Alarmingly, children are significantly more susceptible to accidental poisonings from ADHD medications, with a striking 72 percent of these incidents involving youngsters under the age of 15. This troubling statistic highlights the need for heightened awareness and precautionary measures.

Dr. Greg Kyle, a clinical pharmacist with Metro South Health in Queensland, shared insights with SBS News, explaining, “Poisoning occurs when the effects of a medication exceed the expected outcome.” He emphasized that dosing isn’t always straightforward: “It’s not as simple as calculating half the dose for a child based on their weight compared to an adult. The results can be unpredictable.”

Further illustrating the risks, Thompson highlighted the dangers associated with medications like clonidine, noting, “Just one double dose can land a child in the hospital. With side effects this severe, it’s crucial for families and healthcare professionals alike to be informed about these dangers and to guide families appropriately.”

The issue is compounded by children’s natural curiosity, which may lead them to experiment with their siblings’ medications. This behavior underscores the critical importance of storing all medications securely out of children’s reach to prevent such dangerous exposures.

What’s behind the rise in cases?

“Just one double dose of clonidine can put a child in hospital and with side effects this serious, it’s vital that both families and healthcare professionals are aware of the dangers and providing families with guidance,” Thompson said.

“Children can also be curious and try out their siblings’ medication, underscoring the importance of storing medicines safely out of reach.”

Call for better dosing options

“There’s no clonidine mixture available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme to enable much finer control of dosing for ADHD.”