Many children are exposed to poisons each year. Small children are very curious. They may eat or drink poisons or medicines by mistake. In 2005, the top 6 poisons in children less than 5 were cosmetic products, household cleaning products, pain medicines (i.e., TylenolŪ, AdvilŪ, etc.), skin products, foreign bodies (i.e., toys), and cough and cold medicines. Here is a list of twelve tips to help stop poisonings in children:
1.)Taking medicines: Do not take medicine in front of your children. Children like to copy adults. They may take your medicine to be like you.
2.)Weight: Know your child's weight in pounds or kilograms and write it down. You should keep this in case of an emergency. Many doses of medicines used to treat your child are based on weight.
3.)National Poison Control Center: Keep the number to the Poison Control Center near your telephone(s). The number is 1-800-222-1222. It will connect you to the nearest Poison Control Center that covers your region.
4.)Storage of medicines and household chemicals: Lock up all medicines and household cleaners to keep them out of sight and out from the reach of children.
5.)Child-resistant containers: Keep all medicines in child-proof containers. These containers can help keep your child from getting into the medicine.
6.)Storage of vitamins: Keep vitamins out of sight, locked up, and out of reach. Vitamins are medicines. They may look and taste like gummy candy. They may contain iron and other ingredients that are harmful if too much are taken.
7.)Medicines and candy: Never refer to medicine as candy, drink, or food. Children cannot tell the difference between these and medicine.
8.)Disposal of medicines: Get rid of all unused medicines. You should contact your local pharmacist on what to do in your area.
9.)Ipecac syrup: Do not give your child ipecac syrup unless told to by the Poison Control Center. This medicine was used to help your child throw-up and can be very harmful if not used right. Doctors and pharmacists no longer recommend ipecac. Call the Poison Control Center if your child takes a poison.
10.)Plants, berries, and mushrooms: Tell your children not to eat wild plants, mushrooms, or berries. Household plants, mushrooms, or berries can also be very poisonous and can harm your child.
11.)Family members: You may have family members who visit your house. Tell these family members to keep medicines out of sight and reach of your children.
12.)Measuring liquid medicines: Household teaspoons and tablespoons are not good ways to measure medicines because they are not accurate. Use the measuring device that comes with your child's medicine. Or, you can use an oral syringe, which is not expensive and is sold at most pharmacies.
References:
Lai MW, Klein-Schwartz W, Rodgers GC, Abrams JY, Haber DA, Bronstein AC, et al. Clin Toxicol 2006;44:803-932..
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