Poison Information Center - Tampa

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Facts about Medication Poisonings in Senior Citizens

Adults over age 65:

• consume the majority of medications
• experience the majority of all reported reactions to drugs
• experience more hospital admissions due to medication-related problems than any other age group

Why are seniors at high risk for medication poisoning?

• 50% have no regular routine for taking their medications
• seniors take multiple medications with potential interactions
• seniors are more likely to have vision problems
• increased sensitivity to effects of drugs

Seniors with medications affect grandchildren:

• 65% of seniors choose non-child-resistant closures on medicine bottles
• up to 36% of poisonings in children take place in the grandparents’ home
• up to 20% of poisonings in children involve a grandparents’ medication.

How the Poison Center can help:

• toll-free hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for emergencies or questions
• identification of unknown pills
• information about medication reactions
• information about over-the-counter or herbal diet supplements
• free brochures and phone stickers are available on topics such as poison-proofing the home, first aid, poisonous plants, poisonous critters and substances of abuse
• free educational programs to all age groups

How to prevent poisoning:

• be prepared for emergencies by posting a telephone sticker with the poison hotline number
• develop a system that shows if medications were taken on time
• medications kept in pill-minders should be locked up, away from children
• before taking dietary supplements or herbal products, consult a physician or pharmacist

Medication Safety Tips for Seniors