Greater Cleveland Poison Control Center

24 Hour Hotline

National Toll Free Number 1-800-222-1222

Cold Weather Poison Prevention Tips

Cough and Cold Medicines:

This is the season for coughs and colds. Don’t be tempted to leave frequently used remedies out on the counter or bedstand. If swallowed, cough and cold medicines – as well as acetaminophen (Tylenol®) and aspirin – can be dangerous to children. Keep all medications well out of the reach of children.

Several precautions should be considered before you take any cough or cold medicines. If you are taking other medications, especially for high blood pressure or depression, check with your doctor or pharmacist before using any cold or cough remedy. Many of these products contain identical ingredients, and should not be taken together.

Medicine Cabinet:

Winter is a good time to clean out your medicine cabinet. Check the dates on all medicines. Flush any old prescription medicines down the toilet. All unused antibiotics should be discarded. Do not share your medicine with anyone. If you must have containers without child-resistant lids, remember to lock them away out of the reach of children.

Poison Proofing:

We spend much of the winter indoors, where children are more likely to explore medicine cabinets, bathrooms and storage area under sinks and counters. Remember, a window ledge or countertop is not a safe place for vitamins or food supplements. Iron tablets may look like candy, but iron is very poisonous and can be fatal. The safest place for medicines is a locked cabinet or box. Clean out areas where household cleaners are stored. Store household cleaners in their original containers and in an area where a child can not reach.

Poison Tips:

  Never call medicine “candy”.

  Never put medicines, cleaning products or gasoline in food containers. Many people have been poisoned by chemicals or gasoline stored in pop bottles.

  To avoid double dosing, designate one person to be responsible for the medicine.

  Safely store medicines after using them. Make sure lids are on tightly.

  If you suspect a poisoning, call your physician or the Poison Control Center.

  If you must carry medicines in your purse, keep the amount small and know how much is with you. Keep visitor and babysitter purses out of reach.

Funded in part by Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital of University Hospitals of Cleveland and the Cuyahoga County Board of Commissioners