In the UK, the British Toxicology Society noted that approximately two-thirds of cases of childhood accidental medication poisoning are from medications not intended for children’s use, “often either their parent’s or grandparent’s medications”. The issue, known as ‘granny syndrome’ or ‘granny’s purse syndrome’ (because medication is often stored in granny’s handbag or purse), could be easily avoided by having a simple conversation when you visit grandparents, or they visit you. AdvertisementDr Martin also advises not taking medication in front of children because they “want to mimic what adults do”. If your child has accidentally taken medicationIf you think your child might have accidentally taken medication, call 999 or go to A&E. The NHS advises taking some of the pills or packaging to hospital to show doctors, so they know what they’re dealing with.

Source: Huffington Post January 31, 2026 07:31 UTC