CPSC Recall in 1996: CPSC and PL Development Announce Recall of CVS Sleep Caplets

Updated on January 18, 2026.

See the recall details below. You can also see similar information for other consumer product recalls in 1996.

Data Source: CPSC.
Recall Number: 96-171
Date: July 24, 1996
Product Name: CVS Sleep Caplets
Recall Description:

WASHINGTON, D.C. - CPSC, PL Development Inc. of Farmingdale, N.Y., is voluntarily recalling 3,798 bottles of CVS Sleep Caplets containing diphenhydramine. The bottles lack the child-resistant packaging required by the Poison Prevention Packaging Act. Diphenhydramine is toxic if accidentally ingested by children and can cause them serious injury or be fatal. CPSC, PL Development, and CVS are not aware of any injuries involving this product. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury. The recalled product is labeled, "CVS sleep caplets nighttime sleep aid 60 CAPLETS... Active Ingredient: Each caplet contains 25 mg. Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride." The outer box and bottles bear lot numbers D423 or D424. CVS sold 3,798 bottles of these sleeping caplets from February 26, 1996, to March 19,1996, for approximately $3.89 a bottle. CVS removed the bottles without child-resistant caps from its shelves and currently sells the product with appropriate child-resistant closures. These closures are labeled, "SAVE A CHILD, CLOSE TIGHTLY. TO OPEN PUSH DOWN & TURN," and are not under recall. Consumers should stop using the recalled sleep caplets immediately and return the bottle to the store where purchased for an exchange or full refund. For more information, consumers should call PL Development collect at (516) 249-0867. This problem was identified by the Quality Control Department of CVS. PL Development, Inc. voluntarily reported this occurrence to CPSC.

Hazard Description:

The bottles lack the child-resistant packaging required by the Poison Prevention Packaging Act. Diphenhydramine is toxic if accidentally ingested by children and can cause them serious injury or be fatal.

Consumer Action:

Remedy Type:

Refund

Units: 3,798
Incidents:

CPSC, PL Development, and CVS are not aware of any injuries involving this product. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.

Sold At:

CVS sold 3,798 bottles of these sleeping caplets from February 26, 1996, to March 19,1996, for approximately $3.89 a bottle.

Manufactured In: