3/6/2009

PREVENTING MEDICATION-RELATED CHILDHOOD POISONING

Don’t leave medicine in your purse or an unlocked kitchen or bathroom cabinet. Don’t
put it on a kitchen or bedside table.
Be aware of medications that may be in your handbag. Store handbags out of the reach of
young children.
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.
Never leave out loose pills.
Buy child-resistant packages when available. Keep products in their original packages to
avoid confusion.
Be safe when taking or administering medication.
Always read labels, follow directions and give medicines to children based on their
weights and ages. Only use the dispensers packaged with children’s medications.
Avoid confusion by keeping all medicines and potentially poisonous household products
in their original packages.
Don’t take medicine or vitamins in front of kids, and don’t call them candy.
Don’t involve children as helpers with your medication. They should not remind you to
take medicine or bring you water, for example.
Tell grandparents and friends about avoiding medication poisoning when your family
visits their homes.
Keep the toll-free nationwide poison control center number (1-800-222-1222) and local
emergency numbers near every telephone. If you suspect poisoning and a child is choking,
collapses, can’t breathe or is having a seizure, call 911. Otherwise, take the product to the
phone and call the poison control hotline.
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.
Follow the operator’s instructions.
Don’t make the child vomit or give him anything unless directed.

Each year, approximately 2.4 million people - more than half under age 6 - swallow or have contact with a poisonous substance. As poison prevention, and appropriate, immediate treatment to poison contact or ingestion, are critical to keeping your child safe, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has some important tips.
To request poison prevention publications, visit www.poisonprevention.org.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC’s hotline at (800) 638-2772.