Keeping Prescription Drugs from Children

Service members taking prescription drugs must be on constant alert to keep medications away from young children (0–6 years). They may be prescribed opioids, sedatives, and stimulants and these drugs can have serious health consequences if taken by children accidentally. Regardless of the type of drug, all medications should be out of reach of children. Here are effective ways to keep prescription drugs away from children:

Packaging

Always keep medications in their original containers with child-resistant caps. These caps are made to be difficult for children to open, providing an important first line of defense.

Storage

Keep all medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and dietary supplements, in a locked cabinet or other secure location that is out of sight and reach of children.

Education

Teach children about the dangers of taking medicine that is not prescribed for them and the importance of not touching or consuming unknown medicine. Tell children that some medicine may look like candy or gummies but that does not mean it is and that they should never eat any pill they find. Also, educate anyone who may be caring for your children about where medications are stored and the importance of keeping them secured.

Track Medication

Maintain an up-to-date list of all medications in your home. Regularly check quantities and control access to them.

Dispose

Remove expired or unused medications from your home to reduce risk. Utilize drug take-back programs or follow FDA guidelines for disposing of medications safely.

Model

Model responsible behavior by taking medications as prescribed and discussing medication safety openly with children, appropriate to their age level.

Use Reminders

Instead of leaving medications out as a reminder to take them, use other methods such as setting alarms on your phone or using pillbox organizers that remain in a secure location.

Check Bags

Ensure that any purses, bags, or coats that might contain medications are kept out of reach of children, not left on the floor or within easy access.

Travel

When traveling, keep medications in a secure place such as a locked suitcase or a travel-safe medication box, and maintain close supervision over them. By safely storing medications, you can reduce the risk of children accessing them, ensuring their safety and well-being. Learn more about medication use here.