What is a Poison

Any substance taken in any amount that is not normally taken can be a poison. Even water can be a deadly poison if someone drinks way to much of it in a water drinking contest for example. Millions of people are unintentionally poisoned each year, and children under the age of six are at the greatest risk. Unfortunately, hundreds of thousands of people intentionally attempt to hurt themselves by ingesting a poison or overdosing on medications each year. 

For medication overdose suicide attempters, the Arkansas Poison Center can provide life saving treatment advice to medical personnel in hospital emergency rooms where usually the poisoned patient will recover physically, receive mental health counseling and go on to live a happy and productive life.

For parents of small children having a health care professional on the other line offering you immediate reassurance and treatment recommendations is priceless.

Please call 1-800-222-1222 if a poison has been ingested.

Please call 1-800-222-1222 if any of the following have been ingested.

Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen is the active ingredient in Tylenol.  It is also used in many multi-ingredient cough, cold and pain medications. Acetaminophen is often involved in overdose situations particularly in children under 5 years old. Almost every household has it in the medicine cabinet or in the bathroom or their purse. Please call 1-800-222-1222 if you have any questions or concerns about dosing or if you, your child or other family member has taken too much acetaminophen or other drug. Always remember to keep your acetaminophen out of reach of small children at all times.

Aspirin

Aspirin is often used as an analgesic to relieve pain and as an antipyretic to reduce fever. Aspirin also has affects on the cells that cause blood to clot (anti-platelet) and is commonly used to help prevent heart attacks and strokes. Aspirin is often involved in serious overdose cases where people are trying to hurt themselves unfortunately. Please call the Arkansas Poison Center if you think anyone has ingested too much aspirin. Aspirin has been in use in the home for over one-hundred years and was first isolated by chemist Felix Hoffman in 1897. Aspirin is part of a group of drugs known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). Aspirin remains one of the most beneficial medicines on the market when used properly. Aspirin can be a real temptation and danger to small children because the chewable baby aspirins are oftentimes orange flavored and taste like candy. Parents and caregivers should be careful when keeping aspirin at home and make sure it is always properly stored up high and away from kids reach.

Cleaning substances

Most homes have several different types of cleaning substances many of which are very toxic. Often these substances are located in easy to reach areas for kids. Children are often exposed to cleaning substances causing a poisoning situation.

The APDIC wants families to make sure their cleaning substances are always stored high out of the reach of toddlers and children who may come to visit.

Kitchen cabinet safety locks are affordable and can be purchased at your local grocery store or home improvement store.

Cosmetic and Personal Care Products

Cosmetic and personal care products are in everyone’s home. Items such as perfumes, lotions, powders and makeup can cause a poison problem more often than you might think. Children being naturally curious will often swallow a cosmetic product thinking it is a candy or food. Call the poison center immediately if a child swallows or gets in their eye a cosmetic or personal care product.