Clean out the medicine chest regularly and pour old medications down the drain or toilet. Keep all medicines in original containers. As with any medicine, always check the package and the medicine itself for signs of tampering. Don't use any medicine from a package that shows cuts, tears, slices or other imperfections. Report anything suspicious to the pharmacist or store manager.
Children are more sensitive than adults to many drugs.
Antihistamines and alcohol, two common ingredients in cold medications, can have adverse effects on a young patient, causing excitability or excessive drowsiness. Some drugs, such as aspirin, can cause serious illness or even death in children with chickenpox or flu symptoms. Both alcohol and aspirin are present in some children's medications and are listed on the labels. When giving any drug to a child, watch closely for side effects. The Poison and Drug Center is available 24 hours every day.