injuries poisoning
General Principles of Poisoning
Prevention of Poisoning
In the US, widespread use of child-resistant containers with safety caps has greatly reduced the number of poisoning deaths in children<5 years. Limiting the amount of over-the-counter (OTC) analgesics in a single container and eliminating confusing and redundant formulations reduces the severity of poisonings, particularly withacetaminophen,aspirin, oribuprofen. Other preventive measures include Clearly labeling household products and prescription drugs Storing drugs and toxic substances in cabinets that are locked and inaccessible to children Promptly disposing of expired drugs by mixing them in cat litter or some other nontempting substance and putting them in a trash container that is inaccessible to children Using carbon monoxide detectors Refraining from prescribing opioids and using nonopioid treatments whenever possible Public education measures to encourage storage of substances in their original containers (eg, not placing insecticides in drink bottles) are important. Use of imprint identifications on solid drugs helps prevent confusion and errors by patients, pharmacists, and health care practitioners. 