Benadryl Recall: The Details

The U.S.Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced on March 20, 2025, a recall of approximately 2,300 bottles of Benadryl Liquid elixir (100 mL) sold on Amazon. The recall is due to a failure to meet child-resistant packaging standards, as mandated by the Poison Prevention Packaging Act. This poses a serious risk of accidental ingestion and potential poisoning in children.

The specific product being recalled is Benadryl Liquid Elixir in a 100 mL round, dark plastic bottle. The bottle features a pink and white label with the word “Benadryl” prominently displayed in blue text. The recalled bottles have the code “X003VRIGUL” printed on a white label at the bottom of the package.

While the product itself is not defective,the non-child-resistant packaging prompted the recall. Consumers who have purchased this product are urged to immediately stop using it and dispose of it properly.

Why is Child-Resistant Packaging So Important?

Child-resistant packaging is a critical safety measure designed to prevent accidental poisonings in young children.These packages are specifically engineered to be challenging for children under the age of five to open, while still allowing adults to access the medication or product inside. The Poison Prevention Packaging Act (PPPA) of 1970 mandates child-resistant packaging for many household substances, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, to reduce the risk of accidental ingestion.

According to the Centers for disease Control and Prevention (CDC), unintentional poisoning is a leading cause of injury and death in children in the United States. Child-resistant packaging plays a vital role in preventing these incidents by adding an extra layer of protection. however, it’s important to remember that “child-resistant” does not mean “child-proof.” Parents and caregivers should always store medications and other potentially hazardous substances out of reach and out of sight of children, regardless of the type of packaging.

What to Do If You Have Recalled Benadryl

If you have purchased Benadryl Liquid Elixir with the code “X003VRIGUL” from Amazon, follow these steps:

• Stop Using the Product: Immediately discontinue use of the recalled Benadryl Liquid Elixir.
• Dispose of the Product Properly: The CPSC recommends disposing of the product in a way that prevents children from accessing it. One option is to mix the liquid with an undesirable substance like coffee grounds or kitty litter,seal it in a bag,and dispose of it in the trash.
• Contact Amazon for a refund: Contact Amazon’s customer service to request a full refund for the purchase. You may need to provide proof of purchase, such as an order confirmation or receipt.
• Report the Incident: Consider reporting the incident to the CPSC at SaferProducts.gov.This helps the agency track safety issues and take appropriate action.

The Risks of Benadryl Overdose in Children

Benadryl, also known as diphenhydramine, is an antihistamine commonly used to treat allergies and cold symptoms. While it can be effective for these purposes, it’s important to use it cautiously, especially in children. Overdosing on Benadryl can lead to serious health consequences, particularly in young children.

Symptoms of a Benadryl overdose in children can include:

• Drowsiness and lethargy
• Agitation and hyperactivity
• Dilated pupils
• Dry mouth and skin
• Flushed face
• Rapid heartbeat
• Fever
• Hallucinations
• Seizures
• Coma

In severe cases, an overdose could cause breathing and heart issues, brain damage, and even death. In situations like this,seeking immediate medical attention is critical.Parents should promptly contact the poison control center, and they can call 911. These are the most severe consequences of Benadryl overdose,notably for young children. Longer-term effects are possible, especially if there is significant brain damage or other organ damage caused by the overdose.

Manufacturer’s Response

johnson & johnson, the manufacturer of Benadryl, has issued a statement regarding the recall, emphasizing thier commitment to consumer safety. The company is working with the CPSC and Amazon to ensure that the recalled product is removed from the market and that consumers are aware of the issue. Johnson & Johnson is also reviewing it’s packaging processes to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.

Consumers with questions or concerns about the recall can contact Johnson & Johnson’s consumer affairs department for more information.

Protecting Your Children from Accidental Poisoning: A Broader Viewpoint

The Benadryl recall serves as a stark reminder of the importance of taking proactive measures to protect children from accidental poisoning. While child-resistant packaging is a valuable tool, it’s not a substitute for responsible storage and handling of medications and other potentially hazardous substances.

