Protecting Kids Against Accidental Drug Overdose
Child Proofing For Common Household Medications
Apr 11, 2009
Any accidental drug overdose or drug ingestion is serious and requires immediate attention. If an ingestion is suspected, read the label for any emergency first aid information and act on it. Next contact the local poison control center immediately. In the US call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or check the local listing. The effect of the accidentally ingested medication depends on the medicationès active ingredient and its relative concentration. Most people consider common medications such as acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, decongestants, antihistamines, iron pills, vitamins, supplements and diet pills as harmless, but when taken in excess it constitutes an overdose and the results can be fatal.
Common Household Medications Associated with Poisoning
Different medications when accidentally consumed exert different effects. A child who has ingested medication may exhibit symptoms immediately that may include different levels of nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramps, perspiration, mental confusion, rapid pulse, flushed skin, fever and convulsions. However most symptoms associated with medication ingestion may take several hours to develop, therefore do not wait, seek help immediately.
Aspirin: The earliest symptom associated with aspirin poisoning is a change in hearing (ringing in the ears) which then develops rapidly into more significant symptoms such as nausea, deep breathing, vomiting, hyperactivity or lethargy, fever and confusion.
Acetaminophen: This common pain reliever medication is toxic to the liver. The effect of an overdose may be delayed up to 12 hours. Symptoms include loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting.
Decongestants: Decongestants containing pseudoephedrine act as central nervous stimulant, an overdose causes hypertension which is manifested by a severe headache, confusion and possible seizures. The effects are noticeable within 4 hours of ingestion.
Rubbing Alcohol: If accidentally ingested by a child alcohol acts a central nervous system depressant. A child who has ingested alcohol exhibits excessive activity followed by drowsiness and possibly coma.
Destin or diaper rash cream: Children usually mistake this cream for toothpaste and the result is an upset stomach.
Iron Pills: A child overdosing on iron pills will develop iron poisoning. Symptoms start within six hours of ingestion. A child will vomit, diarrhea, stomach pain, sleepiness and may even develop seizures. Iron poisoning is serious as iron interacts with cells, damaging the liver after a few days of ingestion.
Keep Children Safe by Child Proofing Medications
It is possible to keep children safe by taking simple precautions:
- Store all medication out of a child’s reach preferably in a locked cabinet. Medications should not be stored in places where children can access easily, like a purse or diaper bag.
- Maintain an inventory of ALL medications stored in cabinet. This is important in the case of an accidental overdose when determining what medication was ingested.
- Read labels carefully before using it on a child and dispense accordingly
- Keep medications in original labeled container
- Properly dispose of old prescription medications
- Keep Ipecac on hand in case of emergency
- Request child-resistant or child proof packaging and keep the containers properly sealed. Remember that child resistant packages are not necessarily child proof.
- Children should never be allowed to play with medicine bottles
- Avoid taking medications in front of children; they may attempt to imitate an adult
- Medicine should never be made to sound attractive to children (do not refer to medicine as candy or juice.)
Whilst an overdose on supplements or iron pill overdose may initially sound harmless, it is far from it. Being proactive and keeping children from accessing drug medications can save a child's life.
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