Medicine Safety And Children

More than 50% of the poisonings reported to the Georgia Poison Center (GPC) involve medicines, both prescription and over-the-counter. Medicine can be dangerous if used incorrectly or in wrong amounts. The most common medicines the GPC is called about include:<br /> <br /> acetaminophen-containing products <br /> antibiotics, antiseptics (like rubbing alcohol) <br /> antacids <br /> antidepressants <br /> aspirin-containing products <br /> cough and cold medicines <br /> ibuprofen-containing products <br /> iron pills <br /> laxatives <br /> sleeping aids <br /> street drugs <br /> tranquilizers <br /> vitamins <br /> <br /> Iron Poisoning<br /> <br /> Iron is a mineral needed for good health. Too much iron can be unsafe - even deadly! Iron is the leading cause of poisoning death in children. Iron tablets and vitamins containing iron are a major problem. Iron is the leading cause of unintentional childhood poisonings reported to the AAPCC. Vitamins and minerals with iron must be kept out of the reach and sight of children and in child-resistant containers (CRCs).<br /> <br /> Pregnant Women and Nursing Mothers<br /> <br /> Medicine can pass from a pregnant woman to her unborn baby. Medicine can also pass through breast milk if you are nursing. If you are pregnant or breast feeding, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or the Poison Center before taking any medicine.<br /> <br /> Children and Medicine<br /> <br /> >Before you give your child medicine, read the medicine label. If you have any questions, call your doctor or pharmacist. <br /> >Take your time when giving your child medicine. Children often gag when medicine is given too quickly. <br /> >When you give a liquid medicine to your child, use a measuring tool suited for your child's age. Do not use kitchen spoons or cooking utensils to give medicine. <br /> <br /> Measuring Tools For Children<br /> <br /> Infants: Use a nipple doser, nurser, or oral dropper. Infants and Toddlers: Use an oral syringe. Toddlers and Up: Use a spill-proof, plastic dosing spoon or measuring spoon. Children 3 and Up: Use a dosing cup.<br /> <br /> *Make sure you give the right dose of medicine. Base the dose on your child's weight. To get the right dose of medicine, carefully eye the dosage levels calibrated on the measuring tool. <br /> *If your child throws up or spills some medicine, do not give your child extra medicine. This could cause an overdose. Instead call your doctor or pharmacist. <br /> *Medicine can come in different strengths. Always check the label for the age recommendations and directions before giving it to your child. If you have any questions, call your doctor or pharmacist. <br /> *Know the difference between dosing amounts. For example, a tablespoon (tbsp.) is not the same as a teaspoon (tsp.). <br /> *Never call medicine candy! Your child may eat the medicine, thinking it is candy. <br /> *Never give your child someone else's medicine, not even another childâ

http://accesswdun.com/article/2009/3/218758