Over 2,000 Benadryl Bottles Pulled For Lacking Child-Resistant Packaging

Thousands of bottles of liquid Benadryl are being recalled in the United States due to a critical safety issue—absence of child-resistant packaging. The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has announced that Arsell Inc., a Brooklyn, New York-based company, is voluntarily recalling the affected batch of allergy medication. The decision stems from the fact that the product contains diphenhydramine, a drug that must legally be packaged in child-resistant containers under the Poison Prevention Packaging Act (PPPA).

According to the CPSC, “The packaging of the products is not child-resistant, posing a risk of poisoning if the contents are swallowed by young children.” This warning highlights the serious risk that even a small amount of diphenhydramine can pose to a child, potentially leading to accidental poisoning if the medicine is ingested.

What Is Benadryl and Why Is It Used?

Benadryl Syrup is commonly used to treat cough and a variety of allergy symptoms. It helps relieve conditions such as runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, congestion, and stuffy nose. In addition, the syrup works by thinning mucus in the nose, lungs, and windpipe, making it easier to cough out. The active ingredient, diphenhydramine, is an antihistamine that also induces drowsiness, making it helpful for managing nighttime allergy symptoms.

Details of the Recall

The recall specifically affects 2,300 bottles of Benadryl Liquid Elixir, each containing 100 mL of the product. These bottles are packaged in a round, dark plastic container with a pink and white label that prominently displays the word “Benadyl” in blue font. The product, manufactured in Canada, was sold in a paper box and includes a white label on the bottom of the box with the code “X003VRIGUL” printed in black text. This specific code helps customers identify whether they have purchased the affected product.

What Should Consumers Do Now?

If you’ve recently purchased a bottle of Benadryl and it matches the description of the recalled product, it's important to act immediately. While the company is offering refunds to affected customers, health experts strongly advise that consumers dispose of the product without delay. The risk of keeping the medication in a non-childproof bottle outweighs the benefits of holding onto it. Children are naturally curious, and if they gain access to the syrup, it could lead to accidental poisoning—a potentially life-threatening situation.

The recall serves as an important reminder about the significance of child-resistant packaging, especially for medications that contain potent ingredients. In households with young children, even everyday over-the-counter products can become hazardous if not stored or packaged correctly.

Consumers who are unsure about whether their product is part of the recall can contact Arsell Inc. for more information and assistance with processing refunds. Meanwhile, the CPSC continues to work with manufacturers to ensure that all drug packaging complies with federal safety standards designed to protect the most vulnerable members of society—young children.