Store things safely

Put medicines up and away and out of sight after every use — even ones you take every day. Locked cabinets are best.
Close the child-resistant cap until it clicks. These caps slow children down but are not childproof.
Ask guests to keep bags and coats with medicine out of reach.
Keep cleaning products, laundry pods, and chemicals in their original containers, up high or locked away.
Watch for hidden dangers like button batteries, magnets, vitamins, nicotine e-liquids, and cannabis edibles.
Never call medicine “candy.”

Take and give medicine safely

Read the label every time. Follow the package directions or your prescription.
Use the dosing tool that comes with liquid medicine, not a kitchen spoon.
Check active ingredients. Many cold, flu, and pain products contain acetaminophen. Taking more than one at a time can lead to an overdose that can harm the liver.
Don’t give aspirin to children or teens unless a doctor says to. It is linked to a rare but serious illness called Reye’s syndrome.
Keep a list of all medicines, vitamins, and supplements you take, and share it with your doctors and pharmacist.
Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about doses or mixing medicines.

Use a drug take-back site. Many pharmacies and police stations have drop boxes.
If there isn’t one, check the label or the FDA’s flush list. Flush a medicine only if it is on the FDA flush list.
Otherwise, mix medicine with something unappealing like used coffee grounds or cat litter, seal it in a bag, and throw it in the trash. Scratch out personal information on the bottle.

Save Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222 in your phone. It is free, private, and open 24/7. See poisoning first aid.