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Changing pattern of poisoning in children in Newcastle, 1974-81

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Geoff Lawson, Emeritus Professor Alan Craft

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Abstract

All children aged under 15 years admitted to hospital in Newcastle upon Tyne between 1974 and 1981 with a diagnosis of poisoning were studied. After the introduction in 1976 of child resistant containers for salicylates and paracetamol, salicylate poisonings fell dramatically. The other most important medicines to cause poisoning in young children were tricyclic antidepressants, benzodiazapines, Lomotil (diphenoxylate and atropine), and iron preparations; these should also be packaged in child resistant containers by regulation. Few children had symptoms after poisoning with household products, but bleach, turpentine, and paraffin might also be packaged in child resistant containers. The numbers of adolescent girls admitted after deliberate self poisoning and of teenage boys admitted after ingestion of alcohol increased over the study period.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Lawson, G. R., Craft, A. W., Jackson, R. H.

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: British Medical Journal

Year: 1983

Volume: 287

Issue: 6384

Pages: 15-17

Print publication date: 02/07/1983

ISSN (print): 0959-8138

ISSN (electronic): 1756-1833

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmj.287.6384.15

DOI: 10.1136/bmj.287.6384.15

PubMed id: 6134564

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