Blog on: When Medicines become poisons

Poison Control Hotline: 800-222-1222
Don’t ever be afraid of calling the Poison Control Hotline because you fear being thought of as unfit parent. These experts are there to help you with free and confidential advice. Many, many millions of parents have called. One mom I know needed to call twice in one week. That does not make her a bad mother. In fact, it makes her a good mother because instead of feeling humiliated that this was the second time in one week that she needed to call, she put her child’s welfare first and got the expert advice she needed to make sure her child was safe and to give her peace of mind.
Sometimes the question seems so silly to ask – such as the case of a toddler taking his sibling’s vitamin as well as his own. In this instant, the parents’ didn’t even agree that this may be dangerous. Mom was worried, but Dad thought it was no big deal and certainly didn’t warrant a phone call to poison control. It’s much better to make a simple phone call and make certain that it is OK and that no harm will come to your child. The earlier medical intervention is started in poisoning cases the more likely for a good outcome. Even small overdoses of vitamins can be dangerous. Instead of worrying about it or dismissing it, pick up the phone and call. They will not make you feel like a “bad parent” and in fact, you will be greatly relieved to hear their expert answers and advice to your questions concerning possible toxic ingestion of a substance.

If in doubt, check it out!
Poison control will also send you free magnets and phone stickers with the critical phone number on them. Call 800-222-1222 and request them.


Another tip for middle of the night medication dispensing – Children always seem to get sick at night, thereby necessitating a parent getting out of bed, assessing the situation and dispensing meds such as Tylenol for fever or fussiness due to vaccinations, teething, etc... For all parents who usually wear contacts or reading glasses, keep an extra pair of eyeglasses or a magnifying glass in the medicine cabinet to be able to read the correct dose of whatever you are administering to your child. It is all too easy for a weary parent to make an error when awoken out of a sound sleep. Don’t compound the risk of error by not being able to see the medicine label and directions clearly.