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What to Do If Your Child Accidentally Ingests Medicines or Vitamins
What to Do If Your Child Accidentally Ingests Medicines or Vitamins
Contact Poison Control right away if you think your child might have gotten into medicine or vitamins, even if you are not completely sure. Free and confidential expert help is available by phone at 1-800-222-1222 or online via webPOISONCONTROL®. If the child collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can’t be awakened – or you have any other concerns – call 911 IMMEDIATELY.
Each year there are about 35,000 emergency department visits caused by young children ingesting medicines that are left out and within reach.
In some cases, parents likely know that their child took too much medicine by noticing an empty bottle nearby or watching their child swallow extra pills before being able to stop them. Other times, a curious child may have taken medicine or vitamins when a parent was not looking.
Regardless of the circumstances, it is important to not only understand how you can prevent kids from ingesting medicines and vitamins, but also what actions to take in case of an emergency – before one actually occurs.
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What to Do If Your Child Accidentally Ingests Medicines or Vitamins
What to Do If Your Child Accidentally Ingests Medicines or Vitamins
What to Do If Your Child Accidentally Ingests Medicines or Vitamins
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Contact Poison Control right away if you think your child might have gotten into medicine or vitamins, even if you are not completely sure. Free and confidential expert help is available by phone at 1-800-222-1222 or online via webPOISONCONTROL®. If the child collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can’t be awakened – or you have any other concerns – call 911 IMMEDIATELY.
Each year there are about 35,000 emergency department visits caused by young children ingesting medicines that are left out and within reach.
In some cases, parents likely know that their child took too much medicine by noticing an empty bottle nearby or watching their child swallow extra pills before being able to stop them. Other times, a curious child may have taken medicine or vitamins when a parent was not looking.
Regardless of the circumstances, it is important to not only understand how you can prevent kids from ingesting medicines and vitamins, but also what actions to take in case of an emergency – before one actually occurs.
How Do I Know If My Child Needs Help?
Short answer – a child that swallowed the wrong medicine or too much medicine may or may not look, act, or feel sick. The same goes for vitamins and other types of dietary supplements.
But do not wait to act.
If your child stops breathing, collapses, has a seizure, or can’t be awakened, these are signs of an emergency that warrants an immediate call to 911.
Whether a child seems sick or not, don’t guess what to do. Contact Poison Control.
There are two ways to get expert help from Poison Control, and both options are free and confidential:
Call Poison Control
Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for expert guidance. You will speak directly to a poison specialist who is a registered nurse or pharmacist. These specialists are available to take your call 24 hours a day.
If possible, bring the medicine or vitamin container to the phone. You will be asked to provide a quick summary of the situation, as well as to answer several questions that are necessary for the poison specialist to make an accurate assessment of the situation’s severity. The poison specialist will then guide you through recommendations for treatment.
You can also call with questions about poison and poison prevention, not just emergencies.
webPOISONCONTROL
If you need help, but prefer not to call, use the webPOISONCONTROL online tool to get personalized treatment recommendations – in less than 3 minutes. The tool bases its recommendations on information you provide about the incident, such as the name of the substance, amount, and age of the exposed person.
The tool’s recommendation could be:
- It is safe to stay home because toxicity is minimal – you will be given information on certain symptoms that are likely to occur and not of concern, and signs to look for that mean you should call Poison Control or go to the ER.
- Go to the Emergency Room.
- Call Poison Control for further guidance.
Important Update: Acetaminophen
There’s been a lot of talk recently about misleading claims that taking acetaminophen during pregnancy can cause autism. We’ve pulled together some FAQs and answers to help families.
Learn more and get the facts about acetaminophenA NOTE ABOUT DYE-FREE PRODUCTS: Dye-free medications and supplements are a great option for individuals who prefer or require products without dyes, such as those with allergies, sensitivities, or personal preferences. Importantly, both dye-containing and dye-free options are held to the same rigorous safety and quality standards. If you’re unsure which is right for you or your family, talk to your pharmacist or healthcare provider. They can help you choose the option that best suits your needs.
