Nicotine poison prevention in children
Monday, May 06 2024
In 2023, there was an increase of 47% from the previous year in the number of South Australian calls made to the Poison Information Centre (PIC) due to accidental exposure to nicotine products. These nicotine products included Nicotine Replacement Therapies (gum, lozenges, sprays), cigarettes/cigarette butts and vaping/e-cigarette devices and liquids.
When prescribing nicotine, or recommending Nicotine Replacement Therapies, it is important to remind your patients to keep nicotine products out of the reach and sight of children.
General Practitioners should also be aware of the signs and symptoms of nicotine poisoning in children.
Consider the possibility of nicotine poisoning in any child presenting with unexplained symptoms or sudden onset of symptoms that could be consistent with nicotine exposure. Early recognition nicotine poisoning can significantly improve patient outcomes and prevent life-threatening complications.
For more information about symptoms of nicotine poisoning, nicotine poisoning prevention, and to download posters for display in your practice, visit www.kidsafesa.com.au/nicotinepoisonprevention