ASK THE EXPERT: Prevent accidental poisonings with medications

Here are some good medication safety tips from Brian Wolfe, Pharm.D., BCPS who is the inpatient clinical pharmacy coordinator at Ball Memorial Hospital. The article was originally posted online by thestarpress.com on June 22, 2009.

The full article can be found here: http://www.thestarpress.com/article/20090622/LIFESTYLE/906220304.

Are there any special precautions I should take with my children’s medicines?

ASHP recommends following these five tips:

  • Use original child-resistant containers. Use child-resistant closures on medicines and other products and always keep all medications (both prescription, nonprescription, and dietary supplements) in their original child-resistant containers.

  • Always call medicine “medicine.” Avoid calling medicine “candy” in order to get your child to take the medicine.

  • Check your medicines periodically for expiration dates. If a medication is not dated, consider it expired six months after purchase.

  • Avoid putting medicines in open trash containers. This is especially important in the kitchen or bathroom because many adult medications can be deadly to small children. Instead, discard unused or unwanted medications in an unneeded sealed container mixed with coffee grounds or other wastes.

  • Keep medications secure. Keep all medicines, including OTC’s, herbals, vitamins, and supplements, out of reach of children, or in a locked cabinet.

    How do I contact a poison control center if I am concerned?

    You can call (800) 222-1222 to reach any poison control center in the United States for information about poisons and medications or what to do in an emergency. If you suspect poisoning, you should always call 911. This telephone number should be posted visibly in your home.

    Are there any other good sources of information online?

    Medication tips and information on using medicine safely can be found on ASHP’s consumer Web site, www.SafeMedication.com or www.poisonprevention.org.

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    admin on June 26th 2009 in News Stories

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