How often can you take Tylenol PM. What are the potential side effects of Tylenol PM. How to use Tylenol PM safely and effectively. When should you avoid taking Tylenol PM. What are the risks of Tylenol PM overdose.

Understanding Tylenol PM: Composition and Purpose

Tylenol PM is a combination medication containing two active ingredients: acetaminophen and diphenhydramine. Acetaminophen serves as a pain reliever and fever reducer, while diphenhydramine is an antihistamine with sedative properties. This unique blend makes Tylenol PM a popular choice for those seeking relief from occasional insomnia associated with minor aches and pains.

The primary uses of Tylenol PM include:

• Treating occasional insomnia with minor pain
• Alleviating minor aches and pains (e.g., headache, back pain, joint pain)
• Managing symptoms of allergies, common cold, or flu

Is Tylenol PM suitable for all types of sleep issues? No, it’s important to note that Tylenol PM is not intended for treating chronic insomnia or sleeplessness without pain. Its use should be limited to short-term relief of occasional sleep problems accompanied by minor discomfort.

Dosage and Administration: How to Use Tylenol PM Safely

Proper usage of Tylenol PM is crucial for ensuring its effectiveness and minimizing potential risks. Here are the key guidelines for taking Tylenol PM:

1. Follow the recommended dosage on the label or as prescribed by your doctor.
2. Do not exceed the recommended dose, as this can lead to serious health complications.
3. Tylenol PM is not suitable for children under 12 years old.
4. Limit use to 2 weeks for sleep problems and 7 days for cold or allergy symptoms.
5. Consult a doctor if symptoms persist or worsen after the recommended usage period.

How long does it take for Tylenol PM to work? Typically, the effects of Tylenol PM can be felt within 30 minutes to an hour after ingestion. However, individual responses may vary.

Potential Side Effects and Risks of Tylenol PM

While Tylenol PM can be effective for its intended uses, it’s essential to be aware of potential side effects and risks associated with its use. Common side effects may include:

• Drowsiness and dizziness
• Dry mouth and constipation
• Blurred vision
• Difficulty urinating
• Confusion (especially in older adults)

Can Tylenol PM cause more serious side effects? In rare cases, yes. Severe allergic reactions, liver damage, and serious heart problems can occur. It’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, skin rash, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Acetaminophen Overdose Risk

One of the most significant risks associated with Tylenol PM is the potential for acetaminophen overdose. Acetaminophen, when taken in excessive amounts, can cause severe liver damage or even death. To prevent this:

• Never exceed the recommended dose of Tylenol PM
• Avoid taking other medications containing acetaminophen concurrently
• Be cautious with alcohol consumption while using Tylenol PM

Precautions and Contraindications: When to Avoid Tylenol PM

Certain individuals should exercise caution or avoid using Tylenol PM altogether. These include:

• People with liver disease or a history of alcohol abuse
• Individuals with enlarged prostate or urination problems
• Those with respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD
• Patients with glaucoma
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women (consult a doctor first)

Should you take Tylenol PM if you’re on other medications? It’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before using Tylenol PM if you’re taking other medications, especially blood thinners like warfarin, as interactions may occur.

The Impact of Tylenol PM on Daily Activities

Tylenol PM’s sedative effects can significantly impact your ability to perform certain tasks. Here are some important considerations:

• Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery after taking Tylenol PM
• Be cautious when performing tasks that require alertness
• Allow for adequate sleep time (7-8 hours) after taking the medication
• Be aware that drowsiness may persist into the following day

How long do the effects of Tylenol PM last? The sedative effects of Tylenol PM can last for 8 hours or more, which is why it’s important to plan for a full night’s sleep when using this medication.

Alternatives to Tylenol PM: Exploring Other Options

While Tylenol PM can be effective for short-term use, it’s not always the best solution for everyone. Consider these alternatives:

• Non-medication sleep hygiene practices (e.g., consistent sleep schedule, relaxation techniques)
• Melatonin supplements for sleep regulation
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)
• Separate pain relievers and sleep aids for more targeted treatment
• Prescription sleep medications (under doctor’s supervision)

Are natural sleep aids as effective as Tylenol PM? While some natural remedies can be helpful, their effectiveness varies among individuals. It’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the most suitable approach for your specific situation.

