One Pill Can Kill - Accidental Ingestions

Yes - that's a scary title, but for good reason.

Infants, toddlers, and preschool aged children are curious and are learning to navigate the world around them. This curiosity can lead them to put anything and everything into their mouths.

Even though this is normal behavior, children can get into things that can cause serious harm such as common household items or medications that siblings, parents and grandparents are taking.

Not every medication will cause harm if accidentally ingested in small amounts, however there are some medications that can cause serious harm with as few as one to two tablets:

Blood Pressure & Heart Medications

Amlodipine (Katerzia, Norvasc)

Atenolol (Tenormin)

Betaxolol

Carvedilol (Coreg)

Clonidine (Catapres)

Diltiazem (Cardizem)

Felodipine (Plendil)

Guanfacine (Intuniv)

Isradipine

Metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL)

Nadolol (Corgard)

Nifedipine (Procardia)

Nimodipine (Nymalize)

Nisoldipine (Sular)

Propranolol (Inderal)

Sotalol (Betapace, Sorine)

Verapamil (Verelan)

Diabetes Medications

Gliclazide (Diamicron)

Glimepiride (Amaryl)

Glipizide (Glucotrol)

Glyburide (Glynase)

Pioglitazone (Actos)

Rosiglitazone (Avandia)

Tolazamide

Tolbutamide

Antidepressant & Antipsychotic Medications

Amitriptyline (Elavil)

Amoxapine (Asendin)

Bupropion (Wellbutrin)

Chlorpromazine (Thorazine)

Clozapine (Clozaril)

Clomipramine (Anafranil)

Desipramine (Norpramine)

Doxepin (Silenor)

Imipramine (Tofranil)

Maprotiline (Ludiomil)

Nortriptyline (Pamelor)

Olanzapine (Zyprexa)

Protriptyline (Vivactil)

Trimipramine (Surmontil)

Opioids & Pain Medications

Buprenorphine (Belbuca, Buprenex)

Codeine

Hydrocodone (Hysingla) Hydrocodone & Acetaminophen (Lorcet, Norco)

Hydromorphone (Dilaudid)

Methadone (Metadol, Methadose)

Morphine (MS Contin)

Nalbuphine (Nubain)

Oxycodone (Oxycontin, Roxicodone)

Tramadol (Ultram)

Other Prescription Medications

Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles) - Cough medication

Diphenoxylate and Atropine (Lomotil) - Antidiarrheal medication

Theophylline (Theo-24) - Respiratory medication

Over the Counter (OTC) Medications

Aspirin

Bismuth Subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol)

Camphor

Nicotine

Oil of Wintergreen

Household Items

Button batteries

Laundry pods and/or laundry detergent

Toxic Alcohols

Ethylene glycol - found in antifreeze and some fire extinguishers, adhesives and inks

Isopropanol - found in rubbing alcohol

Methanol - found in deicing solution, windshield wiper fluid, carburetor cleaners

How can parents and family members avoid these accidental ingestions for their children?

Storage

• Keep medications and toxic household items high and out of reach of children (preferably in areas that they cannot see)

• Ensure that medications that come with a "safety cap" are fastened onto the bottle appropriately (twist until you hear clicking or cannot twist any more)

• Remind family members and houseguests to keep personal items that have medications up and out of sight from children

Poison Control Center (800.222.1222)

• Immediately call the Poison Control Center if you have any suspicion that your child ingested any medication or household item

• If you child might have had an accidental ingestion and is not acting normal, call emergency services (911)