Medications that serve functions such as treating health issues, supplementing substances that are insufficient in the body, and helping a person feel better can be harmful when used incorrectly and carelessly. It is important for parents to consider this issue while taking precautions for child safety at home. Measures such as keeping medications out of children's reach prevent young ones from accidentally ingesting drugs and getting into troubling situations. It is not uncommon for children to be brought to the emergency room after taking medication during a moment of inattention from their parents or caregivers.
One of the main precautions that can be taken in this regard is to ensure that all types of medications, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, drops, and ointments, are kept in places where children cannot see or reach them. You should walk around your home and determine the most suitable place to store medications and vitamins. Your child may be able to climb and may be at an age and capacity where they can find a way to reach high places. In this case, the best place to store medications is locked cabinets.
In addition to keeping medications out of children's reach, there are other precautions you can take:
*Explain to your child, in age-appropriate language, what medication is and in what situations it should be used.
*Do not allow them to use empty medication bottles as toys.
*Do not introduce medications as something like candy or with a taste similar to candy.
*Make sure that medications with a child-resistant cap are closed properly as needed. Safety caps are effective, but remember that some children may still be able to open them.
*Put medications and vitamins in a safe place after each use. Even if you plan to use them again shortly, never leave them out or in a place where your child can reach them. If your child is sick and you are giving them medication, pay the same attention to their medications.
*You may have guests who regularly take medications or have medications in their bags or pockets. Ask them not to leave their medications in an easily accessible place or in view.
What should I do if my child accidentally ingests medication?
Even if you take all the precautions you can think of to prevent your child from accessing medications at home, accidents can still happen. In such a case, take them to the emergency room without wasting any time. While you may be anxious and scared, take everything related to the medication with you: the package, box, leaflet, scattered pieces on the floor, prescription, etc.
Do not waste time trying to induce vomiting or feeding them yogurt in hopes of neutralizing the effect. You cannot be sure that these measures will be effective.
Child Health and Safety