Long-term Use and Dependency Concerns

Tylenol PM is intended for short-term use only. Prolonged or frequent use of this medication can lead to several concerns:

1. Tolerance: The body may become accustomed to the medication, requiring higher doses for the same effect.
2. Rebound insomnia: Discontinuing the medication may temporarily worsen sleep problems.
3. Cognitive impairment: Long-term use of antihistamines like diphenhydramine may affect cognitive function, especially in older adults.
4. Liver strain: Continuous use of acetaminophen can put undue stress on the liver.

Can you become addicted to Tylenol PM? While Tylenol PM is not considered addictive in the traditional sense, psychological dependence can develop, making it difficult to sleep without the medication.

Strategies for Safe Discontinuation

If you’ve been using Tylenol PM regularly and wish to stop, consider these strategies:

• Gradually reduce the dosage over time
• Implement good sleep hygiene practices
• Consider cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia
• Consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice

Interactions with Other Substances and Medications

Tylenol PM can interact with various substances and medications, potentially leading to adverse effects. Key interactions to be aware of include:

• Alcohol: Can increase the risk of liver damage and enhance sedative effects
• Other acetaminophen-containing products: Risk of overdose
• Antihistamines: May cause excessive drowsiness and dry mouth
• MAO inhibitors: Can lead to serious, potentially fatal interactions
• Blood thinners: May affect the effectiveness of anticoagulant medications

How can you check for potential drug interactions with Tylenol PM? Always consult with a pharmacist or healthcare provider before combining Tylenol PM with other medications or supplements. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific medical history and current medication regimen.

The Importance of Medication Awareness

Being informed about the medications you take is crucial for your health and safety. When using Tylenol PM:

• Read the label carefully and follow instructions
• Keep a list of all medications you’re taking
• Inform healthcare providers about your use of Tylenol PM
• Be aware of the active ingredients in all your medications to avoid accidental overdose

Special Considerations for Different Age Groups

The effects and risks of Tylenol PM can vary depending on age. Here are some special considerations for different age groups:

Adolescents (12-17 years)

• Should only use under adult supervision
• Limited to 5 days of use for pain relief
• May be more sensitive to side effects

Adults

• Standard dosing applies
• Should be cautious if taking other medications
• Need to consider impact on daily activities

Older Adults (65+ years)

• May be more susceptible to side effects, especially confusion and dizziness
• Should start with lower doses
• Need to be cautious due to potential interactions with other medications

Are there age-specific risks associated with Tylenol PM use? Yes, older adults are particularly vulnerable to the anticholinergic effects of diphenhydramine, which can lead to confusion, dry mouth, and urinary retention. They should use Tylenol PM with caution and under medical supervision.

Emergency Situations: Recognizing and Responding to Overdose

Recognizing the signs of a Tylenol PM overdose is crucial for prompt medical intervention. Symptoms of overdose may include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Confusion or agitation
• Seizures
• Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Difficulty urinating
• Extreme drowsiness or loss of consciousness

What should you do if you suspect a Tylenol PM overdose? Immediately call your local poison control center or emergency services. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed to do so by medical professionals.

Prevention and Safety Measures

To prevent accidental overdose:

• Keep Tylenol PM out of reach of children
• Use child-resistant packaging
• Never share your medication with others
• Dispose of unused medication properly
• Use a medication tracking app or journal to avoid double-dosing

The Future of Sleep Aids and Pain Management

As research in sleep science and pain management advances, new approaches to treating insomnia and minor pain are emerging. Some promising developments include:

• More targeted medications with fewer side effects
• Advanced sleep tracking technology for personalized treatment
• Integration of AI in sleep disorder diagnosis and management
• Novel non-pharmacological interventions for insomnia
• Increased focus on addressing root causes of sleep issues rather than symptomatic treatment

How might these advancements change the way we use products like Tylenol PM? Future treatments may offer more personalized solutions with reduced risks, potentially making combination medications like Tylenol PM less necessary for many individuals.

The Importance of Ongoing Research

Continued research in the field of sleep medicine and pain management is crucial for developing safer and more effective treatments. This ongoing work may lead to:

• Better understanding of sleep physiology
• More precise targeting of sleep-wake cycle regulation
• Development of pain relievers with minimal side effects
• Improved methods for managing chronic insomnia without medication

As our understanding of sleep and pain mechanisms grows, so too will our ability to address these issues more effectively and safely. While Tylenol PM serves a valuable purpose for many people today, future innovations may provide even better solutions for those struggling with sleep and pain issues.

