FDA’s action to take the first step to protect children from medications that look and taste like candy is a good thing.
Accidental ingestion of medications is a serious problem for children. In 2021, the American Association of Poison Control Centers received over 63,000 reports of children accidentally ingesting medications. Of these reports, nearly 70% involved children under the age of 5.
Medications that look and taste like candy are especially dangerous for children. Children are more likely to accidentally ingest these medications because they mistake them for candy. Additionally, children are more sensitive to the effects of medications than adults, so even a small dose of a medication can be harmful.
The FDA’s draft guidance to industry is designed to make OTC medications less appealing to children and to reduce the risk of accidental ingestion. The guidance recommends that OTC medication manufacturers avoid using bright colors, cartoon characters, or other features that are likely to appeal to children on their packaging and labeling. The guidance also recommends that manufacturers use child-resistant packaging, such as safety caps or blister packs, for all OTC medications.
If finalized, the FDA’s draft guidance would be a significant step towards protecting children from the dangers of accidentally ingesting medications.
Here are some of the benefits of the FDA’s action:
- It will help to reduce the number of accidental ingestions of medications by children.
- It will make it easier for parents and caregivers to identify and avoid medications that are dangerous for children.
- It will help to raise awareness of the dangers of accidental ingestions of medications.
- It will encourage OTC medication manufacturers to design packaging and labeling that is less appealing to children.
- It will help to prevent serious health problems and even death in children.
Overall, the FDA’s action is a good thing for children and their families.
Your Queries Answered:
Q: What are medications that look and taste like candy?
A: There are a number of medications that look and taste like candy, including:
- Children’s chewable pain relievers, such as Children’s Tylenol and Children’s Advil
- Children’s allergy medications, such as Children’s Claritin and Children’s Zyrtec
- Children’s vitamins and supplements, such as Flintstones and Centrum Kids
- Cough drops, such as Halls and Ricola
- Antacids, such as Tums and Rolaids
- Laxatives, such as Dulcolax and Milk of Magnesia
Q: What is the FDA doing to protect children from medications that look and taste like candy?
A: The FDA has issued a draft guidance to industry outlining recommendations for designing packaging and labeling of over-the-counter (OTC) medications to make them less appealing to children. The guidance recommends that manufacturers avoid using bright colors, cartoon characters, or other features that are likely to appeal to children on their packaging and labeling. The guidance also recommends that manufacturers use child-resistant packaging, such as safety caps or blister packs, for all OTC medications.
Q: Why are some medications made to look and taste like candy?
A: Medications are sometimes made to look and taste like candy to make them more appealing to children and to make them easier for children to take. However, this can also make these medications more dangerous, as children may mistake them for real candy and accidentally ingest them.
Q: What are the dangers of children accidentally ingesting medications that look and taste like candy? A: Accidental ingestion of medications can be very dangerous for children, even in small doses. Some medications can cause serious side effects, such as seizures, coma, and even death. Other medications may not cause immediate harm, but they can lead to long-term health problems if ingested repeatedly.
Q: What can parents and caregivers do to protect children from accidentally ingesting medications that look and taste like candy? A: Parents and caregivers can take a number of steps to protect children from accidentally ingesting medications that look and taste like candy, including:
- Keeping all medications out of sight and reach of children.
- Storing medications in their original containers.
- Never referring to medications as “candy” or other terms that might make them appealing to children.
- Teaching children that medications are not toys and should never be eaten.
It is also important to be aware of the medications that children are taking and to read the labels carefully. If you have any concerns about a medication that your child is taking, be sure to talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Q: What should I do if I think my child has accidentally ingested a medication?
A: If you think your child has accidentally ingested a medication, it is important to call your doctor or poison control center immediately. Do not induce vomiting or give your child anything to eat or drink until you have spoken to a healthcare professional.
Q: Are there any medications that are safer for children to take if they are accidentally ingested?
A: There are some medications that are generally considered to be safer for children to take if they are accidentally ingested. These medications include acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil), and diphenhydramine (Benadryl). However, it is important to note that even these medications can be dangerous for children if they are ingested in large doses.
Q: What is the FDA doing to protect children from accidentally ingesting medications that look and taste like candy?
A: The FDA has issued a draft guidance to industry outlining recommendations for designing packaging and labeling of over-the-counter (OTC) medications to make them less appealing to children. The guidance recommends that manufacturers avoid using bright colors, cartoon characters, or other features that are likely to appeal to children on their packaging and labeling. The guidance also recommends that manufacturers use child-resistant packaging, such as safety caps or blister packs, for all OTC medications.
Q: Why is the FDA taking this action?
A: The FDA is taking this action because of increasing concern about the number of children who are accidentally ingesting medications that look and taste like candy. In 2021, the American Association of Poison Control Centers received over 63,000 reports of children accidentally ingesting medications. Of these reports, nearly 70% involved children under the age of 5.
Q: What are the risks of children accidentally ingesting medications?
A: Accidental ingestion of medications can have serious consequences for children, even in small doses. Some medications can cause serious side effects, such as seizures, coma, and even death. Other medications may not cause immediate harm, but they can lead to long-term health problems if ingested repeatedly.
Q: What can parents and caregivers do to protect children from accidentally ingesting medications?
A: Parents and caregivers can take a number of steps to protect children from accidentally ingesting medications, including:
* Keeping all medications out of sight and reach of children.
* Storing medications in their original containers.
* Never referring to medications as "candy" or other terms that might make them appealing to children.
* Teaching children that medications are not toys and should never be eaten.
Q: When will the FDA’s draft guidance to the industry be finalized?
A: The FDA is currently accepting public comments on the draft guidance until December 31, 2023. Once the public comment period is over, the FDA will review the comments and finalize the guidance.
Here are additional questions and answers related to the FDA’s action:
Q: What types of medications are included in the FDA’s draft guidance?
A: The FDA’s draft guidance applies to all over-the-counter (OTC) medications. This includes medications such as pain relievers, cold and flu remedies, allergy medications, and vitamins and supplements.
Q: Will the FDA’s draft guidance require manufacturers to change the packaging and labeling of all OTC medications immediately?
A: No, the FDA’s draft guidance will not require manufacturers to change the packaging and labeling of all OTC medications immediately. Manufacturers will have time to comply with the guidance, and the FDA will work with manufacturers to help them make the necessary changes.
Q: What can consumers do to help ensure that the FDA’s draft guidance is effective?
A: Consumers can help to ensure that the FDA’s draft guidance is effective by submitting public comments on the guidance. Consumers can also contact their elected officials to express their support for the guidance.
Overall, the FDA’s action to take the first step to protect children from medications that look and taste like candy is a positive development. The guidance is designed to make OTC medications less appealing to children and to reduce the risk of accidental ingestion. Parents and caregivers can also take a number of steps to protect children from accidentally ingesting medications.