Look-alike Products

Some eye drops can be deadly if ingested by a small child. If anyone mistakenly puts super glue in their eyes, call the poison center. Generally, the first instruction is to flush the eye for at least 15 minutes in the shower, followed by an eye exam. However, call the poison center for specific directives. Remember, you can reduce the risk by keeping these products in two separate locations, far away from one another to reduce the risk of poisoning.

(Examples: Candy “bones” and vitamins; M&Ms and coated aspirin; Skittles and red pain relievers: etc.) Whether an over-the counter pain reliever, vitamin, decongestant or a prescription medicine, be aware that many of those colorful pills and tablets can be attractive to a young child. Place all medicine up, away and out of the reach of children. Also, be sure to keep it in its original containers to be sure adults don’t make a mistake.

Many edibles look and taste just like candy, cookies and brownies. One “pot gummy” can be a dose, and many times people don’t stop at one, leading to an easy overdose, especially in children. Edible products have a higher concentration of cannabis. Because of a child’s smaller size and weight, symptoms can be more severe and usually require a trip to a healthcare facility. Cannabis use in children can cause low blood pressure, severe tiredness, trouble breathing, even coma.

There are many beers and alcoholic beverages on the market that resemble sodas and fruit juices. Be aware of these similarities so you don't store look-alike beer and soda side by side in the refrigerator. Even small amounts of alcohol can cause problems in small children.

Gummies are gummies to a small child. If left within reach, children may take a gummy vitamin, thinking it is a gummy candy. Be sure to let all family members know how to store vitamins out of reach of children and to let them know that gummy vitamins, like any other vitamins are NOT candy. They should be taken only when directed by an adult.

Green Gatorade and cleaning products with lemons or limes on the label often look similar, especially if in a glass or out of their original containers. A cleaning product in a glass sends a mixed message that it is ok to drink! Try not to use a cup or glass to hold a cleaning product, even if for only a short period of time. Most accidents happen in the home.

These products are not only similar in color, but are also both sweet tasting. Windshield washer fluid is one of the most toxic substances to ingest. As a safeguard, all garage items should be stored on a high shelf (about 4-1/2 - 5 feet off the ground) and never in old food containers.

If you hold these two containers side by side you'll see the liquids are almost identical in color and consistency. Drinking a pine cleaner could be deadly.

These products and their containers are both very easy to confuse. You can prevent this confusion by never storing food products and cleaning products in the same cupboard.

If you place a few of each in a sandwich bag and ask a child if it's candy, they will most likely say "yes." These two products are very similar. It's important to store products in their original containers. Don't carry medicine in your purse or pocket.