Tylenol PM Uses, Side Effects & Warnings

Generic name: acetaminophen and diphenhydramine [ a-SEET-a-MIN-oh-fen-and-DYE-fen-HYE-dra-meen ]
Brand names: Headache Relief PM, Legatrin PM, Midol PM, Percogesic Original Strength, Tylenol PM
Drug class: Analgesic combinations

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Sep 19, 2022. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Tylenol PM?

Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and a fever reducer. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine.

Tylenol PM is a combination medicine used to treat occasional insomnia associated with minor aches and pains. Tylenol PM is not for use in treating sleeplessness without pain, or sleep problems that occur often.

Tylenol PM is also used to treat minor aches and pains such as headache, back pain, joint or muscle pain, tooth pain, or menstrual cramps.

Tylenol PM is also used to treat runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose and throat, and pain or fever caused by allergies, the common cold, or the flu.

Tylenol PM may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

Use this medicine exactly as directed. An overdose of acetaminophen can damage your liver or cause death. Taking too much diphenhydramine can lead to serious heart problems, seizures, coma, or death.

Do not use this medicine to make a child sleepy. This medicine is not for use in anyone younger than 12 years old.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine that may contain acetaminophen or diphenhydramine. Taking too much of either medicine can lead to a fatal overdose.

Drinking alcohol may increase your risk of liver damage while taking acetaminophen.

Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor right away if you have skin redness or a rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling.

Before taking this medicine

Ask a doctor before taking medicine that contains acetaminophen if you have ever had liver disease, or if you drink more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if Tylenol PM is safe to use if you have ever had:

• liver disease;

• an enlarged prostate or urination problems;

• asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, or other breathing disorder;

• glaucoma; or

• a condition for which you take warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven).

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Diphenhydramine may slow breast milk production.

How should I take Tylenol PM?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Tylenol PM is only for short-term use until your symptoms clear up.

Do not take more of this medicine than is recommended. An overdose of acetaminophen can damage your liver or cause death. Taking too much diphenhydramine can lead to serious heart problems, seizures, coma, or death.

Tylenol PM is not for use in anyone younger than 12 years old. Do not use the medicine to make a child sleepy. Death can occur from the misuse of antihistamines in very young children.

Do not use this medicine for longer than 2 weeks to treat sleep problems, or longer than 7 days to treat cold or allergy symptoms.

Call your doctor if you still have a fever after 3 days, or you still have pain after 10 days (or 5 days if you are 12-17 years old). Also call your doctor if your symptoms get worse, or if you have any redness or swelling.

If you need surgery or medical tests, tell the doctor ahead of time if you have taken this medicine within the past few days.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since Tylenol PM is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Skip any missed dose if it’s almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose can be fatal or cause liver damage.

Overdose symptoms may include loss of appetite, vomiting, weakness, confusion, ringing in your ears, upper stomach pain, dark urine, no urination, very dry eyes and mouth, yellowing of your skin or eyes, dilated pupils, fast heartbeats, tremor, agitation, hallucinations, or seizure.

What should I avoid while taking Tylenol PM?

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how Tylenol PM will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine that may contain acetaminophen or diphenhydramine. This includes medicines for pain, fever, swelling, cold/flu symptoms, or anti-itch medicine used on the skin. Using too much acetaminophen or diphenhydramine can lead to a fatal overdose.

Drinking alcohol may increase your risk of liver damage while taking acetaminophen.

Tylenol PM side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

In rare cases, acetaminophen may cause a severe skin reaction that can be fatal. This could occur even if you have taken acetaminophen in the past and had no reaction. Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor right away if you have skin redness or a rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling. If you have this type of reaction, you should never again take any medicine that contains acetaminophen.

The medicine may cause serious side effects. Stop using the medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe drowsiness;

• painful or difficult urination; or

• liver problems–loss of appetite, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Common side effects of Tylenol PM may include:

• drowsiness;

• constipation;

• decreased urination;

• dry eyes, blurred vision; or

• dry mouth, nose, or throat.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Tylenol PM?

