Medications

Medications can look like candy to children. For this reason, it is important to store medications properly and out of the reach of curious children.

• Medications can look like candy to children. For this reason, it is important to store ALL medications, including over-the-counter products as well as prescriptions, properly and out of the reach of curious children.
• Medications should be kept in their original containers. It is critical to be able to quickly identify the medication in case of a problem.
• Whenever possible the containers should have child-resistant closures. (Remember that child resistant closures are not childproof!) If child resistant closures cannot be used due to physical limitations, it is especially important to store medications in locked areas.
• Medications should be stored in a locked cabinet. (Child safety latches for cabinets are available at many local department and hardware stores.) This also applies for containers that hold a week's supply of medication by the day.

Additional Resources:

• Poison Prevention Guidelines for Older Adults

The Cincinnati Drug and Poison Information Center (DPIC) provides information about when to call your local poison control center and first aid emergency action.