The Poison Post

 National Capital Poison Center                                                                          February 2012 Edition

valentine's day Quick Tips for a Happy and Safe Valentine's Day  

Roses and baby's breath aren't poisonous to eat, but might cause a rash so wash your hands after arranging them. Flower food isn't poisonous, but can cause stomach upset if swallowed. Chocolate can make pets vomit, have seizures, or worse. Questions? Call the poison center at 1-800-222-1222.  

motor oil Slippery and Dangerous:  Household Hydrocarbons 

Baby oil and household lubricating oil are hydrocarbons. These slippery liquids can easily go down the wrong way, into the lungs, when someone swallows them. Other hydrocarbons include lamp oil, torch fuel, lighter fluid, gasoline, kerosene, motor oil...  

prescription medications Prescription Overdose Deaths:  Who Is at Risk?

There has been an alarming increase in deaths from prescription medicines recently. Much of the increase is caused by overdoses of opioid analgesics. These are pain relievers such as codeine, morphine, fentanyl, oxycodone, and hydromorphone...

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two different meds My Prescription Medication Looks Different

I picked up my prescription.  The pills look different from my last refill.  What should I do?  Probably, the medicine is a generic.  Generic medicines have the same active ingredients as brand medicines.  They have the same effects, too.  But, they... 

questions about medications Medication Errors 

In 2011, 6,075 Washington-area residents called the poison center for help with a medication error. Taking the wrong medicine, taking too much medicine...so many ways to make mistakes.  Read on for real-life situations with real-life prevention tips. 

laundry Laundry Products 

Children get into all kinds of home laundry products like detergent, bleach, stain remover, fabric softener, pre-treatments, and dry cleaning kits. Some of these products can burn the mouth, eyes, or skin and should be stored up high.

reading medication bottle Should You Take Expired Medications?   

The short answer is "no," since old medicines may not work as well as they should.  The law requires expiration dates on drugs and drug makers select a date they know will be safe.  Some drugs are probably effective...   

toddler National Poison Prevention Week 

March 18 -24 marks the 50th observance of Poison Prevention Week since President Kennedy signed the observance into law.  Fifty years ago, hundreds of children died each year from poisoning; now it's 30.  We've made progress, but not enough.

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logoThe National Capital Poison Center depends on generous contributions from individuals, foundations, and corporations.  In addition, partial funding is provided through grants and contracts from the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the Commonwealth of Virginia, the State of Maryland, and the District of Columbia.  


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