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Review
. 2025 Dec;72(6):1147-1161.
doi: 10.1016/j.pcl.2025.08.003.

Prevention of Childhood Poisoning

Merritt G Tuttle  1 , Abby J Montague  2 , Laurie S Halmo  3 , Michele M Burns  4
Affiliations
Review

Prevention of Childhood Poisoning

Merritt G Tuttle et al. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2025 Dec.

Abstract

Poisoning prevention begins with clinicians understanding the limitations of existing safeguards to avoid unintentional poisoning. Clinicians can discuss use of safe medication storage/devices and how to contact poison centers at routine patient encounters. Electronic medical decision-making tools can minimize errors that lead to unintentional poisoning. Prescribers can appreciate the nuanced risks and benefits of prescribing certain medications, ensure universal provision of or access to naloxone, be aware of patient populations who may benefit from additional poison prevention strategies, and counsel patients about environmental health hazards. Clinicians who care for children can advocate for systems-level changes to prevent pediatric poisoning.

Keywords: Medication errors; Naloxone; Overdose; Pediatrics; Poisoning prevention.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure Dr. Burns receives compensation for her role as the pediatric toxicology section editor for UpToDate.