Tylenol recalls children's liquid medications

The maker of Tylenol is recalling 21 types of infants' and children's liquid Tylenol because it may be contaminated with bacteria. The affected lots were manufactured more than a year ago between April and June 2008. The full list of types and lots can be found on the Tylenol's Web site.

Included in the recall are a variety of flavors and remedies including Tylenol Suspension, Tylenol Cold, Tylenol Plus Cough, Tylenol Plus Flu and Tylenol Plus Cold/Allergy in cherry, grape, strawberry and bubble gum flavors.

In a letter to healthcare professionals, McNeil Consumer Healthcare wrote, "an unused portion of one inactive ingredient did not meet all quality standards." Specifically, the bacteria B. cepacia (Burkholderia cepacia) was detected. According to the Centers for Disease Control, "people who have certain health problems like weakened immune systems or chronic lung diseases, particularly cystic fibrosis, may be more susceptible to infections with B. cepacia."

Read the full post on our Safety blog, and get more news and advice on prescription drugs and drug safety.