Nationwide Poison Prevention Week (March 17-23, 2024) is an effective time for fogeys and caregivers to evaluation how medicines are saved of their houses. Whilst you might hold prescription medicines Up and Away, and out of attain and sight of younger kids, it’s vital to do not forget that over-the-counter medicines and dietary supplements, equivalent to nutritional vitamins and melatonin (together with these in gummy kind), must also be stored out of attain and sight.

Over the previous decade, gummy merchandise have turn into more and more widespread on pharmacy cabinets, providing a “candy-like” choice for nutritional vitamins and different dietary supplements equivalent to melatonin. Gummy merchandise are available in interesting flavors, shapes, and textures, and these elements could make these merchandise extraordinarily interesting to younger kids, rising the danger of overdoses. Youngsters typically see these merchandise as treats and will ask for greater than the really useful quantity.

Whereas these merchandise appear secure and child-friendly, they will nonetheless be harmful when not taken as directed. It’s important that oldsters and caregivers not use medicines or dietary supplements as rewards as this may increasingly enhance their enchantment and overdose potential.

Listed below are some good ideas to remember:

• Hold all medicines, nutritional vitamins, and different dietary supplements, together with gummy merchandise, Up and Away and out of attain and sight of younger kids.
• At dwelling or away, hold medicines of their unique child-resistant containers.
• Remind houseguests to place any medicines they’ve with them, equivalent to these contained in a handbag or different bag, in a safe spot the place kids can not attain or see them.
• Households with out younger kids might have medicines in easy-to-reach spots. When visiting pals or kinfolk, ask forward to verify their medicines are Up and Away and out of sight.
• For those who should take medicines out of their unique container, use a capsule organizer or capsule field that has options designed to maintain kids from opening them.
• For those who suppose your little one has gotten into a medication or complement, please name your native poison heart through the nationwide hotline straight away, even in case you aren’t certain. Poison management hotline: 1-800-222-1222.

Lastly, an vital piece of stopping these overdoses helps kids study the hazards of poisonings.  Mother and father and caregivers can clarify to kids that medicines ought to solely be given to them by a trusted grown-up and that medicines and dietary supplements, together with gummy nutritional vitamins or melatonin, aren’t sweet and may make them sick in the event that they take an excessive amount of.

To study extra about remedy security and secure storage, go to Up and Away Marketing campaign | Medicine Security Program | CDC.

Creator:
Rachel Meyers is a Pediatric Medical Pharmacist at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Middle in Livingston, New Jersey and a Medical Professor on the Ernest Mario College of Pharmacy at Rutgers College in Piscataway, New Jersey. Dr. Meyers’ follow focuses on the secure use of medicines for youngsters.