Summer is almost over and school will soon be back in session. A little extra planning is required for children who take medications during the day. Every year the Texas Poison Center Network receives calls from schools and daycare centers about medication being found on floors, in diaper bags, in backpacks or being shared among students.
Specialists with the Texas Poison Center Network, say “Parents need to make sure they’re following school district policies before sending their kids off to class carrying any type of medication.” It is also important to talk with your child about how dangerous these medications are, even if they are sold over the counter. Explain to children that even though medications may make one child feel better, they can make another child very ill, so medications should never be shared with friends.
Back to school medication safety tips also include:
Always keep medications in their original container and don’t mix several different medications into one container.
Be familiar with the school’s medication policy. Most districts require all medications to be distributed by authorized school personnel. Most policies are going to have you bring the medications to the school nurse and let them distribute the medications. Sending the medication in your child’s backpack is not a good idea.
Sports bags may contain asthma inhalers, which should never be shared with other people.
