Clinical Portal 2026Dr. Murali Gopal
Parent guide

Safe Medicine Use at Home

Simple safeguards for storing, checking, and using medicines around children.

Parent GuideReviewed
Lock medicines awayRead labelsCheck expiryAsk pharmacist

Dr. Murali Gopal

Senior Paediatrician & Paediatric Pulmonologist
MCR: 57489
MBBS, DCH(UK), MRCPCH(UK), FRCPCH(UK), CCT Paediatrics (UK), Fellow in Paediatric Pulmonology (Aus), Allergology (Ind)
Last reviewed: 1 July 2026

Medicines can harm children when used incorrectly or reached accidentally. This guide gives safety principles only and does not provide medicine amounts or prescription advice.

Storage safety

  • Keep all medicines, vitamins, inhalers, drops, creams, and supplements locked away and out of sight.
  • Put medicines back into safe storage immediately after use.
  • Keep medicines in original packaging with the label attached.
  • Store adult medicines separately from child medicines when possible.
  • Check handbags, bedside tables, travel bags, and visitors belongings for accessible medicines.

Before giving any medicine

  • Read the label every time, including the child's name when it is a prescribed medicine.
  • Check expiry date, storage instructions, allergy warnings, and whether the medicine still looks and smells as expected.
  • Use the measuring device supplied with the medicine when one is provided.
  • Ask your doctor or pharmacist if the label is unclear, the child vomits after medicine, a medicine was missed, or another medicine is already being used.

Prescription safety

  • Do not share prescription medicines between children, siblings, adults, or friends.
  • Do not restart leftover prescription medicines without medical advice.
  • Do not use medicines prescribed for a previous illness as a shortcut for a new illness.
  • Dispose of expired or unused medicines safely through a pharmacy or local safe-disposal process where available.

What not to do

  • Do not call medicine candy or sweets.
  • Do not leave medicines on counters, dining tables, school bags, or bedside tables.
  • Do not use another child's prescription.
  • Do not guess if instructions are unclear; ask a doctor or pharmacist.

Red flags / when to seek urgent care

Seek urgent advice if a child may have taken extra medicine, someone else's medicine, an adult medicine, an unknown medicine, or any medicine accidentally. Call emergency services or poison-control services urgently if the child is drowsy, vomiting repeatedly, confused, having breathing difficulty, having a seizure, or you are unsure what was taken.

Medical disclaimer

General education only This guide does not replace medical consultation, pharmacist advice, prescription instructions, poison-control advice, diagnosis, or individualized advice from a qualified healthcare professional.

References

  1. American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org. Medication safety resources. Accessed 24 May 2026.
  2. CDC. Medication safety and poison prevention resources. Accessed 24 May 2026.
  3. NHS. Medicines safety guidance. Accessed 24 May 2026.
  4. Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne. Kids Health Info medicine safety resources. Accessed 24 May 2026.

Last reviewed: 1 July 2026.

Medical review

Reviewed byDr. Murali Gopal

Last reviewed2026-07-01

Medical review statusClinician reviewed

ReferencesAAP HealthyChildren medication safety resources; CDC medication safety and poison prevention resources; NHS medicines safety guidance; RCH Kids Health Info medication safety resources

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This parent guide is for general education only and does not replace consultation with your child’s paediatrician. Please seek medical care urgently if your child appears seriously unwell, has breathing difficulty, poor feeding, dehydration, altered responsiveness, or if you are worried.

© Dr. Murali Gopal | For Patient Education Only This educational material is intended for parent and patient education. Reproduction, redistribution, or modification without permission is not allowed.