Dangers of Hyland's Teething Tablets
Hyland's teething tablets are a homeopathic remedy for irritation and pain caused by teething. Babies often begin teething around six months of age, as the incisors and first molars begin to push through the gums. Teething can be painful, causing irritation and tenderness to the gums. Some babies may also experience low-grade fevers, restlessness during sleep and cold-like symptoms. While Hyland's teething tablets and other homeopathic remedies for teething are sought out because they are thought to be safer, they present side effects and risks.
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Usage
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Hyland's teething tablets can be administered directly, by placing two to three of them underneath the tongue, or in a teaspoon of water. Tablets can be given up to four times per day to alleviate teething symptoms.
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Ingredients
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Hyland's teething tablets contain Calcarea Phosphorica 3X HPUS, Chamomilla 3X HPUS, Coffea Cruda 3X HPUS and Belladonna 3X HPUS. According to Hyland's, these ingredients are naturally occurring substances and are used to support dentition and to reduce redness, inflammation, wakefulness, diuresis and irritability.
Side Effects and Potential Dangers
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Hyland's reports that there are no side effects associated with the use of their teething tablets, nor is there a risk of overdosing or encountering a drug interaction if taken in conjunction with another pain medication.
However, one of the ingredients found in Hyland's teething tablets, Belladonna alkaloids, is known to cause dry mouth, blurred vision and urinary retention when taken in larger quantities. Hyland's states that one teething tablet contains approximately 0.0002 mg of Belladonna alkaloids, and it would take at least 0.2 to 5 mg of Belladonna alkaloids to cause side effects.
Belladonna alkaloids produce a variety of effects in the body, including reduced muscle spasms in the urinary and digestive tracts, and a reduction in fluid secretions from certain organs and glands. Belladonna alkaloids are often used in conjunction with phenobarbital to treat irritable bowel syndrome and ulcers in the intestine.
Belladonna has the potential to be dangerous, but only if taken in large quantities and if you are taking another medication that Belladonna might interact with. Cold, allergy and pain medications are medications that Belladonna could interact with, causing increased sleepiness. When taken with alcohol, Belladonna can cause drowsiness and dizziness. Because Belladonna reduces fluid secretions, perspiration may decrease, which increases the risk of heat stroke.
Precautions
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Hyland's teething tablets are a homeopathic medication, and Hyland's insists that an individual would need to consume multiple bottles of the tablets to overdose. Nevertheless, contact a poison control center if you have taken more than the recommended amount. Also, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use Hyland's teething tablets without consulting a health care professional.
Summary
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Hyland's teething tablets should not pose any danger to babies, toddlers or adults. The naturally occurring ingredients in the teething tablets are in low enough doses that it would take a substantial amount of tablets to cause any problems. If you feel that you have a medical condition or are taking any medications that might interact with Hyland's teething tablets, speak to your physician.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Tela Chhe