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using Tylenol PM with any other medicines, especially drugs that can cause drowsiness (such as opioid medication, sleep medicine, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures). Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here.

More about Tylenol PM (acetaminophen / diphenhydramine)

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• Reviews (36)
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• Side effects
• Dosage information
• During pregnancy
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• Drug class: analgesic combinations
• En español

Patient resources

Other brands

Headache Relief PM, Midol PM, Percogesic Original Strength, Legatrin PM, . .. +2 more

Other formulations

• Tylenol

Related treatment guides

• Insomnia
• Pain
• Headache

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 17.01.

Is It Safe To Take Tylenol PM Every Night?

TonelsonProductions/Shutterstock

By Lauren DeMello/Nov. 17, 2021 9:46 pm EST

If you suffer with insomnia, you’re not alone. One article released from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, concluded that 1 in 4 Americans develop a sleep disorder (termed acute insomnia) every year, via Science Daily. As a result, many are turning to over-the-counter medications, like Tylenol PM, to help mitigate those sleepless nights. Tylenol PM markets itself as a nighttime pain reliever and sleep aid that works fast and helps promote a solid night’s sleep. But what’s actually in it and how does it work?

Tylenol PM contains both acetaminophen and diphenhydramine. Acetaminophen is the generic name for Tylenol and is a mild pain reliever used to treat minor body aches and fever. What makes Tylenol PM a marketable sleep aid is the addition of diphenhydramine. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that can cause drowsiness, via Consumer Reports. While neither of these ingredients have yielded clinical evidence of being addictive, health experts warn there may be other serious health concerns and psychological dependencies as a result of daily use.

amenic181/Shutterstock

Diphenhydramine is classified as an anticholinergic drug that effectively promotes sleep by blocking acetylcholine, a brain chemical that plays a strong role in muscle activation. However, that chemical is also responsible for important cognitive functions like learning and memory, via Time. Thus, healthcare professionals are increasingly concerned about the negative effect of using anticholinergic drugs, like diphenhydramine, and a potential risk of cognitive decline over longterm use. A 2015 cohort study found a cumulative, negative effect of using anticholinergic drugs over the course of 10 years, significantly increasing the risk of dementia, via JAMA Internal Medicine.

And what about dependency? Additional research needs to be conducted regarding the exact nature of dependency for sleep aids like Tylenol PM. But health experts emphasize that a lack of supporting evidence of habit-formation doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. It simply requires further investigation. What we do know is while Tylenol PM is labeled as non-habit-forming, this claim is generally within the context of those who use the label’s recommended dose for no more than two weeks, via Consumer Reports. Many consumers, however, rely on the medication daily for years. This may also point to the concern of psychological dependencies. Some consumers think they can’t get a good night’s sleep without the medication and thus begin relying it. Medical professionals urge those who have difficulty sleeping for more than two weeks to enlist the help of healthcare professionals. By identifying the root cause, consumers can focus on long-term, healthy solutions instead.

Recommended

Tylenol™ for colds – instructions for use, doses, side effects, reviews of the drug:

Description of the drug Tylenol™ for colds (caplets (caplets)) is based on the official instructions, approved by the manufacturer in 2000

Date approval: 31.07.2000

Contents

• Active substance
• ATX
• Pharmacological group
• Nosological classification (ICD-10)
• Composition and form of release
• pharmachologic effect
• pharmachologic effect
• Indications
• Contraindications
• Use during pregnancy and lactation
• Dosage and administration
• Side effects
• Precautionary measures
• Storage conditions
• Best before date
• Reviews

Active ingredient

Dextromethorphan + Paracetamol + Pseudoephedrine + Chlorphenamine (Dextromethorphan + Paracetamol + Pseudoephedrine + Chlorphenamine)

ATX

N02BE01 Paracetamol

Pharmacological group

Adreno- and sympathomimetics (alpha-, beta-) in combinations

Anilides in combinations

Nosological classification (ICD-10)

ICD-10 code list

• J06 Acute infections of the upper respiratory tract of multiple and unspecified localization
• R05 Cough
• R50 Fever of unknown origin
• R52. 2 Other persistent pain

Composition and formulation

1 caplet contains paracetamol 325 mg, pseudoephedrine hydrochloride 30 mg, dextromethorphan hydrobromide 15 mg, chlorpheniramine maleate 2 mg; 10 pcs in a blister, 1 blister in a box or 2 pcs in a strip, 50 strips in a box.

