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Prevent children from taking adult medication
—it’s poison!
Recently, two children in Washington County were taken to the hospital for an overdose of prescription medication. The children were able to open and eat the pills while the caregiver was unaware. This is a health and safety issue that requires attention from all parents and caregivers! We sometimes take for granted that the childproof lid on medication will keep a child from being able to ingest potentially harmful drugs, but other precautions need to be taken in your home to keep children safe from all medications and harmful substances.
Medication Poison Prevention Tips
Store medications out of your child’s sight and reach.
- Do not leave medicines in your purse, in an unlocked kitchen or bathroom cabinet or a kitchen or bedside table. KEEP ALL MEDICATIONS IN A LOCKED CABINET OUT OF CHILDRENS VIEW AND REACH!
- Read labels to find out what can be poisonous. Keep those things separate from toothpaste, soap and other things you use every day.
- Never leave medicines or potentially poisonous household products unattended while you are using them.
- Do not leave out loose pills.
- Buy child-resistant packages when available.
- Keep products in their original packages to avoid confusion.
Be safe when giving medicines to your children.
- Always read labels, follow directions and give medicines to children based on their weight and age. Only use the dispensers packaged with children’s medications.
- Avoid confusion by keeping all medicines and potentially poisonous household products in their original packages.
- NEVER take medicine or vitamins in front of kids, involve children as helpers with your medication, or call medicines candy.
- Tell grandparents and friends about avoiding medication poisoning when your family visits their homes or when company is visiting your home.
Learn the toll-free nationwide poison control center number (1-800-222-1222) and POST it near every phone.
- If you suspect your child has been poisoned, take the product to the phone and call 1-800-222-1222.
- Poison control centers offer fast, free, confidential help in English and Spanish. Most poisonings are resolved over the phone. The number works from anywhere in the United States 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Do not make the child vomit or give him anything unless directed.
- If your child has collapsed or is not breathing, call 911.
