Medicines
Using the wrong medicine or too much medicine can be dangerous and even life-threatening. Taking different medications together can increase the risk of harm.
Medicine safety tips
- When taking a medicine, always follow the instructions of your doctor or pharmacist.
- Before drinking alcohol, always check if the medications you're taking are safe to mix as some can be dangerous.
- If you or someone you know has taken too much of a medication, even if they have no symptoms, call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26.
- Dispose of unwanted or expired medicines at your local pharmacy or through Return of Unwanted Medicines.
- Learn more about accidental overdose of medicines.
How poisonings happen
- Medication errors, especially in elderly people with multiple treatments.
- Accidental poisoning may occur in the home or workplace.
- Recreational poisoning from the intake of alcohol and/or various illicit drugs or chemicals.
- Deliberate self-poisoning - any person attempting deliberate self-harm should always be referred to hospital for assessment and counselling.
- Occupational/industrial poisoning related to exposure to chemicals, gases or other substances in the workplace.
Dangerous medicines
Some medicines are more dangerous than others. These include:
- Opioids such as codeine, fentanyl and oxycodone. Mixing opioids with alcohol or other medicines such as antidepressants can increase your chance of harm.
- Paracetamol. This analgesic is the one of the most common causes of people being admitted to hospital for accidental overdose.
- Sedating medications such as sleeping tablets, antipsychotics and some ADHD medications.