Pharmacological action

Pharmacological action –

analgesic , antipyretic , anticongestant , antitussive , antihistamine .

Inhibits cyclooxygenase in the central nervous system, reduces the biosynthesis of PG, eliminates the overexcitation of the thermoregulation center. It has vasoconstrictor (reduces swelling of the mucosa), antitussive and antihistamine activity.

Inhibits cyclooxygenase in the central nervous system, reduces PG biosynthesis, eliminates overexcitation of the thermoregulatory center. It has vasoconstrictor (reduces swelling of the mucosa), antitussive and antihistamine activity.

Indications

Symptoms of colds, incl. cough.

Contraindications

Simultaneous intake of alcohol (including alcoholic beverages), sedatives, tranquilizers, drugs containing paracetamol, children’s age (up to 6 years).

Use during pregnancy and lactation

Possible, but always consult your doctor.

Dosage and administration

Information for healthcare professionals only.
Are you a healthcare professional?

Inside, adults and children over 12 years old – 2 caplets every 6 hours (but not more than 8 caplets per day), children 6-12 years old – 1 caplet every 6 hours, but not more than 4 caplets per day.

Side effects

Drowsiness.

Precautions

Use with caution in diseases of the heart, thyroid gland and respiratory tract (including emphysema, chronic bronchitis), arterial hypertension, against the background of other drugs. During treatment, caution is required when working with machinery, driving a car, should not be taken for more than 7 days for pain and 3 days as an antipyretic.

Storage conditions

At a temperature of 15–30 °C.

Keep out of reach of children.

Expiry date

3 years.

Do not use after the expiry date which is stated on the package.

Update date: 12/12/2019

Poisoning in children

Around the world, the number of acute poisonings is steadily increasing, this situation is called the “creeping catastrophe”. Due to the wide distribution of various chemical and pharmacological preparations in the environment, more and more children are admitted to the toxicological departments with a diagnosis of acute exogenous poisoning.

Another, even more serious, reason is the frivolous attitude of the mother to the health of her own child, her inattention and reliance on the Russian “maybe”.

The one-year-old baby woke up early and got out of the crib. Mom dressed him and let him “free pasture”, and she herself lay down to fill up.

You say: this can not be? Unfortunately, it can, like all other cases from personal medical practice.

The kid, left unattended, was happy to host in the kitchen, scattered cereals, spilled oil, and then climbed onto a chair and took out grandmother’s clonidine from the shelf. An hour later, when mom woke up, the baby was already sleeping, holding a bottle of pills in his fist.

A friend came to visit her mother, whom she had not seen for a long time. So much news has accumulated that requires immediate discussion over a cup of coffee and a cigarette. But passive smoking is harmful to the child. Therefore, they left him in the room, while they themselves retired to the kitchen. How long the break lasted is not known. Mom claims that not for long. But the baby had enough time to get birth control pills from the guest’s bag and feast on them.

A two-year-old girl was playing on the floor with toys and suddenly fell asleep on the floor. Mom carried her to the crib, and went about household chores, pleased that the child did not interfere. After some time, the mother noticed that the girl’s sleep was restless, she was crying without waking up, making erratic movements with her limbs, as if fighting off someone.

The ambulance doctor suspected drug poisoning, and a vial of amitriptyline (used for depression) was found on the floor among the toys. The restless behavior of the child was explained by the occurrence of hallucinations.

Mom poured Antinakipin into the kettle and left it overnight to dissolve all the sediment. When the baby demanded a legal bottle early in the morning, the half-asleep mother diluted the milk formula with water from the ill-fated kettle and gave it to the child. She caught herself, only noticing that the mixture in the bottle had curdled in flakes. And during this time, the baby has already managed to sip a fair dose.

There are thousands of such examples.

But there are other cases when a mother overdoses the medicine with her own hand or mistakenly gives the child another remedy.

Every family has a first aid kit with a set of the most necessary and seemingly harmless medicines. But are they so harmless?

Back in the 17th century, the physician and naturalist Paracelsus said: “Only the dose distinguishes a poison from a medicine.”

