to pass through same regulations. You can always buy generics. Right now, seems like a better option!
Lynn says
With two kids, and just having come through cold/flu season, I collected 7 bottles of tylenol, motrin and benadry from our medicine shelf and pantryl! Is there really no plan for the company to reimburse us the roughly $35 I’ll be throwing out?
Marcee McCarthy says
yes – there is a refund or coupon for a replacement bottle. See the website for the recall and look at the FAQs.
I’m looking for generic Motrin infant concentrated drops. Any ideas?
Wendy Sue Swanson, MD says
Thanks, Marcee. Here is the link for McNeil refund: https://www.mcneilproductrecall.com/page.jhtml?id=/include/replacement_coupon.inc
There is no generic Motrin. Only concentrated Infant Advil Drops (ibuprofen). I never advise using these drops though as I caution against any use of Motrin or ibuprofen in children under 12 months of age. Tylenol (acetaminophen) is simply safer. If you do find Infant Advil, be careful dosing Infant Advil Drops (100mg/2.5mL) as they are twice as concentrated as Children’s Motrin (100mg/5mL).
Claire says
I just got my refund! What a mess this all is! I am looking forward to updates on what happened!
Wendy Sue Swanson, MD says
@Claire here’s a bit of an update:
McNeil wasn’t able to prove they could accurately predict dose of meds, and they even made errors in announcing the recall. You can read a bit more here:
https://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704912004575252923733201114.html?mg=com-wsj