According to the CDC, over 60,000 children a year visit the emergency room due to accidental ingestion of medications. While child-proofing the medicine cabinet is a great step toward medication safety, we want to ensure that every parent has the right tools to keep their child safe.
According to the CDC, over 60,000 children a year visit the emergency room due to accidental ingestion of medications. While child-proofing the medicine cabinet is a great step toward medication safety, we want to ensure that every parent has the right tools to keep their child safe.
That’s why we, at AGC Pediatrics, created this helpful guide for child-proof medication storage, to keep tiny hands and curious minds safe.
Make sure you keep all medicine in a high, safe place that is out of reach and eyesight of the children in your house. This includes not only prescription medications but also vitamins, eye drops and over-the-counter medicines like pain relievers and sleep aids.
Store medications on the top shelf of a cabinet that your children don’t go in, such as a linen closet. Common places such as the bathroom or kitchen makes it more likely that your children will take notice, and interest, in these possibly dangerous compounds.
Always opt to have child-safe caps put on your medicines when they are available. It is also a good idea to request that members of your family or caregivers also ask for these to be included on their medicines too, just in case.
These caps aren’t child-proof, as some curious children may be able to open the bottle, however, they are a good safety measure that can help slow or stop ingestion until a parent or guardian recognizes what they’ve found.
Keeping medicine in bedside tables, on counters, or in your purse makes them very convenient for you to access, however they are also convenient for your children to find and accidentally ingest. If you carry medicine in your purse or car, ensure it is in a lockable case or pillbox that will keep the little fingers out.
Even if your child is sick and their medicine needs to be administered often, never leave it next to their bed or sitting on the counter. It should always be placed back in a safe place and taken out each time it needs to be used.
Always talk to your children about how dangerous medicine can be, starting at an early age. Avoid referring to medicine as candy to get your children to take it easier. Make sure they understand that their flavored medicine or gummy vitamins are not tasty snacks, and should only be given to them by an adult.
Explain to older children and teenagers the importance of following the dosing instructions for all medicines. It’s important for them to understand that taking more than the recommended amount won’t make them feel better and can be harmful to their health.
AGC Pediatrics has multiple locations in North Georgia. Contact one of our caring and compassionate physicians by calling (706) 625-5900 or filling out our online contact form to schedule an appointment.
AGC Pediatrics is a faith-based Christian organization serving all of God’s children since 2006.