Do you know that Calpol, Panadol, Tylenol and other drugs based on paracetamol, widely advertised and loved by parents, already at a dose of only twice the single dose, have a toxic effect on the liver, and a tenfold excess of a single dose causes kidney failure? Isn’t it too heavy a retribution for the uncontrolled use of “strawberry flavored syrup”?

The well-known drugs diphenhydramine, suprastin, pipolfen, in addition to allergic, have a sedative and hypnotic effect, which makes them very popular with some parents.

Wanting the child to sleep longer on a weekend or a holiday, the mother gives the baby diphenhydramine in an increased dose.

Contrary to the expected result, the child does not fall asleep, and receives another pill. After that, the child not only does not calm down, but, on the contrary, becomes excited, does not find a place for himself in the crib, fights off someone invisible with his hands, wriggles, cries. His skin turned red and dry, his pupils dilated, his heart beat faster. And the overdose of Diphenhydramine was to blame.

The chest has a runny nose. He can’t breastfeed and doesn’t sleep well. The doctor prescribed vasoconstrictor nose drops for the baby: naphthyzinum, galazolin or sanorin. After the first procedure, the baby breathed freely through his nose, ate well and fell asleep peacefully. A satisfied mother began to instill drops in him before each feeding, and then again before putting him to bed. By evening, the child seemed to have been replaced: he became lethargic, drowsy, refused to eat and asked to go to bed. The skin became pale, cold, sweating increased. Having measured the temperature, the mother was horrified: 34.7 C. So the intensive treatment of the common cold led to the poisoning of the baby.

Increasingly, vasoconstrictor drops are available in plastic bottles equipped with a dropper nose. This is done for the convenience of consumers: he removed the cap, pressed on the pliable walls, dripped the medicine into the nose, and no fuss with the pipette. For young children, this method is not suitable, since, by applying force, you can let the medicine in with a jet, significantly exceeding the dose. Use a regular pipette, picking up as many drops as prescribed by the doctor.

The child vomits repeatedly, and the mother, instead of inviting a doctor, gives him cerucal for two days in a row (“I know that he stops vomiting”). And she has no idea about the side effects of this drug, as well as about the undesirability of its use in children under 14 years of age. Therefore, when on the 3rd day the child developed violent movements in the limbs and muscles of the neck (overextension of the arms, involuntary turns of the head to the side) and convulsive twitches (grimaces) of the facial muscles, the mother was very surprised and called an ambulance. Barely looking at the boy, the ambulance doctor asked: “Did you give Cerucal?”, And, having received an affirmative answer, he began to wash the stomach through a tube.

Unfortunately, poisoning in children is not limited to drugs. In everyday life, we are surrounded by chemicals designed to improve and facilitate our lives. How many misfortunes and misfortunes the vinegar essence used in every family for home canning has brought and will still bring to children! No other country in the world produces acetic acid of such a concentration for domestic purposes, but here – please, drink – I don’t want to.

Neither a pedantic German woman, nor a frivolous Frenchwoman, nor a disciplined American woman would ever think of pouring a poisonous substance into a Pepsi or Fanta bottle, and in our country, the cause of poisoning babies is often the neglect of elementary rules for storing detergents and disinfectants and household chemicals.

“How did it happen? – Mom laments, – after all, I wrote on the bottle that there is gasoline here.

But the kid can’t read, but he remembers well that yesterday, on a walk, dad poured him delicious water from such a bottle.

In children under one year of age, physical activity and the field of activity are limited to a crib or playpen. They cannot get and swallow drugs or toxic substances on their own. Therefore, the cause of poisoning in babies of the first year of life is the inattention and carelessness of parents, when, having mixed up the dishes, they give the child alcohol or other toxic substances instead of water; instead of nasal drops, eye drops with clonidine are instilled; fulfilling the doctor’s prescriptions, they exceed the dose of medicines, and often treat the child on their own, without consulting a doctor, relying on their own knowledge or the advice of their friends.

The ability of the baby to move independently increases the risk of accidents, including poisoning. There are fewer and fewer places inaccessible to the child, and there are more and more objects and substances with an attractive appearance. Is it possible to pass by a bottle with such beautiful multi-colored pills? I need to get them out and try them out right now. Oh, yes, they are also in a sweet shell, real candy!

