The Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center at The University of Arizona College of Pharmacy and Safe Kids Tucson want to warn parents that young children are at higher risk of accidentally getting into drugs during Thanksgiving and Christmas.
During these holidays, children under 5 are more frequently accidentally exposed to medications and household products.
Data from 2002 through 2006 show such calls to the poison center increased by almost three times on Thanksgiving and Christmas, and the days immediately before and after, over the usual daily number of 66 calls.
"We get a lot more medication poisonings over the holidays," said Jude McNally, managing director of the poison center. "With family and friends visiting for celebrations, routines are disrupted and visitors may not be thoughtful about where they leave their over-the-counter and prescription medications. Parents need to pay extra attention to make sure drugs are stored safely and youngsters don't accidentally sample them."
The most common medications reported in such cases are cold products and cough medicines, liquid Tylenol, vitamins with iron and prescription drugs to treat high blood pressure, heart, diabetes and pain.
Call the poison center at 800-222-1222 anytime you think a child may have been exposed to a medication or product that could cause harm. The center is open 24 hours daily.
Find more poison prevention tips.