A Virginia mother is raising alarms about a widely used teething gel, emphasizing that it should only be administered to children aged two years and older. In a recent update, the manufacturer, Orajel, has removed benzocaine from all its teething products aimed at children. Their teething gels are now free from artificial colors, menthol, sugar, parabens, belladonna, sodium lauryl sulfate, gluten, and dairy.
While browsing the pharmacy aisle, you may have noticed countless pain relievers for children, each accompanied by extensive guidelines and potential side effects. One mother’s alarming experience has prompted her to warn fellow parents about the dangers of not adhering to dosage recommendations.
Distressing Incident
Danielle Parker, a concerned mom, recounted a distressing incident involving her 15-month-old daughter, Mia. On February 26, Parker applied a small amount of Orajel’s nighttime teething gel to Mia’s gums. Almost instantly, her daughter exhibited severe reactions, leading to a life-threatening situation. “Mia turned red, started kicking, and then within seconds became unresponsive,” Parker shared on her social media. “Her eyes locked in a blank stare, she went limp, and stopped breathing. She turned blue.”
In a state of panic, Parker quickly attempted to revive Mia before initiating CPR while her husband called 911. “Fortunately, she regained consciousness and started crying after what felt like an eternity of 15-20 seconds,” she said. Emergency responders arrived shortly after and confirmed that Mia was stable.
Misleading Marketing Practices
While this incident concluded with a positive outcome, Parker is determined to inform others about the potential hazards of this medication and the misleading marketing practices surrounding it. “The usage instructions clearly indicate it’s intended for children aged two and older. However, the packaging features an image of a baby and is displayed in the baby section of stores and online,” she explained. “This is incredibly misleading and should have a prominent warning label or be removed from shelves.”
Adding to the confusion, some retailers, including Target, recommend this product for babies as young as four months. Although Mia was 15 months old, the instructions clearly state the product is for children over two. Many parents, including Parker, admit to having administered medications outside the recommended age limits, often unaware of the severe consequences.
Community Response
Since sharing her experience, Parker has received an outpouring of messages from parents who have faced similar situations. “Many had no clue about the risks associated with this product,” she noted. The reality is that most teething occurs before the age of two; according to WebMD, teething typically begins between three to twelve months, well before children can safely use teething gels.
“I wish I had known this sooner. There are numerous reports online dating back to 2008 highlighting similar cases where children became unresponsive after using Baby Orajel. It’s as if someone documented my experience,” Parker lamented. Furthermore, she pointed out that the FDA has issued warnings against administering benzocaine to infants.
Raising Awareness
While Parker is reluctant to share her children’s experiences on social media, she felt compelled to alert other parents about the risks associated with using Orajel Nighttime for children under two. “It’s crucial for parents to be aware of the dangers linked to this product,” she stated.
For more insights on family health and safety, check out this informative article on teething gels at Modern Family Blog. And if you’re exploring options for pregnancy, the article found at Parents provides excellent guidance on home insemination.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while teething can be a challenging period for both parents and children, it is essential to adhere to dosage guidelines and be aware of the potential risks involved with certain products.