Health Tip: Don't Take the Wrong Medication

Suggestions to prevent accidental ingestion

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By Diana Kohnle

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Related MedlinePlus Page

Medication Errors

(HealthDay News) -- Common medications can be dangerous if taken incorrectly, or accidentally by children.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers these suggestions to help prevent accidental ingestion:

Never take a prescription medication that was not prescribed for you, and never take more medication than your doctor recommends.
Make sure all medicines -- prescription and over-the-counter -- are stored safely out of a child's reach.
Always read warning labels on medications and follow all instructions.
If you're taking medication at night, turn on a light. This will help prevent you from taking the wrong medication or the wrong amount.
Store all medications in their original containers, and properly dispose of medications when you no longer need them.
Carefully monitor use of medications among children and teens.

HealthDay