CHILD-RESISTANT CONTAINERS CAN PREVENT POISONING

During the period May 1, 1967, to April 30, 1968, prescription tablet and capsule medications from the pharmacies of Madigan General Hospital and McChord Air Force Base were dispensed in 270,000 child-resistant containers. Poisonings from all prescription medications decreased from 15.8 to 8.2 poisonings per 10,000 pediatric outpatient visits. The most significant change was a 90% decrease in poisonings due to prescription tablets and capsules dispensed in plastic vials originating from Madigan and McChord Air Force Base pharmacies during the test period. The study suggests that widespread use of the test container would produce a significant reduction in accidental childhood poisonings due to prescription tablets and capsules.