The Basics
This toll-free number connects callers in the United States to poison control centers 24/7 for expert guidance on medication errors, chemical exposures, and accidental ingestions.
What is 1-800-222-1222?
For children under 2 years old, this is the maximum amount of acetaminophen that can be safely given in a 24-hour period, assuming proper weight-based dosing and spacing every 4–6 hours.
What is 2400 mg?
Due to age-related changes in renal clearance, this common OTC pain reliever should be used cautiously in older adults to avoid GI bleeding and kidney injury.
What is ibuprofen or Motrin?
This over-the-counter analgesic is considered the safest option for treating pain, fever, or headaches in all trimesters of pregnancy, according to ACOG and CDC guidelines
What is Acetaminophen or Tylenol?
A 90-year-old grandpa walks into the pharmacy to collect his 4-year-old grandson's liquid prescription. His old-fashioned doctor advises him to administer a tablespoon (tbsp) of the medicine. As the amazing pharmacist, you step in to explain why he should NOT use a real tablespoon, but instead a syringe or measuring cup. How many mL's will you recommend he gives to his grandson?
What is 15 mL?
Remember a teaspoon (tsp) is 5 mL
This expectorant, helps loosen mucus in the airways and is commonly used to relieve chest congestion from colds or bronchitis?
What is Guaifenesin or Mucinex?
This simple, non-medicated remedy is often recommended to relieve nasal dryness and congestion in babies, helping loosen mucus and moisturize tiny nasal passages.
What is saline nasal spray or drops?
Brand name: Little Remedies Saline Nasal Drops
This topical OTC agent, often used for muscle pain, may cause skin irritation or burns in older adults with fragile skin.
What is methyl salicylate (found in products like Bengay or Icy Hot)?
Although often used to treat colds and flu symptoms, this OTC medication should be avoided in pregnancy due to its association with vasoconstriction and potential fetal risks—especially in the first trimester.
What is pseudoephedrine?
The patient has been diagnosing themselves with low iron for the past four weeks. They've been taking an over-the-counter iron supplement, but now they're vomiting and have dark, sometimes bloody stools. You suspect an iron overdose. What do you give them?
What is deferoxamine mesylate or desferal?
This acronym stands for a class of medications that reduce inflammation, pain, and fever by inhibiting cyclooxygenase enzymes—common examples include ibuprofen and naproxen.
What is Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs or NSAID?
Acetaminophen should not be recommended to infants younger than this age unless directed by a pediatrician.
What is 2 months old?
Remember: Even though a child meets the age requirement- their weight plays a HUGE part in dosing portion of medications.
WEIGHT based dosing is preferred!!
This OTC sleep aid, found in many nighttime cold medications, is on the Beers Criteria due to its anticholinergic effects and risk of confusion or falls in older adults.
What is diphenhydramine or Benadryl?
This antacid, often used to relieve heartburn in pregnancy, contains calcium carbonate and may also contribute to maternal calcium intake—but excessive use can lead to rebound acid secretion or constipation
What is Tums?
A parent walks into the pharmacy carrying their 3-month-old baby. They are looking to purchase honey to alleviate the baby's cold symptoms. What amount of honey would you suggest for this parent?
What is NONE?
Honey is not recommend to children <2 years old due to the risk of infant botulism
This brand-name medication combines acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine to enhance analgesic effects and is commonly used for tension headaches, migraines, and menstrual pain.
What is Excedrin?
This OTC medication can be safely recommended to relieve gas and bloating in infants—even from birth—due to its non-systemic action and favorable safety profile.
What is simethicone or Gas X?
This antioxidant vitamin is commonly taken to support immune health, but megadoses in older adults may increase the risk of kidney stones or GI upset.
What is vitamin C or ascorbic acid?
Though commonly used for gastrointestinal upset, this OTC medication should be avoided during pregnancy due to its salicylate content and risk of fetal complications.
What is bismuth subsalicylate or Pepto-Bismol or Kaopectate?
A patient walks into the pharmacy experiencing a known cocaine overdose. What do you grab to administer to them?
What is sodium bicarbonate?
Remember: You DO NOT give Narcan for cocaine overdose. Cocaine is not an opioid. Even though in a lot of cases opioids are involved with this specific OD.
Due to FDA regulations and safety concerns, Ipecac Syrup may only be sold over-the-counter in this specific container size to limit misuse and ensure emergency availability.
What is 1 oz or 30 mL?
Remember: this medication shouldn’t be used in people less the 1 year old, and 1 dose is 15 mL.
This topical antibiotic is the preferred single-agent treatment for preventing superficial skin infections in children, especially minor cuts and scrapes.
What is Bacitracin?
This OTC antidiarrheal agent, commonly used for acute GI upset, can cause central nervous system depression and constipation in older adults—especially those with reduced hepatic function or polypharmacy.
What is loperamide or Imodium?
This antihistamine, often combined with pyridoxine to treat nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, is also considered safe for sleep support across all trimesters
What is Unisom or doxylamine?
A tired new mom walks into the pharmacy. While she is paying, she mentions that her 3-month-old baby needs the Miralax she is purchasing, and she plans to mix it with some milk she has.
What are the 3 issues with this situation?
1. The child’s age. Children should be at least 6 months old to recommend Miralax OTC
2. Miralax should NOT be mixed with milk- just water or juice
3. Children under 12 months old should not drink milk--- Remember at 12 months old, you can start giving whole milk (brain and nerve development)