Parents play an important role in protecting their children from various illnesses and injuries, including poisoning. Dr. Megan Brennard is a physician in the emergency department at Children’s of Alabama. She says poisoning and ingestions are common reasons why children visit the emergency department. “The most common poisoning we see in a child is medication poisoning,”she says.
It’s important for parents to keep all medicines up high and out of reach of children. But sometimes the danger may be brought in by someone else. “Sometimes the most dangerous medicine in your house was brought in by a grandparent,” Brennard says. “They may keep their purse on the floor and not even realize it’s a risk for the child.”
Often adults store medicine in pill boxes or organizers, but parents need to remember these are not child-proof. And to a child, medicine may look like candy. It’s important to talk with guests of your home to ensure any medicine they have is kept out of reach of children.
Along the lines of “candy,” Brennard recommends parents never call medicine “candy.” “Sometimes parents do that to encourage their child to take medicine, but it’s never a good idea to confuse the two,” she says.
All teaspoons and tablespoons are not equal
It’s also important that all medicine be given with the appropriate measuring device as provided by the pharmacist, whether it’s a syringe or measuring cup. Brennard says eating utensils come in various sizes. One teaspoon could range from a half teaspoon to one-and-a-half teaspoons when measured. She also adds that bottle tops for medicine are “child resistant” not “child-proof.” Some children are still able to open them. “It’s a good idea to get a lockbox to store medicine, anything with a code to get in. This adds another layer of protection,” Brennard says.
The Regional Poison Control Center at Children’s of Alabama is always available to answer questions or concerns. The number is 1-800-222-1222. Brennard recommends that parents store this number in their cell phone for easy access. Of course, always call 911 in the event of an emergency.
