Many accidental poisonings in children involve drugs that are prescribed for their parents and grandparents. All it takes is one tablet of some drugs to poison or kill a child. Accidents can occur in many ways:
* children can eat drugs from uncapped or loosely capped bottles,
* prescriptions left available to children by visiting grandparents and other relatives,
* lost pills found spilled or on the floor can be swallowed,
* one child can feed drugs to another child from a container found in an easy to reach spot, or
* drugs left on nightstands, in a purse, or the refrigerator can attract a child's curiosity.

Any drugs or vitamin supplements, including iron containing medications, can be a potential threat to children. A normal dose for an adult may be toxic to a child. An overdose of a children's medicine can also be harmful. Over-the counter diet pills can be lethal to children. Small amounts of Tofranil, an anti-depressant drug also used for childhood bedwetting, can threaten a child's life.

Acetaminophen and aspirin are frequent sources of accidental poisoning in young children. Anti-depressant drugs are toxins to the cardiac and central nervous systems. Teens with behavior problems and or depression are often given anti-depressant drugs. They should not be given more than a week's supply and usage should be monitored by their parents.

Some children's vitamins are marketed to look like candy or cartoon characters. These vitamins do not seem like medicine to children. Iron-containing products are the biggest problem when it comes to childhood poisoning. Iron tablets, often prescribed for pregnant mothers, taken by toddlers or infants in amounts that exceed the proper dose can cause serious injury or death.

Suspect poisoning if you find an opened or spilled bottle of pills. Do not attempt to treat the child until directed to do so by your healthcare provider. If you do suspect poisoning, remain calm. Call the nearest poison control center or the emergency department by using 911. Post these telephone numbers near every telephone in your home. Be sure the baby-sitter knows what to do in the case of an emergency.

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