Here are some additional steps parents and caregivers can take to safeguard their children:

• Store all medications and household products out of reach and out of sight of children. This includes keeping them in locked cabinets or on high shelves.
• Read and follow all instructions carefully before administering any medication. Pay close attention to dosage instructions and warnings.
• Never refer to medications as “candy.” This can confuse children and lead them to believe that taking medication is harmless.
• Be aware of potential hazards in your home. Identify and properly store any potentially hazardous substances,such as cleaning products,pesticides,and antifreeze.
• Keep the Poison Control Center phone number (1-800-222-1222) readily accessible. Program it into your phone and post it in an easily visible location.

By taking these precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidental poisoning in your home.

Benadryl Recall: Protecting Families from Child Poisoning—An expert Q&A

To gain further insights into preventing accidental medication poisoning, we spoke with Dr. Anya Sharma, a pediatrician specializing in child safety.

Senior editor: Dr. Sharma, thank you for joining us today. The Benadryl recall has raised concerns about child safety. What are your initial thoughts on this situation?

Dr.Sharma: “This recall is a critical reminder of the vulnerabilities children face when safety measures aren’t properly implemented. It underscores the need for constant vigilance and adherence to safety standards by manufacturers and caregivers alike.”

Senior Editor: What are the immediate steps parents should take if they discover they have purchased the recalled benadryl product?

Dr. Sharma: “The first step is to immediately stop using the product. Then, ensure it is disposed of safely, out of reach of children. Contact the retailer, in this case, Amazon, for a refund and to report the issue.This helps track the scope of the problem and prevents further distribution.”

Senior Editor: Beyond the immediate steps of disposing of recalled products, what other steps can parents take to safeguard their children from accidental medication poisoning in their homes?

Dr. sharma: “Proactive measures are incredibly important. Preventative measures include:

• Storing all medications safely: Keep medications in child-resistant containers, locked cabinets, or out of reach and sight of children.
• Reading and following instructions: Carefully follow dosage instructions on all medications,both prescription and over-the-counter. Double-check the concentration of liquid medications to ensure the correct dose.
• Safe storage of all potential poisons: Store cleaning products, pesticides, and all household chemicals in their original containers, stored out of the reach and sight of children.
• Never refer to medications as “candy”: This can confuse children and lead them to believe that taking medication is harmless and can encourage them to take it on their own.
• Being aware of potential hazards within the home. Identifying and properly storing any potentially hazardous substances help diminish risks.

It’s also essential to keep the Poison Control center phone number (1-800-222-1222) readily accessible. Have it programmed into your phone and posted in an easily visible location.”

Senior Editor: The Benadryl recall also highlights the importance of purchasing medications from verified sources, particularly online. Do you have any advice on how to do it?

dr. Sharma: “Absolutely. When purchasing medications, especially online, always verify the source’s legitimacy. Ensure it is a licensed pharmacy or retailer.Look for secure websites, with proper security protocols to protect your personal and financial data. If something seems suspicious, such as an unusually low price or lack of contact information, it’s best to avoid that seller.This is about protecting both your family’s health and your financial well-being.”

Senior Editor: The Benadryl recall has brought child safety to the forefront. What would be the key takeaway or a final thought you’d like to leave with our readers?

Dr. Sharma: “The key takeaway is that preventing accidental medication poisoning is a shared responsibility. It requires consistent vigilance, proactive measures, and a commitment to creating a safe habitat for children. By implementing these simple steps, you can significantly reduce the risk. Even with child-resistant packaging, store all medications out of sight and reach of children and ensure that you contact a medical professional if a child ingests any amount of medication. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician or the Poison Control Center if you have any concerns.”

Senior Editor: dr. Sharma, thank you so much for sharing your expertise and insights with us today.

Senior Editor: As highlighted by Dr. Sharma,the Benadryl recall serves as a critical reminder for all families. Remember to take the necessary precautions to keep your children safe. What measures are you taking to ensure medication safety in your home? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below, and let’s build a safer community!