The TGA proposes a warning on teething gels containing more than 1.5% lignocaine in a bid to curb its use in babies and toddlers.

OTC topical gels containing between 0.5% and up to 2% lignocaine for babies’ gums are widely available in pharmacies, with stronger formulations compounded upon request from parents.

But a growing body of evidence suggests that not only do the gels provide little benefit for teething pain, they are also associated with a greater risk of adverse events, the TGA says.

Safety reviews in the US and Canada have identified a link between 2% formulations and serious adverse reactions including death, seizures, severe brain injury and heart problems.