Always remember that the child “knows the world through the mouth.” This circumstance explains the largest number of poisonings in the group of children of the 2nd and 3rd years of life.

Add to this the carelessness of the mother in everyday life, the negligence of adults in the storage of medicines and chemicals, and the picture will be complete.

The fate of a child with acute poisoning often depends on the correct behavior of the mother or others. What should a mother do if a child has taken a drug or chemical?

If the fact of taking a poisonous substance is established, immediately call an ambulance, and before the brigade arrives, empty the child’s oral cavity from tablets that he did not have time to swallow, try to rinse his mouth and drink plenty of water (up to 200 ml) with two crushed tablets of activated charcoal or another adsorbent, for example, polyphepan (1-2 teaspoons).

Do not give milk to your baby as some poisons are fat soluble and the fat in the milk will speed up the absorption of the poison.

Try to collect and count the remaining pills, estimate how many pills the baby managed to swallow. It is clear to everyone that the larger the dose, the more severe the poisoning, the more serious the prognosis.

But do not calm down if you missed “only one” tablet. Some drugs are so strong and fast-acting that one tablet can lead to severe impairment of vital functions. These drugs include nitroglycerin, chlorpromazine, digoxin, hemiton, clonidine, amitriptyline.

Never induce vomiting in a child if poisoning has occurred with concentrated acid or caustic alkali, causing burns to the mouth, pharynx and esophagus. A caustic substance, when passing in the opposite direction, will inevitably increase the area and depth of the burn, and may also enter the respiratory tract. Try to give the child water to drink (1.5 – 2 glasses) to reduce the concentration of the caustic substance in the stomach.

The popular opinion that in case of acid poisoning it is necessary to drink alkaline drinks, and in case of alkali poisoning – slightly acidic solutions, is incorrect, since the carbon dioxide formed as a result of such a reaction is the cause of overdistension of the stomach and deterioration of the child’s condition.

If poisoning has occurred with gas or fumes of a toxic substance, the child should be urgently taken out of the gassed room, freed from restrictive clothing, cleared of mucus and vomit from the airways.

If a toxic substance gets into the eyes, it is necessary to wash the eyes with a stream of warm water using a syringe (without a needle) or a rubber bulb for 5 minutes.

If the toxic substance has got on the skin, the child should be undressed and thoroughly washed with warm running water and soap, first treating the contaminated areas, and then the entire surface of the body.

Sometimes the fact that a child has taken drugs or chemicals remains unknown to the mother or other adult family members, which significantly complicates diagnosis, leads to untimely assistance, and worsens the prognosis.

An alarming moment that makes the mother think about poisoning is a change in the child’s behavior: usually active and cheerful, he suddenly becomes lethargic, drowsy, falls asleep at an inopportune time. The sleep is so deep and strong that it is impossible to wake it up. Or, on the contrary, in a dream the child makes active movements, crawls on the bed, fights off someone with his hands and feet, cries, screams, without waking up. This behavior is indicative of hallucinations. Convulsions and loss of consciousness may occur.

Consider poisoning if…

– your baby has a runny nose, and you, not sparing the medicine, instill vasoconstrictor drops in his nose, and the child becomes lethargic, refuses to eat and asks to sleep;

– the child suddenly becomes foolish, laughable for no reason, he is “stormy”, i.e. staggers to the sides when walking, he stumbles on objects, stumbles on level ground;

– in the midst of complete health, the child’s condition suddenly deteriorates, consciousness is disturbed, convulsions appear, and there are no signs of an acute inflammatory disease.

Call an ambulance and tell your doctor about your observations and suspicions. The sooner you do this, the better for the child.

Is there really nothing that can be done to keep children safe from exposure to toxic substances? It is possible and even necessary!

Prevention of poisoning is extremely simple and does not require any moral or material costs from parents.

Medicines should be kept out of the reach of the child. Periodically arrange an audit in your home first aid kit and get rid of unnecessary, expired, with a faded inscription medicines. Do not keep medicines “at hand” in a cosmetic bag, in your pocket, in your purse. Your young tracker will find them everywhere and try “on the tooth.”

If you give your child pills or vitamins during an illness, never call them “candy”.

Store cleaners and detergents, insect sprays, stain removers and solvents, and technical fluids indoors or in a locked cabinet.

It is not allowed to pour potentially toxic substances into food containers.