Adverse Effects Associated with Hyland Teething Tablets

Hyland's Teething Tables What evidence exists about the adverse events associated with Hyland's teething tablets? According to investigations conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding the Hyland's teething tablets in 2010, it was established that the drug does contain belladonna. Belladonna is a substance known to cause serious harm when consumed in huge doses. The FDA recognized whenever such a product was being used there should be careful controls in place to ensure that the amount being used is properly measured and controlled.

According to the FDA laboratory results, it was established that Hyland's teething tablets contained inconsistent amounts of belladonna (Food and Drug Administration, 2016). This shows that the amounts specified by the company on its website is not true and each dosage of the drug could have too much or too little. Therefore, it would not be wise to use the drugs until there is a clear indication of how much belladonna is used.

There have been reports of children developing seizures, excessive sleepiness, skin flushing, difficulty urinating, difficulty breathing, muscle weakness, constipation, or agitation after consuming the tablets (Anderson, 2004). These are just some of the symptoms reported by parents after giving their child the drug. The laboratory tests have indicated that the amounts of belladonna available in each dosage differs. Therefore, there is a possibility that some tablets could contain high amounts of belladonna, which causes the children to suffer the mentioned conditions.

What evidence exists about the safety of the teething tablets? There is no evidence to support the safety of the teething tablets. All information supporting the tablets is from the manufacturer, and this could be misleading to the general public. There have been numerous reports by different parents complaining of problems suffered by their child after consuming the tablets. The FDA has confirmed in its most recent press statement that it has not evaluated or approved any homeopathic teething tablets for safety and efficacy (Abbasi, 2017).

This clearly shows that there is no evidence to demonstrate that the tablets are actually safe. Homeopathic tablets or drugs are not effective in treating any condition. Numerous studies have shown that homeopathic drugs are similar to placebo drugs. This means that any relief the patient gets from the drug is not caused by the drug, but rather by their own mind.

What alternatives can be used? Most experts indicate there are no systemic symptoms for teething, and that any discomfort that a child might suffer is very mild, and there might be no pain. However, in case a parent feels their child is experiencing discomfort caused by teething it would be best to use the teething rings that can be chilled. The rings are chewable, and this would help to relieve any discomfort a child might be feeling.

Parents should be careful to avoid anything that might cause choking like cold bagels or teething biscuits. If the parent feels they have to use medication, it is best to use medication that is well known like ibuprofen, and they should not use the medication together with other products like cold and cough medicines since they all contain acetaminophen.

What would you say to a client who asked you about the Hyland's teething tablets? It would be best to provide the parent with the general facts regarding the tablet contents and the FDA investigation results. Explaining to the parent that the tablets contain belladonna and the effects of belladonna on an adult. It would also be prudent.