You may have heard about the recall by now, but if not, pay close attention!
A major safety oversight has led to the recall of thousands of Benadry Liquid Elixir 100 mL bottles. This error creates a substantial risk for young children, who might accidentally ingest the medication, resulting in potentially catastrophic consequences.
Arsell Inc., the manufacturer based in Brooklyn, voluntarily initiated a recall after discovering that thousands of bottles of liquid Benadryl did not comply with regulatory standards for child-resistant packaging. Since Benadryl contains diphenhydramine, it is required by law to be child-proof under the Poison Prevention Packaging Act.
This type of packaging is specifically designed to prevent curious little hands from accessing potentially harmful substances. The absence of this safety feature raises some serious concerns, as children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of medications.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) frequently issues recalls for medications and household products that do not meet child-resistant packaging requirements. This recall follows a similar one in January 2025, when the agency recalled Cabinet Health's refillable medicine bottles due to failures in maintaining child-resistant closures.
Benadryl, which contains the active ingredient diphenhydramine, is commonly used to relieve allergy symptoms, hay fever, and cold symptoms. However, if ingested in large quantities, it can lead to serious health issues, including sedation, respiratory distress, and even life-threatening complications. The importance of child-resistant packaging cannot be overstated; it is a crucial barrier that can prevent accidental poisonings.
If you have purchased liquid Benadryl, checking if your product is part of the recall is vital. To find out if your bottle is affected, look for the lot number on the packaging and compare it against the recall list provided by the manufacturer. If your product is included, discontinue use immediately and dispose of it properly.
While the recall of liquid Benadryl without child-resistant packaging raises significant concern, awareness and prompt action can help prevent potential harm. Stay informed, stay safe, and always prioritize child safety in your home. If you have any questions or concerns about the recall or alternatives for allergy relief, don't hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional. Or contact poison control. Your child's safety is paramount.
Experts strongly recommend keeping medications out of reach of children to prevent accidental poisoning. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association warns caregivers to "Make sure the safety cap is locked after every use. There are several different types of safety caps, so follow the instructions to relock completely."
The recall is for 2,300 Benadryl Liquid Elixir 100 mL bottles sold in a round dark plastic bottle with a pink and white label on the front with the word "Benadryl" in blue text, according to the recall. The 100 ml bottles sold online at Amazon between July 2023 and October 2024 for $16 to $19 were affected.
The product, manufactured in Canada, was packaged in a paper box with a white label on the bottom with the following code written in black text: "X003VRIGUL."
Sources:
https://eu.usatoday.com/story/modon't025/03/21/benadryl-recall-2025-child-poisoning-risk/825889child'shttps://www.drugs.com/tips/diphenhydramine-patient-tips
https://www.cpsc.gov/Poison-Prevention-Packaging-Act
