Protecting Kids: Ways to Support Medication Safety
There are an estimated 35,000 emergency department visits due to accidental medication overdoses each year in the U.S. among children under age 5. More than 90 percent of these visits occur when children get into medications by themselves.
Parents and caregivers play a key role in keeping children safe around medication. This article presents practical ways you can support your child at home and in conjunction with a healthcare provider.
Store Medications Safely
Medicines can be dangerous if taken by the wrong person or in the wrong amount, so storing them safely is an important part of medication safety. Simply keeping medications out of the reach of children is a simple and effective way to keep them safe.
Ways to store medications safely:
- Follow storage instructions listed for each medication. Some medications need to be stored at room temperature, and others need to be refrigerated. Read the label or ask your pharmacist to help make sure you store them correctly.
- Lock up medications. A locked cabinet, lockbox, or child-resistant container adds an extra layer of protection, particularly in the presence of curious toddlers.
Safe storage prevents accidental ingestion and also preserves medicine. Store medications in the right place and in the right conditions to help ensure they work as intended and last until their expiration date.
Adhere to Expiration Dates
Giving a child medication past its expiration date can be more harmful than helpful. Expired meds may not work at all, so your child won't get the relief or treatment they need. In some cases, chemical changes can make some medications unsafe to take.
Always check the expiration date before giving any medication. This applies to both prescription and over-the-counter meds. You shouldn't use medication that's past its expiration date. Make sure you dispose of any expired medication safely. You can either return expired medication to a pharmacy that takes such meds or follow disposal instructions from your local waste service.
Check Before Administering
It's also a good habit to double-check each prescription before giving the first dose. Mistakes can happen during pharmacy dispensing or when filling multiple prescriptions for multiple family members. Taking a minute to verify the medication name, dose, and expiration date can help with medication safety and support a parent’s peace of mind.
Follow Medication Instructions
Reading and following the instructions on your child's medication label is one of the most important steps in medication safety.
What to check on medication labels:
- Dosage instructions: Follow the directions for your child's age and condition. Too much of a medication can cause harm; too little may not work.
- Side effects: Some meds can cause drowsiness, stomach upset, or other reactions. Know side effects ahead of time so you can better watch for symptoms and act quickly in response.
- Refill information: Check this so you don't run out of an important medication, and therefore, compromise treatment effectiveness.
- Ingredients: If your child has allergies or sensitivities, review the ingredient list as even a small amount of an allergen can cause a reaction. You may also want to discuss ingredients or ask ingredient-related questions to your child’s healthcare provider.
- Interaction warnings: Combining medication with certain foods, drinks, or other medications can reduce effectiveness or cause harm. Following guidance in interaction warnings helps you avoid risky combinations.
Even if you've given the same medication to your child before, always check the label. Instructions and formulations can change, and staying informed helps you make the safest choices for your child.
Administering Medications to Kids
Helping children take medicine in ways suitable to their ages, health needs, and preferences can support medication safety. Consider these applications:
- Liquid medications: Great for younger children who can't swallow tablets or capsules, liquid medications can be measured precisely with a dosing syringe or cup. Also, many liquid medications come in flavors that make them easier to accept.
- Chewable tablets: These can be less intimidating than standard pills and may be a good option. Check with your healthcare provider to see if your child can safely take medication via chewable tablets.
- Topical medications: Creams, ointments, or gels can treat some conditions without a child having to swallow anything. Topical medications are applied directly to the skin and are often well tolerated.
- Inhalers: For lung conditions, inhalers deliver medicine directly to where it's needed. Using a spacer device can help children inhale the correct amounts.
Contact a pediatrician for guidance on what medication administration method is best for your child's specific needs.
Making medication time as easy and comfortable as possible not only reduces stress for your child but also increases the chances of consistent, correct use.
Staying Organized
Keeping track of your child's meds is part of medication safety. When doses, schedules, and refills are managed well, there is less chance of missing a dose, giving the wrong amount, or of children accidentally taking an extra dose.
One way to stay organized is to write down important information. This can be done by utilizing a notebook on the kitchen counter or a chart on the fridge. Include the medication name, dose, and time to give. If more than one caregiver is involved, this makes it easy to see what's been given and when.
You can also set reminders on your phone or use a med tracking app. Alerts will help you stay on schedule even on busy days. Using a pill organizer with compartments for each day and time is another way to make sure meds are taken correctly and on time.
Medication Safety Help
We want to help parents feel comfortable with storing, giving, and keeping track of children’s medications. If you are unsure how to store a certain medication, need advice on how to give it, or want to double-check the instructions, we can help. We can also answer questions about side effects, interactions, and what to do if a dose is missed.
Having the right information makes it easier to protect your child.
For any medication storage or administration questions, call us today at (208) 346-8400.