All batches of insomnia medicine Halcion, period pain treatment Ponstan and anti-anxiety drug Xanax have been recalled.

People are also urged to take bottles of Parkinson's disease treatment Cabaser, lactation suppressant Dostinex and arthritis medication Methoblastin back to their pharmacist so that the containers can be exchanged for child-proof replacements.

A Theraputic Goods Association spokeswoman said the recall was because tablets had been put into bottles without child-resistant caps.

"Some medicines can be toxic to children and are required to be supplied in child-resistant packaging," she said. "When these medicines are supplied in bottles, they must have a child-resistant closure."

There are no concerns about the quality or safety of the medications themselves.

Pfizer Australia has issued the recall in consultation with the TGA. They are urging people taking Halcion, Ponstan or Xanax to arrange new or alternative prescriptions with their doctor and return the bottles to their pharmacist for a refund.

A spokeswoman for Pfizer said the recall was triggered by two complaints to the company.

The recall does not extend to packs of 20 Ponstan capsules that are sold over the counter.

The packaging for all these medicines recommends that they be kept out of the reach of children.

Australian Medical Association Victoria president Dr Tony Bartone said changing some medications could lead to side effects and recommended that those affected by the recall to talk their doctor.

"Sometimes there is no direct equivalent available or there might be a generic alternative. If [the medicine] can't be directly swapped they need to sit down with their doctor or pharmacist."

"Whenever changing medications there needs to be an educative process of the risks of coming off and starting another one. In most cases it should be straightforward, in some there will need to be some tweaking and hand-holding."

For more information contact Pfizer Australia's medical information line on 1800 675 229.