Poison Control and Medication Safety

No matter where you are in the United States, if you are experiencing an emergency related to drugs or poisoning, call 800-222-1222. You will be connected to your local poison and drug information center. Save this number in your cell phone and post it near your home phone so it’s easy to find in an emergency. 

Safety basics 

Medication errors and accidental poisonings can happen at any age. Following these basic tips can help keep you and your family safe: 

• Always buy medicines with child-resistant caps if you have young children. Remember: “child-resistant” does not mean “child-proof.” 
• Don’t mix different pills in the same bottle. 
• Never share your medicine with others. 
• Follow the directions carefully. If you don’t understand, ask your pharmacist or call the poison center for help. 
• Keep a system to track when you take your medications. 
• Store prescription and over-the-counter medicine where teens cannot access it. 
• Double-check the medication label: who it is for, the correct dose, and when to take it. 
• Use the correct measuring tool, such as a dropper or medicine spoon - not a kitchen spoon. 
• Talk to your doctor or pharmacist so you know what each medication is for, when to take it and possible side effects. 

Medication safety for children 

Children are especially at risk of accidental poisoning. Protect them with these extra steps: 

• Keep all medications locked away and out of reach. 
• Avoid taking medicine in front of young children - they often copy adults. 
• Give medicine only to the child whose name is on the prescription. Do not save leftover medication for future use. 
• Ask your pharmacy to use child-resistant bottles. 
• Remind visitors not to leave medicine out where children can find it. 
• Measure medicine carefully using the directions on the label. 
• Handle over-the-counter medicines (like cold or allergy medicine) with the same care as prescriptions. 
• Keep purses and bags out of reach - children often explore them. 
• Never call medicine “candy.” Teach children that only adults can give medicine. 

Medication safety for older adults 

About half of the calls to the Banner Poison & Drug Information Center involve adult poisonings. Older adults, in particular, may be at higher risk of medication errors. These tips can help: 

• Keep the poison control number 800-222-1222 on your refrigerator, near your phone and saved in your cell phone. 
• Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain instructions like “take twice a day.” 
• Dispose of expired medications - do not save them “for next time.” 
• Never share your medication or take someone else’s. 
• If grandchildren visit, store medicines out of reach. 
• Keep an up-to-date list of all your medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins and herbal supplements. Carry a copy with you. 
• Note which medications need to be taken with food and which should not. 
• Write down your medication schedule and any side effects to watch for. 
• Review your medication list with your doctor regularly - even if you don’t have questions. 
• Wear your glasses and turn on the lights before taking medicine, especially at night. 
• Always take medications exactly as prescribed. 
• Use the same pharmacy when possible so the staff can help check for drug interactions. 

When to call for help 

If you suspect a poisoning or medication overdose, don’t wait. Call 800-222-1222 right away to be connected to your local poison control center. Trained specialists are available 24/7 to provide free, confidential help.