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Childproof your medicine: How to keep medications away from kids

Medications are for healing. But in a child's hands, they can prove poisonous. Select a pill to learn about seven steps for keeping meds away from kids.

STORE:

Store all medicine (including items like vitamins, creams and hand sanitizer) in a place that is both out of reach and out of sight. Locked cabinets are the safest place.

KEEP:

Keep medicines in their original, child-resistant containers. Use a medication schedule to help you take the right dose at the right time.

REPLACE:

Put medicines back in their proper storage place right after you use them.

LISTEN:

Make sure to relock the safety cap on a medicine bottle after using it. Listen for the click.

TEACH:

Let kids know medicine isn't candy, and only you can give it out.

ASK:

Ask guests to put purses or coats containing medicine high and out of sight.

PREPARE:

Keep the Poison Control Center number (800.222.1222) in your cellphone.

Did you know?

Find out what often comes in pill bottles but should be tossed out.

Watch the video

Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians; Safe Kids Worldwide