Johnson & Johnson's McNeil recalls some medicines

Johnson & Johnson is recalling some liquid infant’s and children’s pain relievers and allergy medicine because the drugs’ quality and potency may be unsafe. The US Food and Drug Administration said in a statement J&J’s McNeil Consumer Healthcare is voluntarily recalling some liquid Tylenol, Motrin, Zyrtec and Benadryl because of “manufacturing deficiencies” that could affect quality, purity or potency of the drugs. McNeil said in a separate statement the recall involves over-the-counter infant and children’s drops and liquid Tylenol, Motrin, Zyrtec and Benadryl in sizes ranging from 0.5 ounces (14 millilitres) to 4 ounces. Some of the products may have more of the active drug, while others may have inactive ingredients that didn’t meet standards or may contain small particles, the drugmaker said. The New Brunswick-based company said the likelihood of any serious reactions is “remote,” although it urged consumers who have the products not to use them. Johnson & Johnson shares fell 71 cents yesterday to $64.30 in New York Stock Exchange composite trading. The stock has gained 22 per cent in the past year.