Every year, thousands of young children end up in hospital emergency rooms after accidentally ingesting medicine they found left out and within reach. This is a serious concern, and during National Poison Prevention Week, it’s a good time to review some key safety tips.
According to statistics, there was a significant increase in emergency department visits for unintentional melatonin ingestions by young children in recent years. In fact, in 2020, poison control centers received more calls about pediatric overdoses on melatonin than any other substance.
Part of the reason for these incidents is that many medications and supplements, including those in gummy form, can easily be mistaken for candy by young children. It can be difficult for them (and even adults sometimes!) to tell the difference.
Here’s the crucial takeaway for parents and caregivers: Teach young children that medicine is not candy and emphasize that they should never take any medicine on their own. This simple message can make a big difference in their safety.
Keeping Medicines Out of Reach and Out of Sight
The most important step in preventing accidental medicine poisoning is to ensure that all medicines, vitamins, and other supplements (including gummies) are kept Up and Away from young children. This means storing them in a safe location that is out of their reach and sight.
Here are some additional safety tips to keep in mind:
- Never leave medicines or supplements out on countertops or bedside tables, even if you plan to give another dose in a few hours.
- Always re-lock the safety cap on a medicine bottle after each use. If it has a locking cap, twist it until you hear a click or until you can’t twist it anymore.
- Talk to your children about medicine. Explain what it is and why it’s important for you or another trusted caregiver to be the one to give it to them.
- Never tell children medicine is candy, even if they don’t like to take it.
- Remind visitors. If you have babysitters, houseguests, or visitors, remind them to keep purses, bags, or coats containing medicine Up and Away from children while they’re in your home.
What to Do in Case of Accidental Ingestion
If you ever suspect that your child may have gotten into medicine, vitamins, or other supplements (including gummies), it’s crucial to act quickly. Call the Poison Help hotline at 800.222.1222 right away, even if you’re not completely sure. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear before seeking help.
By following these simple safety precautions and keeping medicines securely stored, you can help prevent accidental poisonings and keep your young children safe.
