Keeping Children Safe Around Medication

Medication meant to heal can quickly become dangerous in the wrong hands, especially curious young children.

Colorful pills or sweet-tasting liquid medicine can look like candy to a child. Always store medication in child-resistant containers, placed high and out of reach, never within sight or reach on countertops or nightstands.

Never tell a child that medicine is candy to encourage them to take it, since this can create confusion later. Always measure liquid medication using the tool provided, not household spoons, to avoid dosing errors.

If a caregiver suspects a child has taken medication accidentally, contacting poison control or emergency services immediately is critical rather than waiting to see if symptoms appear.

A few careful habits around storage and communication can prevent one of the most common causes of childhood accidental poisoning.