FDA Warns That Vapors From Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizers Can Have Side Effects The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning that symptoms such as headache, nausea, and dizziness can occur after applying alcohol-based hand sanitizers to the skin. These symptoms are likely to have occurred because of vapors from the hand sanitizer, potentially from exposure in enclosed spaces or places with poor air circulation. We have received increasing reports of these side effects since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Most people experienced minor or minimal effects; however, some cases required treatment by a health care professional. We are continuing to monitor reports of adverse events that occur with hand sanitizers. At this time, we are not making any changes to the Drug Facts label for hand sanitizers but will inform the public if additional information becomes available. Consumers should use hand sanitizers in a well-ventilated area. If you are using hand sanitizer in an enclosed area such as a car, open a window to improve ventilation until the hand sanitizer is dry and the vapors have cleared. Make sure your hands are completely dry and vapors have cleared before doing any activities involving heat, sparks, static electricity, or open flames. Read and follow the directions and warnings on the OTC Drug Facts label. Some hand sanitizers may be contaminated with harmful ingredients so check FDA's "do-not-use" list to learn more. If you experience side effects from hand sanitizer or if someone accidentally ingests it, contact your health care professional or poison control at 1-800-222-1222 or online. Call 911 if the person has trouble breathing or becomes unconscious. Store hand sanitizers and all other OTC and prescription medicines up and away and out of children's reach and sight. Swallowing even a small amount of hand sanitizer can cause alcohol poisoning in children, which may cause serious illness or death. | 
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