Ingestion of prescription drugs by children: an epidemiologic study

Although the Poison Prevention Packaging Act of 1970 has resulted in a 65% decline in ingestion of products packaged in child-resistant containers, ingestion of prescription drugs by children has declined by only 36%. Since ingestion of solid prescription drugs remains an important cause of ingestion-related morbidity in children, this descriptive epidemiologic study of cases reported to a poison control center was done with the hope of identifying factors responsible for this continuing problem. The study provides an epidemiologic perspective of this unnecessary risk to child health, and also proposes interventions targeted to high-risk caregivers.