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What to do if…
your child may have swallowed a medicine or unknown substance but seems fine so far

Short answer

Call Poison Control now: 1-800-222-1222 (free, confidential, 24/7), even if your child seems fine. If your child collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can’t be awakened, call 911 immediately.

Do not do these things

  • Do not “wait and see” just because there are no symptoms yet.
  • Do not induce vomiting or use home remedies.
  • Do not give food, drinks, or medicines unless Poison Control or a clinician tells you to (they may sometimes advise small sips of water/milk in specific cases).
  • Do not guess the dose and delay the call while you do math.
  • Do not rely on random online advice.

What to do now

  1. Check for immediate danger. If your child collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, is turning blue, or cannot be awakened: call 911 now.
  2. Stop any further exposure. Take the item away. Gently remove anything visible from the mouth and wipe the lips/face. If it’s on skin/eyes, rinse with running water.
  3. Collect key details (don’t delay calling). Find the container/packaging and note:
    • product/medicine name and strength (mg/ml)
    • how much might be missing
    • the time it likely happened
    • your child’s age and approximate weight
  4. Call Poison Control immediately and follow their instructions exactly.
    • Phone: 1-800-222-1222
    • If calling is difficult, use the official online tool (web Poison Control) as directed by Poison Control resources.
  5. Keep the packaging and any remaining substance. Have it in front of you during the call. Bring it with you if Poison Control or a clinician tells you to go to the ER.
  6. Watch for symptoms while you follow guidance. If new or worsening symptoms appear—especially trouble breathing, unusual sleepiness, repeated vomiting, severe agitation/confusion, seizures, bluish lips/skin—call 911.

What can wait

  • You do not need to identify the exact dose before you call—Poison Control can work with partial information.
  • You do not need to decide whether to “go to the ER” before you call; Poison Control will tell you the safest next step.
  • You do not need to figure out blame or write a full timeline right now.

Important reassurance

Many children look fine initially after an accidental ingestion, and many exposures can be managed safely with Poison Control guidance. Calling right away is the fastest way to reduce risk and avoid unnecessary or harmful steps.

Scope note

These are first steps only—focused on immediate safety and getting expert triage. Next steps depend on what was taken and the advice you receive.

Important note

This is general information, not medical diagnosis or treatment. If you suspect a child swallowed a medicine or unknown substance, contact Poison Control immediately, and call 911 for life-threatening symptoms.

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