Poison Prevention Antidote
Poison Prevention Antidote Newsletter
The Poison Prevention Antidote is an electronic newsletter published every other month to educate the public about the Poison Center’s services and how to prevent poisonings in daily life.
Each issue covers a variety of poison-related topics relevant to all ages.
July-August 2026 Issue: Medication Safety
Medications play an important role in managing your health, but they can be complicated at times. Medication names, colors, shapes, strengths, and instructions can be difficult to keep track of, especially when taking more than one medication.
Medication Safety Tips
- Make sure the medication is for you and not someone else.
- Do not take someone else’s medications.
- Make sure your healthcare team knows your allergies and medications, including over-the-counter products, vitamins, and supplements.
- Do not assume each provider has the same information.
- Create a medication list and update it as your medications change.
- Store and dispose of medications safely.
Know Your Medication
When taking medication, make sure you know:
- The medication name.
- The medication strength.
- The medication form, such as tablet, capsule, or liquid.
- Instructions on how to take it.
- When you should take it.
- What you are taking it for.
Safe Storage and Disposal
- Keep medications up and away from young children, preferably somewhere locked.
- Check with your local pharmacy or county to see if they have a secure medication disposal kiosk for unused or expired medications.
Medication Labels
Medication labels contain important information. Key things to look for include your name, medication name, strength, form, and instructions for how to take the medication.
Alcohol Safety
Alcohol can be dangerous for children. Even a small amount can have harmful effects. Children are curious and may mimic adult behaviors.
- Enjoy adult beverages in moderation.
- Keep adult beverages up and away.
- If you suspect a child has ingested any amount of alcohol, call Poison Help right away at 1-800-222-1222.
For medication questions or concerns, talk to your local pharmacist or healthcare provider. Save the Poison Help number in your phone or keep it visible at home: 1-800-222-1222.
A printable version of this information is available as the Medication Safety Poison Prevention Antidote PDF.
Newsletter Issues
2026
- Cleaning Safety (January–February 2026) (PDF)
- The Poison Purse (March–April 2026) (PDF)
- Bites and Stings (May-June 2026) (PDF)
- Medication Safety (July-August 2026) (PDF)
2025
- Ice Melt/Rock Salt Safety (January–February 2025) (PDF)
- What to Expect When You Call the Poison Center (March–April 2025) (PDF)
- Energy Drink Safety (May–June 2025) (PDF)
- Insect Repellent Safety (July–August 2025) (PDF)
- Halloween Safety (September–October 2025) (PDF)
- Liquid Nicotine and E-Cigarette Safety (November–December 2025) (PDF)
2024
- Water-Absorbing Polymer Bead Safety (January–March 2024) (PDF)
- Dangerous Plants (April–June 2024) (PDF)
- Poison Prevention While Traveling (July–September 2024) (PDF)
- Lead Poisoning Prevention (October–November 2024) (PDF)
- Button Battery Safety (December 2024) (PDF)
2023
- Cold and Cough Medicine Safety (January–March 2023) (PDF)
- Mushroom Safety (April–June 2023) (PDF)
- Pesticide Safety (July–September 2023) (PDF)
- Edible Safety – Special Issue (September 2023) (PDF)
- Carbon Monoxide: The Silent Killer (October–December 2023) (PDF)
2022
- Minnesota Poison Control System Turns 50 (January–March 2022) (PDF)
- Common Camping Poisons (April–June 2022) (PDF)
- Pool Chemical Safety (July–September 2022) (PDF)
- Holiday Food Safety (October–November 2022) (PDF)
- Holiday Decoration Safety (December 2022) (PDF)
For poison emergencies or questions, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222.
Need help accessing these materials? We are working to make all documents on this page accessible. If you need this information in another format, please call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 or contact us—we’re happy to help.