Medication Safety for Children

Medications help children heal, but they can also cause serious harm if used incorrectly. Every year, thousands of children are treated in emergency rooms for medication-related poisonings. Most of these incidents are preventable with proper storage, dosing, and vigilance.

The Scope of the Problem Safe Kids

Alarming statistics:

• Every 8 minutes, a child goes to the ER for medication poisoning
• 60,000+ children under 5 go to ERs annually for unsupervised medication ingestion
• Most incidents involve medications left within reach
• Common culprits: pain relievers, blood pressure medicines, sleep aids

Most dangerous medications for children:

• Heart medications
• Blood pressure medications
• Diabetes medications
• Opioid pain medications
• Sleep aids
• Iron supplements

Just one or two pills of some adult medications can be fatal to a young child.

Safe Storage AAP

Store all medications:

• Up and away, out of children's reach and sight
• Locked cabinet or container
• In original child-resistant packaging
• Away from food and drinks

"Up and away" means:

• Not on counters, tables, or nightstands
• Not in purses, bags, or coat pockets accessible to children
• Not on low shelves or in unlocked cabinets
• Out of sight—children won't look for what they can't see

Child-resistant does NOT mean childproof:

• These caps just slow children down
• They're designed to take more than 5 minutes to open
• Determined children can still open them
• Never rely on child-resistant caps alone

### Special Storage Situations

Visitors and their medications:

• Ask guests to keep medications in closed bags
• Store visitors' bags out of reach
• Remind grandparents about safe storage

Your purse or bag:

• Keep purses out of children's reach
• Don't leave medications loose in bags
• Keep medications in child-resistant containers

Daily medications:

• Don't leave pills on counters for later
• Take medications while children are not watching when possible
• Pill organizers without child-resistant features should be stored locked away

Safe Dosing AAP

Critical rules:

1. Use the right tool

• Dosing syringe or measuring cup that comes with medication
• Never use kitchen spoons (they vary in size)
• Match the tool to the dose (use mL measurements)

2. Check the concentration

• Infant vs. children's formulations differ
• Concentration can change between products
• Read labels every time

3. Double-check the dose

• Read the label carefully
• Calculate based on weight when available
• When in doubt, call the pediatrician

4. Track timing

• Know when the last dose was given
• Communicate with other caregivers
• Use a written log if needed

### Common Dosing Mistakes

Acetaminophen (Tylenol):

• Different concentrations exist (infant drops vs. children's liquid)
• Easy to overdose if you don't read labels
• Toxic doses can damage the liver
• Present in many combination products

Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil):

• Not safe for babies under 6 months
• Dose is based on weight
• Don't exceed recommended frequency

Antibiotics:

• Complete the full course
• Don't skip doses
• Measure carefully

Preventing Accidental Ingestion Safe Kids

### Make It Hard to Access

Physical barriers:

• Locked medicine cabinet or lock box
• Child safety latches on cabinets
• Keep out of reach even with safety latches
• Store in high places

Visual barriers:

• Don't store where children can see
• Don't take medications in front of children when possible
• Close containers immediately after use

### Remove the Appeal

Don't call medicine "candy":

• Even if it tastes good
• This can make children seek it out
• Instead: "This is medicine to help you feel better"

Don't let children play with medicine bottles:

• Even empty ones
• They learn to handle and open them

### Supervision

During administration:

• Never leave medications out while helping a child
• If interrupted, close and secure the bottle
• Don't let children self-administer (even "just this once")

Throughout the day:

• Watch for children climbing toward medication storage
• Check that caps are secured after each use
• Keep medications away from the bedside

If a Child Takes Medication Incorrectly AAP

Don't panic, but act quickly:

### Step 1: Remove any remaining medication

• Take remaining pills or liquid away from child
• Check for any in the mouth

### Step 2: Gather information

• What medication did they take?
• How much (count pills remaining vs. original count)?
• When did they take it?
• How much does the child weigh?

### Step 3: Call Poison Control
1-800-222-1222 (free, confidential, available 24/7)

They will tell you:

• Whether treatment is needed
• What to do at home
• Whether to go to the ER

Do NOT induce vomiting unless Poison Control tells you to.

### Step 4: Watch for symptoms

• Changes in alertness
• Breathing changes
• Vomiting
• Unusual behavior
• Skin color changes

Call 911 if:

• Child is unconscious
• Having seizures
• Difficulty breathing
• You can't reach Poison Control

Medication Disposal AAP

Unused or expired medications are hazards:

Safe disposal options:

• DEA Take Back programs
• Pharmacy drop-off locations
• Mix with coffee grounds or kitty litter, seal, and dispose in trash
• Some medications can be flushed (check FDA list)

Don't:

• Keep expired medications
• Leave unused medications in medicine cabinets
• Throw directly in trash where children can access

Special Situations AAP

### Multiple Caregivers

Communication is critical:

• Written medication schedule
• Log of when doses were given
• Clear labeling of medications
• Training for all caregivers

### Schools and Childcare

Ensure proper handling:

• Medication in original containers
• Written instructions from doctor
• Trained staff for administration
• Secure storage at facility

### Travel

Safe medication transport:

• Keep in original containers
• Child-resistant packaging
• Carry-on luggage on flights (not checked bags)
• Out of reach in hotels

Over-the-Counter Doesn't Mean Safe AAP

Common OTC dangers:

• Too much acetaminophen (in many products)
• Cough and cold medicines (not safe under 4)
• Iron supplements (toxic in overdose)
• Sleep aids
• Eye drops

Before giving any OTC medication:

• Check with pediatrician for children under 2
• Read all labels carefully
• Check for duplicate ingredients in combination products
• Follow dosing instructions exactly

The Bottom Line

Medication safety requires constant vigilance. Store all medications—prescription, OTC, and vitamins—locked and out of reach. Use proper dosing tools and check labels every time. Never call medicine candy. Keep Poison Control's number handy (1-800-222-1222). Most medication poisonings in children are preventable with simple safety measures.

Clara can help you create a medication safety plan for your family!