Every eight minutes, a child is taken to a U.S. emergency department for a medication-related exposure, such as taking medications while unsupervised and dosing errors.

 

Many of these emergency visits can be prevented by properly storing, using, and disposing of medications found in the home. To remind parents and caregivers of this important safety issue, United Hospital Center (UHC) and child health advocates across the country are joining together to promote National Poison Prevention Week March 19-25, 2017.

 

“Children are natural explorers and can move quickly. By following recommendations for storing, using, and disposing of medications in your home, you can make sure children are safe, even when your back is turned,” said Kevin Mace, M.D., WVU Medicine Emergency Medicine at United Hospital Center. “National Poison Prevention Week is a great reminder to double-check your home for medication safety. Together, we can reduce the number of children suffering harm from accidental medication exposures.”

UHC 

 

To safely store, use, and dispose of medications, follow these tips:

 

   Safe Storage

·         Choose a place that is too high for children to reach or see, and consider using a lock to make sure children cannot access medications.

·         Check the cap on each medication to be sure it is one that is designed to keep a young child from easily opening it and that it is closed tightly.

·         Put medications away immediately after every use.

·         Never leave easy-access containers, such as daily pill boxes, within a child’s reach.

 

Safe Use

·         Check the medications or your doctor’s instructions for the right dose for your child.

·         Use the measuring device, such as a dosing cup or oral syringe, that comes with the medicine or ask a pharmacist to recommend one.

·         Teach your child to only take medication with help from an adult.

·         Know the phone number for poison control: 1-800-222-1222.

 

Safe Disposal

·         Check the expiration date before using medications.

·         Dispose of expired or unneeded medications according to any specific instructions on the label.

·         Do not flush medicines down a sink or toilet unless instructed.

·         Check with your local government’s trash and recycling services to see if a medication take-back program is available in your area.