Trick or Treat! Halloween, Candy, and Medication Safety

Medication Safety for Kids

Medication is a means to ease symptoms of being sick and help cure disease, for both temporary and chronic illnesses. It is only useful if given in the correct dosage, for the correct ailment, and the correct person for whom it is intended. Medication can harm if taken incorrectly or by someone who doesn’t need it . It is recommended that you do not refer to medication as candy to children, as that can cause confusion and safety issues. It’s important to stress that medications should only be taken if needed, for the person they are prescribed for, and with the help of a trusted adult. This is a great opportunity to practice reading and showing children prescriptions should only be taken if they have their name on them and over-the-counter medications with parental permission, if needed.

Discuss scenarios with children to ensure they know how to get help if an emergency occurs and how to identify that an emergency is occurring. Possible scenarios to role play include:

• getting an adult if a sibling cannot breathe,
• yelling for help if someone collapses
• calling 911 if an adult is unable to help them

It’s also a good idea for them to practice learning their name, phone number, and address. 

Medication Safety for Parents

There are things parents can do to assist in medication safety, including ensuring proper storage and dosage. Medications should be stored in cool, dry areas, out of sight and out of reach of children or pets. Storing them in your bathroom is actually a bad idea, as moisture in the air can damage the pills and affect the usefulness of medications. Lids should be tightly closed on all over the counter and prescription bottles. Be sure to use the measuring tools included when you purchase  children’s liquid medications rather than spoons from home. This will provide the highest accuracy and be the most beneficial.

If you are uncertain about dosages for any age group, talk to a doctor or pharmacist.

Post  the phone number for Poison Control, 1-800-222-1222 on your fridge, in case  someone around you eats, breathes or touches something that could be toxic, such as cleaning supplies.

If household or family members have opioid (pain) medications, it is recommended to also have Naloxone. This medication works as an emergency method to buy time until medical help arrives, similar to how you use an epi-pen for allergic reactions. Remember never to share pain medications with others in your family as they can be highly addictive.

It is most important to revisit these safety precautions as your children age and have age appropriate conversations with them.

Have a happy and safe Halloween!