The Dangers of Medicine Cabinets

A medicine cabinet is supposed to hold products that are helpful and beneficial. However, many dangers may lurk in a medicine cabinet. Learn to identify the risks, and prevent harm and danger to all who have access.

Significance

Those unsuspecting cold medicines and pain relievers can become a drug bonanza for kids and teens looking to get high. A May 2006 study published by the Partnership for Drug Free America noted that intentional use of medicine cabinet drugs by teens to get high is rampant.

Warning

Expiration dates and warnings are stamped on medicines and ointments for a reason. Potency and effectiveness may wear off after time, so always heed the dates and toss old items. Read the warning labels and don't overdodoses. Take note that some medications are inappropriate for children,

Considerations

Those child proof bottles may sometimes be difficult to open, but they can also be child's play to some children. Make sure not to leave dangerous bottles where little hands can reach.

Function

While most items in a medicine cabinet have a real function, instruct children and seniors to respect all medicines. Many drugs can have adverse reactions when mixed with other medicines, alcohol or herbal remedies. Follow instructions, and when in doubt contact your physician.

Prevention

Keep an inventory of prescription and over-the-counter drugs in a medicine cabinet, and ask your doctor what medicines can be abused. The Federal Drug Abuse Warning Network reports that emergency room visits are greater due to prescription overdoses than marijuana or heroin.

Disposal

When discarding old, expired and no longer needed prescriptions, mask them and make them very unappealing. Mix with coffee grinds, cat litter or saw dust. The New York State Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse acknowledges that twenty percent of Americans have used prescription drugs for non medical uses. Don't let your loved ones become a statistic.

References

• Labels and Warnings
• Prevention; Disposal