Medication Safety Tips

Store medications out of your child’s sight and reach.

• Do not leave medicines in your purse, an unlocked kitchen or bathroom cabinet or a kitchen or bedside table.

• Read labels to find out what can be poisonous. Keep those things separate from toothpaste, soap and other things you use every day.

• Never leave medicines or potentially poisonous household products unattended while you are using them.

• Do not leave out loose pills.

• Buy child-resistant packages when available. 

Be safe when giving medicines to your children.

• Always read labels, follow directions and give medicines to children based on their weights and ages. 

• Avoid confusion by keeping all medicines and potentially poisonous household products in their original packages.

• Do not take medicine or vitamins in front of kids, or involve children as helpers with your medication.

• Tell grandparents and friends about avoiding medication poisoning when your family visits their homes.

Learn the toll-free nationwide poison control center number (1-800-222-1222), program it into all phones and keep it near every phone.

• If you suspect your child has been poisoned, take the product to the phone and call 1-800-222-1222. If your child has collapsed or is not breathing, call 911.

• Poison control centers offer fast, free, confidential help in English and Spanish. Most poisonings are resolved over the phone. The number works from anywhere in the United States 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

• Follow the operator’s instructions.

• Do not make the child vomit or give him anything unless directed.