Abstract

We last discussed child-resistant containers (CRC) in 1979.¹ The incidence of accidental poisoning in children fell after their use became mandatory for analgesics in 1975, and it seemed logical to extend their use to all other medicines implicated in childhood poisoning accidents. This was done last March, when the Pharmaceutical Society and allied bodies, with the agreement of the medical profession and the DHSS advised pharmacists to dispense all tablets and capsules in CRCs. The advice to dispense in CRCs is merely a recommendation, not a legal requirement. All pharmacists were asked to display a large version of the notice reproduced here. Patients who dislike CRCs or who, because they are old or handicapped, find them hard to open are given a traditional container if they ask.