Proper medication disposal (including recalled children's medicine!!)

Wondering how to dispose of those childrens OTC medicines affected by the recall?

(A voluntary recall of over-the-counter infant & children medications manufactured by McNeil Healthcare issued on Friday, April 30.The recalled items include children & infant Tylenol, Motrin, Zrytec & Benadryl. Click here for the complete list of recall medications. This recall is based on not meeting manufacturing standards and no adverse health effects have been reported.)

If you have some of the medications affected by the recall, DO NOT THROW MEDICATION DOWN THE TOILET OR RINSE DOWN THE SINK! This will cause the active (and inactive ingredients) to get into the water systems. Wastewater treatment facilities typically cannot remove these types of compounds (it's possible, but very expensive!), and consequently, they could end up in the environment in our rivers, lakes & streams and/or into our drinking water supply!

In fact, just last week, the MN Pollution Control Agency released a report that found "widespread bu low levels" of pharmaceuticals in at MN wastewater treatment plants, including antibiotics, endrocrine disruptors, and other medications!

So, just a general reminder to properly dispose of all medications in the garbage. To prevent accidental ingestion (or intentional ingestion if you have narcotics), follow these guidelines:

1. Keep the medication in its original package. The labels may contain safety information and the caps are often childproof. On prescriptions, scratch the patient’s name or write over it with a permanent marker.

2. Modify the medication to discourage consumption.

· For solid medications, such as pills or capsules: add a small amount of water to partially dissolve them.

· For liquid medications: add enough table salt, flour, charcoal, or spice such as turmeric or mustard to make a pungent, unsightly mixture that discourages anyone from ingesting it.

· For blister packs, drug patches, creams, unused ampoules, vial and IV bags: wrap the package in multiple layers of duct or other opaque tape to prevent leakage and obscure the contents.

3. Seal and conceal. Wrap the medication container in packing or duct tape, and then place it inside an opaque bag or container to ensure that the contents cannot be seen.

4. Discard the container in your garbage can—do not place it in your recycling bin.

source for disposal guidelines: Hennepin County A-to-Z How to Get Rid of It Guide


thanks to my friend Courtney for the reminder of this impt issue, especially as all of us parents are disposing our stash of medicine! :-)