Accidental Poisoning in Elderly
Tips for Prevention of Accidental Poisoning in Elderly
- Make it easy to see the medication: Wear glasses or use strong lighting or use a magnifier.
- Never take medicines in the dark.
- Do not double the dose for the missed dose.
- Create a way to remember when doses of medicine have been taken.
- Write dose times on a calendar and make a check mark after each dose is taken.
- Place a tight seal on the medication containers and store them as required.
- Do not mix the medicine containers with others which might look alike.
- Never replace your medications by borrowing from relatives or friends or neighbors.
- Keep the emergency phone numbers list near the telephone.
- Dispose outdated medicines. Never take expired medications. Some medications can become dangerous or ineffective over time.
- Be aware of potential drug interactions as some medicines interact dangerously with food or other medicines.
- Do not take any natural or herbal supplements without consulting your doctor.
