-Recognize the high risk of accidental ingestions and be prepared to act.
-Call 911 immediately, experts say, or call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.
-Parents should also be prepared to take their child to the hospital immediately, and they should bring the bottle of whatever the child took in the ambulance and to the ER.
-Note: New guidelines from the American Association of Pediatrics urge against the use of Ipecac or any other mechanism to induce vomiting.
Here are the 7 Pills that pose life threatening risks to youngsters:
1. HEART PILLS
Category: Calcium channel blockers
Scientific names: Diltiazem, Verapamil, Amlodipine, Nifedipine
Brand names: Cardizem, Cartia, Norvasc
Indications: High blood pressure (hypertension), angina, atrial fibrillation
Symptoms in children: Dangerously low blood pressure and heart rate, seizures
2. MUSCLE RUBS
Category: Camphor-containing rubs
Scientific name: Camphor
Brand names: Vicks VapoRub, Ben-Gay, Tiger Balm, Save the Baby
Indications: Relieves muscle aches, itching, coughing, and fever blisters
Symptoms in children: Rapid development of seizures, delirium, coma, and death
3. PRESCRIPTION PAIN MEDICATIONS
Category: Narcotic pain medications
Scientific names: Oxycodone, hydrocodone, methadone
Brand names: Oxycontin, Percocet, Vicodin and others
Indications: Alleviates pain
Symptoms in children: Sleepiness, which proceeds to lethargy. Can eventually stop breathing, which leads to death
4. ASPIRIN and OIL OF WINTERGREEN
Category: Salicylates
Scientific names: Acetylsalicylic acid, methyl salicylate
Brand names: Bayer, Ecotrin and others
Indications: Alleviates muscle pain, prevents heart attacks, Oil of Wintergreen used for flavoring
Symptoms in children: Nausea, vomiting, agitation, seizures, lethargy, coma and death
5. DEPRESSION DRUGS
Category: Antidepressants
Scientific names: Amitriptyline, imipramine, buproprion
Brand names: Elavil, Tofranil, Wellbutrin, Zyban
Indications: Treats depression, chronic pain and migraines, smoking cessation
Symptoms in children: Seizures, unresponsiveness and heart arrhythmias
6. TOPICAL BLOOD PRESSURE PATCHES, EYE DROPS and NASAL SPRAYS
Category: Topical Eye Drops, Nasal Sprays, and Blood Pressure Patches
Scientific names: Clonidine, oxymetazoline
Brand name: Afrin, Clear Eyes, Clonidine patch
Uses: Eye redness/itchiness, nasal congestion, glaucoma
Symptoms in children: Lethargy, low blood pressure, coma
7. DIABETES DRUGS
Category: Diabetes Medications
Scientific Name: Sulfonylureas
Brand name: Glyburide, Glipizide
Uses: Diabetes management (non-insulin dependent, or Type 2)
Symptoms in children: Dangerously low blood sugar, coma, seizures......
