Tennova Healthcare Offers Medication Safety Tips for Older Adults and Young Children
3/1/2018
Health system draws attention to adverse drug events during Poison Prevention Week
March 18–24 is Poison Prevention Week, and Tennova Healthcare is marking the occasion by sharing tips to keep family members—both young and old—safe from medication overdose or harmful drug interactions, which some may be surprised to learn fall into the category of an accidental poisoning.
Adverse drug events are responsible for a growing number of emergency department visits in the United States. In fact, they cause more than 1 million visits to the ER each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This problem is particularly noticeable among adults age 65 and older. Seniors are twice as likely as others to come to the ER for adverse drug events and nearly seven times more likely to be hospitalized after an emergency visit.
Additionally, the CDC reports that approximately 7,000 children ages 11 and younger are treated in hospital ERs each year because of overdoses of over-the-counter cough and cold medication. About two-thirds of those incidents occur when children take medication without a parent's knowledge.
“Whether you’re a parent of young children or someone who is settling into your golden years, you should always use caution when storing, using, or discarding prescription or over-the-counter medications,” said William L. Harvey, M.D., a family medicine physician with Tennova Healthcare. “All medications—including children’s vitamins, herbal preparations, and supplements—should be treated as a potential poison.”
Tips for Older Adults (and Their Caregivers)
“The older you get, the more likely you are to take two or more prescription medications on a daily basis, which can increase the chance of a harmful drug interaction,” Dr. Harvey said. “Also, as you age, physical changes can affect the way your body handles certain drugs, leading to potential problems. For example, your liver or kidneys may not work as well, which may affect how a drug breaks down in your body.”
Here are six smart steps for managing your medications:
- Understand your medication. Ask your doctor for information about your medication, including how to take it properly. Should it be taken with food or on an empty stomach? Should certain drinks or foods be avoided? How long should you take it? If you have any concerns about the combination of medications you are taking, talk to your doctor.
- Be aware of the potential side effects of each medication. That includes possible interactions with other medications. Older adults may process medications differently, so don’t be afraid to call your physician or pharmacist with questions about any bothersome side effects not found on the prescription instructions.
- Keep a medication list. Create a list of everything you are taking, including vitamins, supplements, and over-the-counter remedies. Don’t forget to include information such as brand name, generic name, how often you take it, and the reason why you take it. Give a copy to a family member or friend.
- Take medication as prescribed. Any medication can be potentially dangerous if not taken correctly. Don’t skip doses or stop taking medication—even if you are feeling better. If you are thinking of stopping a medication, consult your doctor first.
- Store medications properly. Keep your medications in their original containers; and store them in a dry, safe place and away from direct sunlight. If you use a daily pill box, be sure to leave at least one pill in the original container, so you can recognize one pill from another.
- Keep all medications out of reach of children. Place prescription drugs in a medication safe, locked cupboard, or on a high shelf. And be sure to properly dispose of old or expired medications.
Tips for Parents (and Grandparents) of Young Children
“Most accidental poisonings occur when parents or caregivers are home, but not paying close attention,” Dr. Harvey said. “In addition to prescription and over-the-counter medications, a variety of household items frequently found in kitchens and bathroom cabinets can be potentially poisonous to children, including cosmetics, personal care products, cleaning supplies and detergents, among others.”
In addition to keeping medications (and other poisonous products) on a high shelf or locked cabinet where children cannot reach them, Dr. Harvey offers the following tips for keeping kids safe:
- Purchase and keep all medications in containers with safety caps. Note that safety caps are designed to be child resistant, but they are not fully childproof.
- Check the label every time you give a child medicine to ensure proper dosage. For liquid medicine, use the dosing device that came with the medicine. Never use a kitchen spoon.
- Never refer to medicine as “candy” or a “special juice” or another appealing name.
“Most children’s medicines are made to taste good, so children will take them.” Dr. Harvey said. “However, even if medicine tastes bad, don’t let your guard down. Children have been known to drink an entire bottle of liquid cough and cold medicine that tastes terrible.”
If your child—or anyone for that matter—is unconscious, not breathing, or having convulsions or seizures due to poison contact or ingestion, call 911. For mild or no symptoms, call your doctor or go to an urgent care center. Different types and methods of poisoning require different, immediate treatment.
For more information or to find a doctor, call 1-855-TENNOVA (836-6682).
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