How to Safely Store Medications and Protect Children from Accidental Ingestion

“Medications and supplements should always be stored safely because children may think they’re candy, which can lead to accidental ingestion.” 
 
WAUSAU, Wis. – Every year, approximately 35,000 young children are brought to the emergency room because they accidentally ingested medicine that was left within reach, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Medication safety is a critical concern for parents and caregivers, as even over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements, especially those in gummy form, can be dangerous if taken incorrectly. 
 
Children’s curiosity can put them at risk, as they may mistake medications for something harmless. Stetson Potrykus, Aspirus Pharmacy Resident, stresses the importance of keeping them out of reach. 
 
“Medications and supplements should always be stored safely because children may think they’re candy, which can lead to accidental ingestion,” says Potrykus. 
 
Best Practices for Safe Medication Storage 
To prevent accidental poisonings, Aspirus Health and the CDC recommend these key medication safety measures:

• Store medicines, vitamins, and supplements out of reach and sight. Keep them in a high cabinet or a locked storage area, even between doses. 

• Never leave loose pills, medicine patches, creams, ointments, or liquid medicines on a counter, table, or bedside. Children can quickly get into things when adults aren’t looking. 

• Use child-resistant containers and always relock safety caps. If a medication has a locking cap, twist it until you can’t twist anymore or hear the “click.” 

• Be mindful of the medications you carry. Store medications in purses, bags, pockets, or pill organizers where children cannot access them. 

• Teach children about medicine safety. Never refer to medicine as "candy," and make sure only adults administer it. 

• Remind guests to keep their medications secure. Visitors should store their medicines in a safe place when in a home with young children.