Procter & Gamble recalls some Vicks DayQuil capsules, says they are not childproof

Procter & Gamble recalls Vicks DayQuil capsules

CINCINNATI — Procter & Gamble Co. is recalling 700,000 packs of Vicks DayQuil capsules because they are not childproof.

The consumer product maker, based in Cincinnati, said Friday the affected products do not contain child-resistant packaging, despite labeling claims on the box. The issue only affects DayQuil Cold & Flu 24-Count LiquiCaps Bonus Pack.

Consumers can identify the product by the yellow flag in the top-right corner that reads: Bonus 20 Percent More.

P&G spokeswoman Crystal Harrell said the product was distributed nationally between September 2008 and February 2009, and more recently between September and December this year. P&G offers the bonus packs during the cold season.

Harrell said the issue was discovered during a routine review of company packaging. She added that the company is correcting the problem and new boxes will begin shipping within the week.

Procter & Gamble said there have been no reports of accidental ingestion by children. DayQuil capsules are not indicated for children younger than 12.

Consumers can contact the company at 1-800-251-3374 for a refund or replacement coupon. Those who continue using the product should keep it out of reach of children, the company says in a statement.

Vicks formula contains four drug ingredients: acetaminophen, a pain reliever and fever reducer; dextromethorphan, a cough supressant; doxylamine, an antihistamine and pseudoephrine, a decongestant.

Last month P&G recalled some 120,000 bottles of Vicks Sinex nasal spray after finding bacteria in samples during routine testing.

Shares of Procter & Gamble fell 75 cents Friday to $60.84 in afternoon trading.