Safer Child Products

My children and I all have seasonal allergies.  With all the rain and crazy weather patterns, this fall has been particularly itchy, sneezy and coughy.  We all take over the counter anti-histamines.  As part of my morning routine, when I come downstairs, I make the kids lunch, get toothbrushes ready and take out the allergy medicine.  The kids eat breakfast, brush their hair and hopefully brush their teeth.  Many times allergy medicine gets over looked.  What do I do?  Leave it on the counter for them to take when they get home.  Fortunately, my kids are older now and have been taught not to “eat” or take any medication that is not specifically given to them by their parents or grandparents, when in their care.  However, having pills sit out on the counter is NOT a good idea.  My husband keeps reminding me of this.  Some risks with leaving pills of any kind out include, being knocked over onto the floor, or into food being prepared.  Also, we have friends and neighbors come by the house a lot, and how can I assume that someone else’s child is as cautious and knowledgeable about not taking other people’s medication?  Just because I know what it is, doesn’t mean that someone else in my household knows what it is, or who remembers if they took their pill in the morning?  I am risking someone taking a 2^nd pill that day.

As I sit back and review these risks, and potential poisoning, I realize that I need to be more careful.  I need to either hand the pill to my child, or put it back in its original container where it won’t get lost or confused. 

If you suspect that your child has taken medication he wasn’t supposed to, or you gave them the wrong dose, or even picked up a suspicious “mushroom” or berry growing in the garden, you might want to call National Capital Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222.  Keep this number by your telephone. The National Capital Poison Center’s website, http://www.poison.org/ provides a great explanation of what they can do, and why they should be your first call in a poisoning emergency.  In fact, Poison Control Staff can often safely treat someone at home and prevent a costly Emergency Room Visit. 

Pay close attention to dosage instructions on all medication bottles and keep all medication in its original container and away from children. Be aware that Tylenol has changed dosing instructions for infant’s Tylenol and changed the syringe, so be sure to read carefully or ask your Dr. for advice before administering the medication to your child.  When overdosed, even Tylenol can be harmful and cause liver damage. On the Tylenol website, go to page 3 of the changing “display” Page 3.  It tells about Product Enhancements in both Infant’s and Children’s Tylenol products.

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