What to do when your child accidentally takes the wrong medicine

Curious toddlers and infants often find mummy’s or daddy’s medicine quite interesting, so parents need to be ready for the possibility that their child accidentally swallows a tablet meant for adults. — dpa

It's hard enough to get a child to take a medicine, and sometimes, you might be tempted to come out with a phrase such as ”It’s like candy”.

Paediatricians say don’t.

This is as it could increase the risk that a youngster will pop one into their mouth if they see pills lying around, according to Dr Berthold Koletzko, a university professor of paediatrics in Munich, Germany.

The risk is highest during those brief moments when the parent is distracted, e.g. when the doorbell rings and you rush to answer it, or when you dash to toilet for a second.

Unfortunately, that is enough time for a child to swallow a pill left on the table.

That’s why parents need to take extra care when hiding away your own medicines, and also, when taking them.

Of course, drugs should always be out of young children’s reach, and some experts even suggest having a medicine cabinet you can lock, or little cases that have a combination lock.

The most dangerous adult medicines for children are drugs for cardiac (heart) arrhythmias such as anti-arrhythmics or beta blockers, say doctors.

Powerful painkillers such as opiates are also risky.

If your child accidentally swallows a tablet or drinks a medicine, you should rinse their mouth with water right away, to remove any remnants of the drug.

Next, they should drink a lot of water, tea or juice to dilute the ingested substance.

Don’t give the youngster milk in this kind of situation, as milk can accelerate the absorption of substance through the intestines, experts say.

Also, don’t induce your child to vomit under any circumstances as there’s a risk that the vomit could enter the child’s lungs and lead to inflammation.

Dial the emergency services if you see any symptoms of poisoning.

These could be vomiting, nausea, diarrhoea, breathing problems, circulatory problems, or even unconsciousness.

In such a case, don’t hesitate and call the emergency line right away.

Usually, and reassuringly, most accidents involving medicines prove to be less harmful than you fear.

Nonetheless, don’t take an incident like this lightly and seek medical advice fast if in doubt. – dpa