How safe is your medicine cabinet
We all have medicines of some kind at home, some of which could be dangerous if taken incorrectly. Here Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) explains how to keep your medicines safe at home. You’ll also find tips for keeping a well-stocked but safe medicine cabinet.
What sort of medicine cabinet should I use?
Firstly, you do not have to have a special cabinet for keeping medicines. The main points are that it should have a lock and be out of the reach of children. Some people find that a cabinet or cupboard suits their purpose, but other people find a drawer most useful.
Where should I keep my medicines?
Most people keep their medicine cabinet in the bathroom, where it can be hot and steamy. Many medicines can degrade or break down in these conditions so that they do not work so well. Another room in the house, such as the bedroom, might be a better location.
Medication Safety Checklist
Follow these do’s and don’ts to help keep medications, drugs, and substances secure in your home.
Do:
? Lock away all medication and substances, ensuring they are out of sight and reach of children, teenagers, or anyone at risk of misuse.
? Clean up spills or dropped doses immediately to prevent accidental ingestion.
? Keep medication in child-resistant containers – while not completely child-proof, they can slow children down.
? Teach children never to swallow anything unfamiliar.
? Return unused or expired medicines to a pharmacy for safe disposal.
? Store and dispose of syringes, needles, and empty containers safely.
Don’t:
? Do not rely on high shelves – even small children can climb. Always lock medications away.
? Avoid storing liquid medications in the fridge unless absolutely necessary, as they could be mistaken for drinks.
? Do not take medication in front of children, as they may try to copy you.
? Never give methadone to a child – even a small amount could be fatal.
If a child swallows methadone, medication, drugs, or alcohol, they could suffer serious harm or death.
Safe Disposal of Medicine Bottles
Even small amounts of leftover medication can be dangerous. Follow these steps when disposing of bottles:
- Remove the dispensing label and put it in the bin.
- Rinse out the bottle and dispose of it in a recycling bin or return it to a pharmacy for safe disposal.
What to Do in an Emergency
If you suspect that a child or anyone else has swallowed medication:
- Call 999 immediately and request an ambulance.
- Take the medication container (with any remaining contents) to the hospital so medical staff know what was taken.
- Do not try to make them vomit, as this could worsen the situation.
- If the person is unconscious, lay them on their side to help with breathing and prevent choking.
By following these precautions, you can help keep your home safe and protect your family from accidental poisoning.