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Medicines Can Be Poisonous
 
What medicines are not safe for my child?
Many accidental poisonings in children are from medicine that is prescribed for parents and grandparents. A normal dose for an adult may be toxic to a child. All over-the-counter medicines, prescription medicines, and vitamin and herbal supplements can be dangerous for children. Over-the-counter diet pills, for example, can be lethal to a child. Acetaminophen and aspirin are often sources of accidental poisoning in young children. Iron tablets, often prescribed for pregnant mothers, can cause serious injury or death when taken by children.

Some medicines, such as children's vitamins, look like candy. They do not seem like medicine to children. An overdose of any medicine can be harmful, even if it is a medicine for children. Parents should control all medicines for children carefully, especially medicines such as antidepressants.

How can I protect my child?
Bottles of medicine often attract a child's curiosity. Accidents may occur if children find and eat medicine that is left on a nightstand, in a refrigerator, or in a purse. Sometimes pills are accidentally dropped on the floor and picked up by a child. Also, do not take medicine in front of a child and avoid calling medicine "candy."

You can help protect your child by:
  • keeping medicine out of the reach of children in high or locked cabinets
  • using child-resistant caps
  • keeping all medicine in the original container, and
  • throwing away expired medicines properly, not in open wastebaskets or down the toilet.

What should I do if my child takes a medicine not intended for him?
Suspect poisoning if you find an opened or spilled bottle of pills. Remain calm. Do not attempt to treat the child or make the child vomit. Call the nearest poison control center. The number should be listed with the rest of the emergency numbers in your telephone directory, or call the national hotline at 800-222-1222. They can connect you with the poison prevention experts in your area. Post these telephone numbers near every telephone in your home. Be sure the babysitter knows what to do in case of an emergency.




  Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

  HIA File CHL3735F.HTM Release 9.0/2006. Copyright © 2006 McKesson Corporation and/or one of its subdiaries. All Rights Reserved.


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