Never refer to any kind of medicine as candy . Even if you're trying to get a reluctant toddler to take his cough syrup, don't treat it as something good to eat. Children learn by imitation, so take your own medicine when they aren't watching. Have some syrup of ipecac and activated charcoal on hand . These are the two most useful substances to have available in case of poisoning and both are available without a prescription at a drugstore.
Ipecac works by inducing vomiting.
Never give it to someone who has swallowed drain or oven cleaner, gasoline, turpentine, furniture polish, bleach, or detergent. They're corrosives, which means that vomiting may burn the esophagus and cause additional damage. Activated charcoal, while gritty and difficult to swallow, has the advantage of absorbing most poisons and allowing them to be safely excreted through the digestive tract. Keep both Ipecac and activated charcoal around in case of accidental poisoning, but don't use either one without advice from your pediatrician, an emergency room doctor, or an expert at a poison control center. With a little diligence and caution, chances are you'll never need to use them.