Bonjela warning for under 16s

Children under 16 should not be given Bonjela or Bonjela Cool mint gel, a health watchdog said today.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency issued an alert on oral pain relief gels which contain salicylate salts. The salts have the same effect as aspirin, which is already not recommended for under-16s.

There are concerns young children could develop Reye's syndrome, which causes liver and brain damage. Bonjela Teething Gel contains a different formula and is unaffected. The agency said the alert was "precautionary".