Teens and Toddlers at Great Risk of Accidental Medication Poisoning, Study Finds

Toddlers and teens are at the most risk of experiencing accidental medication poisoning, reports a new study from Safe Kids Worldwide and the American Association of Poison Control Centers. The two groups found that nearly half of 1.34 million calls to poison centers each year for children relate to medicine. Also, the percent of 15-19 year olds experiencing medication poisoning is more than six times greater than the percent for 1-4 year olds, a press release reports.

Teens who manage their own medicine are at greater risk of an adverse event, the study notes. Parents should teach them how to read drug labels and also the importance of taking the correct dose as well as only medicine that is meant for them. To prevent medication poisoning in toddlers, parents can keep medicines up, away, and out of sight and also follow dosing directions given by health care providers. More tips are available in the full study.