Q: What should I do if my 17-month-old baby might have swallowed adult medication?

Medically reviewed by Sang Hyun Ahn, MD

Content edited by Myeongchan Kim, MD

This post is a dramatization of a question and answer session experienced by our actual medical reviewers. Please note that this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.

Question:

Hello. My 17-month-old baby got ahold of an adult's medication. I didn't see it happen clearly, so I'm not sure if the baby actually swallowed it. When I asked, the baby just said "yum yum." I don't know if they ate the medicine, chewed on a piece of the foil packaging, or didn't eat anything at all. I gave the baby some water afterward, and now they have fallen asleep. What should I do in this situation?

Answer:

🚨 Immediate action is required.

If there is any possibility that a 17-month-old child put adult medication in their mouth, you must act immediately.

What you need to do right now:

• Wake the child up to check their level of consciousness. Observe if they wake up normally or if their reactions are sluggish and lethargic.

• Check inside their mouth to see if there are any pill fragments or pieces of foil left.

• Find the medication packaging or bottle to identify the exact name of the medication (active ingredient) and the dosage (mg).

Who to call immediately:

• Poison Control Center: 1-800-222-1222 (If you are in the US, this is available 24/7 for free, immediate consultation) or your local equivalent.

• Alternatively, contact your pediatrician's emergency line right away.

Call emergency services (e.g., 911) or go to the ER if you observe any of these symptoms:

• Difficulty waking the child up or a complete lack of responsiveness.

• Abnormal, shallow, or slow breathing.

• Seizures, repeated vomiting, or pale/blue lips.

Important Safety Guidelines:

• Do NOT force the child to vomit.

• If you are unsure of the medication's name, bring the bottle, packaging, or foil pieces with you to the emergency room.

• Time is critical in these situations—speak with a medical professional immediately.

A Poison Control Center or emergency medical professional can quickly assess the level of danger and advise you on the exact next steps once they have the medication details. Because the exact ingestion is uncertain, please seek urgent medical evaluation right away to ensure your child's safety.

For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.

fevercoach.us

Apple App Store

Google Play

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