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Poisoning

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See also: Swallowed objects if you think your child has swallowed button batteries, magnets or other objects.

If you think your child has swallowed pills or medicines
  • Unless you're absolutely sure what they are, spend a minute or two looking for the missing pills.
  • If you still think your child has swallowed something, take them straight away to your GP or the Emergency Department, whichever is quickest.
  • Take the full set of tablets with you so the doctors can check the labelling and calculate how much your child may have taken.
  • Keep a close eye on your child and be prepared to follow the resuscitation sequence.
  • If possible, write down the name of whatever you think your child has swallowed so you can tell the doctor.
  • DO NOT give your child salt and water or do anything else to make them sick.
  • Try to keep your child calm and DO NOT encourage them to walk around to keep awake.
If you think your child has swallowed household or garden chemicals
  • Calm your child down as much as you can (this will be easier if you stay calm yourself).
  • Act quickly to get your child to the Emergency Department.
  • If possible, write down the name of whatever you think your child has swallowed so you can tell the doctor.
  • If your child is in pain or there's any staining, soreness or blistering around their mouth, they've probably swallowed something corrosive (a substance that can cause burns or other damage when swallowed). Give them milk or water to sip to ease the burning and get them to hospital quickly.

Advice taken from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/first-aid-and-safety/first-aid/what-to-do-if-your-child-has-an-accident/

Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 04 October 2021

Next review: 04 October 2024

Approved By: Dr Ciara Carrick