References:
- http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/09/30/AR2005093001998.html
- http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-information/DR602285/DSECTION=precautions-
- http://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/multivitamin.html
- http://www.naturemade.com/resource-center/articles-and-videos/immune-health/timing-your-vitamins
- http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/912.html
- http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminA-HealthProfessional/
- http://www.prevention.com/food/healthy-eating-tips/your-breakfast-giving-you-cancer
- http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iron-HealthProfessional/
- http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs/yf/foods/fn1607.pdf
- http://www.fda.gov/Food/DietarySupplements/UsingDietarySupplements/ucm110567.htm
Safe Use Tips & Takeaways
Heart Health Takeaways
Be prepared by saving Poison Control’s contact information. It’s as easy as texting poison to 484848 or downloading a vcard that has the Poison Control phone number and link to online help. The webPOISONCONTROL tool is also available as an app on your mobile device, which can be downloaded on the App Store or Google play.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is fluoride?
Fluoride is a natural mineral found in water, soil, and some foods. It strengthens your enamel, repairs early signs of damage, and makes teeth more resistant to acids from bacteria and sugar.
Is fluoride toothpaste still the most effective option, or are fluoride-free formulas just as good?
Fluoride is still the gold standard for cavity protection. Fluoride-free options can clean your teeth, but they don’t offer the same enamel-strengthening power.
Is fluoride safe for daily use?
Yes. When used as directed, fluoride is safe and effective. It’s been trusted and recommended by major health organizations for over 70 years.
How does fluoride actually protect teeth?
It strengthens enamel, repairs early signs of decay, and makes teeth more resistant to acids from bacteria and sugary foods.
Are there any risks to using fluoride long-term?
The main risk—especially for young kids—is swallowing too much, which can lead to mild fluorosis. Using the right amount prevents this. For parents, supervise brushing to ensure kids spit out the toothpaste and don't swallow it.
At what age should kids start using fluoride toothpaste?
As soon as the first tooth appears!
* Under 3 years: a tiny rice-sized smear
* Ages 3–6: a pea-size amount
Supervise brushing so they don’t swallow it.
* Under 3 years: a tiny rice-sized smear
* Ages 3–6: a pea-size amount
Supervise brushing so they don’t swallow it.
Is fluoride still safe and recommended for kids with all the claims online?
Yes. A lot of online claims can be confusing, but decades of research show fluoride is safe and strongly recommended for cavity prevention when used properly.
How much fluoride should my child get from toothpaste?
Use age-appropriate amounts and brush twice a day. If your water isn’t fluoridated, ask your dentist about additional options.
How do I know which kids’ toothpaste claims are real and not just marketing?
Check for the ADA Seal of Acceptance and choose brands your dentist recommends.
Do fluoride-free or “natural” toothpastes protect kids from cavities?
They can help clean teeth, but they don’t provide the same cavity protection as fluoride toothpastes.
Are fluoride-free toothpastes just as effective for adults?
Not for cavity prevention. Fluoride-free toothpastes can help with cleaning and freshening breath, but they do not protect against cavities the way fluoride does. For adults, or anyone who is prone to cavities, fluoride toothpaste remains the most effective option for preventing tooth decay.
Do fluoride alternatives like nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp) make a difference?
Yes—nHAp can help with sensitivity and early enamel repair. But it hasn’t matched fluoride’s cavity-prevention strength in studies.
How do I compare fluoride vs. fluoride-free options if I have sensitivity or enamel wear?
Fluoride is best for strengthening enamel. nHAp may help with sensitivity. Some people benefit from using both in a balanced routine.
Are whitening toothpastes safe to use with fluoride or fluoride-free products?
Most are safe but can be abrasive. Choose gentle formulas and avoid using them every single day—especially for kids.
What should I look for when choosing an OTC toothpaste?
Pick products with proven active ingredients (like fluoride), check for the ADA Seal, and avoid unnecessary additives or sweeteners.
Does fluoride affect hormones or the brain?
No credible scientific evidence shows fluoride at levels used in toothpaste or fluoridated water disrupts hormones or causes neurodevelopmental harm.
What should I do if my community stops adding fluoride to the water?
Use fluoridated toothpaste, consider fluoride rinses, and talk to a dentist about fluoride supplements for kids.
Do fluoride supplements have side effects?
They’re safe when used under dental guidance and typically recommended for children in areas without fluoridated water.
What’s the best way to make sure I’m getting enough fluoride?
Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, drink fluoridated tap water if available, and ask your dentist for personalized advice if you’re cavity-prone.