As Halloween approaches, candy is everywhere, but not everything that looks like candy is safe to eat.
“Many medications are small, colorful, and sometimes flavored to make them easier to take,” said Kenneth Yuk, Aspirus Pharmacy Resident. “That can make it easy for children to mistake medicine for candy, especially around Halloween when sweets are more visible and accessible.”
Even a small amount of adult medication can be dangerous for children. Medicines are often formulated for adult body weights and can cause harmful side effects or serious health complications when taken by a child.
Yuk recommends designating one secure, high cabinet as the household medicine cabinet and keeping all medications stored there, away from humidity, heat, and light. Storing medicine in multiple locations can create confusion and increase the risk of accidental ingestion.
If a child accidentally swallows medication, families should call Poison Control immediately at 1-800-222-1222. Experts can help identify the medicine and determine whether it is safe to monitor at home or if emergency care is needed.
“One simple habit to prevent accidents is to put medicine away immediately after use,” Yuk said. “That small step can make a big difference in keeping kids safe.”
If you have questions about medication safety, talk with your Aspirus pharmacist or health care provider.
 
About Aspirus
Aspirus Health is a nonprofit, community-directed health system based in Wausau, Wisconsin, serving northeastern Minnesota, northern and central Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The health system operates 18 hospitals and 130 outpatient locations with nearly 14,000 team members, including 1,300 employed physicians and advanced practice clinicians. Learn more at aspirus.org.