Know How to Safely Medicate Your Child

When giving your child medication, giving it properly is very important. If drugs are given incorrectly, they may not work or can cause harm. In Franklin County, 7% of child deaths due to injury were the result of poisoning.

To avoid medication poisoning:

• Always read labels, follow directions, and give medicines to children based on their weights and ages.
• Only use dispensers packaged with children’s medications.
• Don’t give children under 2 years old any over-the-counter drugs without checking with a doctor first.
• Store medications locked out of children’s reach and sight.
• Tell grandparents and other caretakers about avoiding medication poisoning.
• Keep the toll-free nationwide poison control center number (1-800-222-1222) and local emergency numbers (911) near every telephone.
• Keep activated charcoal on hand to be used only on the advice of the poison control center or a physician.

Poison Control Hotline - 1-800-222-1222

The Poison Control Centers offer fast, free, confidential help in English and Spanish. Most poisonings are taken care of over the phone. The number works from anywhere in the United States 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you suspect poisoning and a child is choking, collapses, can’t breathe, or is having a seizure, call 911. Otherwise, take the product to the phone and call the Poison Control Hotline at 1-800-222-1222.

For more information:

National Safe Kids Coalition http://www.usa.safekids.org

Local Safe Kids www.safekidscentralohio.org