Medication Overdose Prevention

Medication Poisonings are responsible for two-thirds of deaths in children under age 5 years old
U.S. and Canadian restrictions in 2008 on OTC Medications for infants and children
1. Has effectively reduced childhood Poisonings

Dispose of medications properly
1. See Medication Disposal
Adults should also Exercise caution to prevent their Accidental Ingestions
1. Read medication bottles carefully to confirm the medication they are taking (and proper dose)
2. Turn on the light when using toiletries (e.g. confirm toothpaste tube)
Exercise caution with unique medication schedules
1. Estradiol patches one to twice weekly
2. Fentanyl Patch every 3 days
3. Risedronate 5 mg is daily, 35 mg weekly or 150 mg monthly
4. Semaglutide oral is dosed daily, while subcutaneous form is dosed weekly
5. Vitamin B12 Injection (Cyanocobalamin) daily to monthly
6. Warfarin often varies, alternating doses every other day
7. Methotrexate is dosed weekly
  1. FDA blackbox warning added in 2026 for lethality when taken daily
When writing prescription instructions for dosing variation, note the specific day(s)
1. Example: Take every tuesday (instead of take once weekly)
2. Avoid using abbreviations when writing dosing frequency (write-out "three times daily" instead of TID)
3. Review unique dosing instructions with patients at appointments
  1. Have them describe how they will specifically take the medication at home (e.g. frequency)
Keep critical phone numbers by telephone (consider programming into telephone)
1. Poison Control Center: 1-800-222-1212

Store all medications including pill boxes in a safe place after every time they are accessed
1. See One Pill Can Kill
2. Purses containing medications should also be kept safely away from toddlers and children
3. Place medication containers on high shelves, out of a child's sight
Do not rely on child-resistant medications as sole protection against Poisoning
1. However, keep the medication containers closed tightly, preferably with child resistant caps
Talk to children about danger of household products
1. Medications, laundry pods and dish detergent pods, household cleansers are absolutely not candy
2. Hand sanitizer contains >60% Alcohol and may result in Alcohol Poisoning in young children
3. Keep cleaners and disinfectants in their original containers (never store in water or soda bottles)
Dispose of Ipecac syrup if still in household
1. No longer recommended (risk of harm such as aspiration, not helpful, and may delay definitive care)