Poison Information Network

Can you prevent childhood poisoning exposures?

Yes! Most accidental poisonings can be avoided if adults take precautions with hazardous household substances. Remember, children can't be poisoned by somehting they can't see or reach!

HERE ARE SOME WAYS YOU CAN "POISON-PROOF" YOUR HOME:

• Anticipate your child's curiosity and abilities according to age and developmental skills.
• Ask you pharmacy to put all your prescription drugs in child-resistant containers.
• Store household cleansers, bug sprays, medicines, and garage products out of reach or in locked cabinets.
• Store food and household cleansers separately - never side by side.
• Put all products away right after using them.
• Always store medicines in their original containers and destroy medicines you no longer use.
• Do not take or give medicines in the dark or without your glasses or when you are sleepy.
• NEVER CALL MEDICINE "CANDY"
• NEVER transfer a poisonous substance to a food or drink container!
• Rinse all empty containers and discard appropriately in the trash.
• Be careful of first-aid directions on bottles or antidote charts: some may be outdated and/or have incorrect information.  (If you are in doubt, call the Poison Center).
• Keep the telephone number of the Poison Center attached to your phone.  Don't hesitate to call if you have any concerns or questions.

IF YOU NEED TO CALL THE POISON CENTER, have the following information ready:

• Age and weight of the poisoned victim
• Name of the poison product and the quantity the victim has eaten or been exposed to
• Time the poisoning occurred
• Any symptoms occurring
• Any first aid measures you may have already performed
• Your name and telephone number

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO ABOUT MEDICINES???

• When a doctor prescribes medicine for you.... be sure you understand WHAT and WHY your physician has prescribed the medication and EXACTLY how to take the medicine correctly. Be sure to WRITE down this information...or have someone write it for you. DO NOT rely on memory.
• Don't take "over-the-counter" (OTC) medications without checking with your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you are already taking prescription medications.
• Always tell your doctor and pharmacist ALL the medications you are taking.
• Keep all medications in their original container.
• When pouring medicine from a bottle, keep the label UP, this will prevent the medicine from spilling on the bottle and making the label difficult to read.
• Do not stock pile old medications!
• Never take medications in the dark, without your glasses or when you are sleepy!
• Talk with your pharmacist about how to store your medications. Some medications are sensitive to cold, heat or light; they may need to be stored in special places.
• Always check to see if there are any food or beverages you should avoid while taking your medication.
• Report any new or unusual symptoms to your doctor, as well as any side effects that are bothersome to you.
• ALWAYS ASK IF YOU ARE UNSURE.......about any of your medications!