Bayer Afrin Nasal Spray Recalled: Child Poisoning Risk

This alert was compiled from official government recall data published by the CPSC using automated analysis. All facts are sourced directly from official records. Last verified May 2, 2026.

Afrin Nasal Spray Recall: Tiny Bottles, Serious Risk for Kids

This isn't your average safety alert. This is about protecting children from potential poisoning. Bayer HealthCare has issued a product recall in the United States for its 6 mL size Afrin Original Nasal Spray bottles. It's a safety issue that U.S. consumers need to address immediately, especially if you have young children at home. Find out exactly what's happening and what you should do right now.

The problem isn't the nasal spray itself. The issue lies with the packaging. The small, travel-size bottles lack required child-resistant closures and proper labeling. This poses a serious poisoning risk if a child swallows the contents. The nasal spray contains an imidazoline, a decongestant medicine that can cause serious harm if ingested by children.

Why This Afrin Recall Matters

Nobody wants to find out their medicine cabinet holds a potential danger. This recall is particularly concerning because of the intended use of the product. Afrin nasal spray is often kept within easy reach for quick relief from congestion. Here's what makes this recall different:

• Child-Resistant Packaging Violation: The 6 mL bottles don't meet the safety standards required to prevent accidental poisoning in children.
• Specific Size Affected: Only the 6 mL (1/5 FL OZ) "travel size" of Afrin Original Nasal Spray is involved. No other Afrin products are affected by this recall.
• Serious Health Risk: Ingesting imidazoline can lead to serious medical issues in young children, including slowed heart rate, decreased blood pressure, and central nervous system depression. Contact your pediatrician immediately if you suspect your child has ingested the spray.
• Sold Across the U.S.: These travel-size bottles were sold at retailers such as convenience stores and travel hubs including airports. This means shoppers across the U.S. could have unknowingly purchased the recalled product.

What you might not realize is that this isn’t Bayer's first product recall. In the past, Bayer has faced recalls for other over-the-counter medications. This latest incident underscores the importance of rigorous safety checks and proper packaging, especially for products easily accessible to children.

Is Your Afrin Affected? Check These Details

Time to do a little investigating. Determining if you have the recalled Afrin is fairly straightforward. Here’s how to check your nasal spray based on the official recall notice:

• Size: Look for the "1/5 FL OZ (6 mL)" marking on the front label of the bottle. This is the most important indicator.
• Product Name: The label should clearly state "Afrin® Original Nasal Spray."
• Lot Number: Locate the lot number printed on the bottle. The recalled lot numbers are 230361, 240822, 241198, 250066, 250152, 250646, and 250831. This is a six-digit number, followed by the expiration date in the format "YYYYMMM".
• Where You Bought It: Think back. Did you purchase this Afrin between September 2024 and April 2026 from a convenience store, airport, or similar outlet? This narrows down the likelihood of having the recalled product. The agency confirmed that these bottles were sold for about $7 to $9.

Remember, if you're still unsure, it's always best to err on the side of caution. Even without the original packaging, the 6 mL size is a key identifier. Secure the product out of reach of children until you can confirm. And if you’re a parent, it might be worth checking in with your pediatrician for advice.

What You Should Do Right Now

Here's the most important part. If you have the affected Afrin nasal spray, immediate action is required. Based on the official recall notice, these steps will help you ensure your family's safety and receive compensation. Don't delay, do this today.

1. Immediately secure the recalled bottles: Place the Afrin Original Nasal Spray out of sight and reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion and potential harm.
2. Start a request for a refund: Visit the dedicated webform posted on www.livewell.bayer.com/afrin-original-spray-recall to begin a request for a refund from Bayer for your purchase.
3. Take and submit a photo: You'll be asked to take a photo of the product before disposing of it, providing proof of purchase for your refund request.
4. Safely dispose of the product: After taking the photo, properly discard the Afrin Original Nasal Spray to ensure that it cannot be accessed by children or pets in your household.
5. Spread the word about the recall: Share this information with your friends, family, and community members so that they can check their Afrin nasal spray and take appropriate action.

For further information or assistance, Bayer has established a toll-free number. You can call them at 800-317-2165, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. It’s always a good idea to document your communication with the company. Note the date, time, and the name of the representative you speak with.

This recall was announced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). For the official notice and complete details, visit www.cpsc.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happens if my child used the recalled Afrin?

If you suspect your child has used or ingested the recalled Afrin Original Nasal Spray, contact your pediatrician or seek immediate medical attention. Imidazoline poisoning can be dangerous for young children, so prompt medical care is crucial.

Q: How much money will I get back for returning the Afrin?

The recall notice specifies that consumers can request a refund through a webform after submitting a photo of the product, but it does not state the exact refund amount. You should expect a refund in the range of the original purchase price, which was between $7 and $9 based on sales information.

Q: Where were these recalled Afrin bottles sold in the U.S.?

These particular bottles were sold across the U.S. at a variety of retailers. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission confirmed they were available in convenience stores and travel hubs including airports.

Q: Why is only the 6 mL size being recalled?

Only the 6 mL travel-size bottles are affected because they lack the required child-resistant packaging and proper labeling, as mandated by the Poison Prevention Packaging Act. Other sizes of Afrin Original Nasal Spray meet the required standards.

Q: How many recalls has the CPSC issued recently?

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission regularly announces recalls for a variety of products, with several recalls issued each month. This Afrin recall is one of many recent actions taken to protect American shoppers from potentially dangerous items.