Quick Hits: Corticosteroids Ineffective for Sore Throat, Recall of Some Hyland’s Baby Products

The corticosteroid dexamethasone doesn’t alleviate sore throat symptoms in patients in a 24-hour time period. Of 565 randomized participants, 288 received dexamethasone and 277 received a placebo. Researchers found that those who received dexamethasone did not experience relief within 24 hours. Although more patients taking the steroid reported feeling relief after 48 hours, there is now uncertainty about whether steroids should serve as a key remedy for a sore throat. Posted April 18, 2017. Via JAMA.

The FDA is alerting consumers to a nationwide recall of all Hyland’s Baby Teething Tablets and Hyland’s Baby Nighttime Teething Tablets. The agency confirmed that homeopathic teething tablets containing belladonna pose a hazard to infants and children. The FDA urges consumers to stop using these products and dispose of them immediately. Consumers should seek medical care immediately if their child experiences seizures, difficulty breathing, lethargy, excessive sleepiness, muscle weakness, skin flushing, constipation, difficulty urinating or agitation after using homeopathic teething products. Posted April 13, 2017. Via FDA.