[su_youtube url=”https://youtu.be/oYZANt5k89I”] [su_expand more_text=”Show More”] About 90% of the poisonings reported to the GPC involve medicines, both prescription and over-the-counter.  Medicine can be dangerous if used incorrectly or if the wrong amount is taken.

Most Common Medication Poisonings Reported to the GPC

• Analgesics
• Sedative/Hypnotics/Antipsychotics
• Antimicrobials
• Cardiovascular Drugs
• Antidepressants
• Antihistamines
• Cold & Cough Preparations
• Muscle Relaxants
• Gastrointestinal Preparations

Common causes of medication poisoning occur from:

• Dosing errors
  • Taking too much
  • Taking within close time frame
  • Taking the wrong medicine or administering medicine the wrong way
    • ear drops being placed in the eyes
  • Drug interactions – can occur when medication interacts with a certain food, herbal product, alcohol or another medication
    • Taking some over the counter (OTC) medications with prescription medications can cause serious problems
    • Taking some medications with certain foods can lessen the effect of the medication.
  • Adverse reaction – can occur if expired medications are used.

Tips to Prevent Medication Poisoning:

• Store medicine in locked cabinets out of the reach of children
• Keep medicine in the original container
• Use child resistant packaging and replace caps tightly after each use
• Throw out expired, leftover or medicines with missing labels

• Always read the labels before taking or giving medicine; check the name, expiration date and directions
• Ask the doctor or pharmacist about any food or drinks that might react with the medicine
• Tell the doctor about any medications including vitamins that you are taking

• Never take medicine that belongs to someone else, even if you have the same symptoms
• After each dose, record the time, date and name of the drug(s) that was taken or given, especially if you are taking more than one medication
• If you forget to take or give medicine at the correct time, do not double dose without checking with your doctor first
• Do not take or give medicine in the dark, without your glasses on, or while you are sleepy
• Never call medicine “candy”
• Never give or take extra medicine if some gets spilled; call your doctor or pharmacist first
• Use a correct measuring spoon, do not use a kitchen spoon and know the difference between a tablespoon and a teaspoon
• If you suspect any medication errors call the GPC at 1-800-222-1222. For non-emergent questions you can chat or email us by visiting our website at www.georgiapoisoncenter.org

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