Medication safety matters all year long, but the holidays create conditions that can heighten risk — especially when guests who don’t regularly spend time around children are involved. Even a brief distraction during a busy celebration can give a child the opportunity to access something harmful. With a few simple steps, families can help ensure that holiday cheer doesn’t turn into a preventable emergency.
Tips for protecting children from accidental ingestion
- Store medications up, away and out of sight: Keep all medications in high cabinets, locked containers, or safes — not on counters, dressers or nightstands.
- Know that child-resistant does not mean child-proof: Packaging designed to slow children down can still be opened by many kids. Treat it as a delay, not a guarantee.
- Ask guests about medications: When hosting, kindly remind visitors to keep any medications in secure, elevated places instead of bags or coat pockets left within reach.
- Keep medications in original containers: Many accidental ingestions occur when pills are stored in unmarked containers or weekly planners. If you use a planner, store it securely.
- Dispose of old or unused medications: Clearing out expired or unnecessary prescriptions reduces the chance of accidental access. Many pharmacies offer safe medication take-back programs.
- Save the Poison Control number (800-222-1222): It’s staffed around the clock and should be your first call in nonemergency ingestion situations.
- Avoid referring to medicine as “candy”: Today’s medications — especially gummies — can look appealing to children. Reinforce that medicine is only to be taken with adult supervision.
What to do if a child ingests medication
- Stay calm and check the child’s mouth for any remaining pills or items.
- If the child is unresponsive, shows symptoms or appears distressed, call 911 immediately.
- If the child is alert and stable, call Poison Control (800-222-1222) for guidance.
- Identify what the child may have taken, how much and when it occurred.
Taking time to review how medications are stored in your home — and preparing before guests arrive — can go a long way in preventing accidental ingestions. Your local pharmacist can also help with questions about safe storage or disposal.
