Child poisonings from popular ADHD drugs quadruple amid dosing confusion
More than 3000 Australians were poisoned by ADHD drugs last year, as experts reveal the hidden dangers of a medication designed for adults but widely used by kids.
Poisoning from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder medication has quadrupled over the past decade, with young children and adolescents most at risk, experts warn.
Recent research from The University of Sydney shows more than 3000 Australians were poisoned by ADHD medications in 2023, a fourfold increase from 795 cases recorded in 2014.
While ADHD diagnoses have more than doubled over the past 10 years, experts say the rate of poisonings from clonidine have increased at a much faster rate.
Clonidine, the drug that was originally used as a blood pressure medication for adults, has been repurposed over the years to treat ADHD in children, yet the packaging and formulation has not adapted to the widespread pediatric usage.
The potent medication comes in 0.1mg tablet form, suitable for an adult dosage.
There is currently no child-specific commercial formulation available.
Due to its high strength, the drug is prescribed in quarter or half dosages for children, meaning a little goes a long way.
“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 both the dangers and providing families with guidance,” clinical professor Amy Thompson said.
The combination of complicated dosing and miscommunication among caregivers is leading to more accidental poisonings, with NSW research indicating 60 per cent of poisonings were accidental.
“Pharmacists and GPs should continue to follow national guidelines and only prescribe medications if other measures have not worked,” Professor Thompson said.
“Families should be given clear instructions on how and when to give medications.”
She said strong communication between caregivers was essential in ensuring the appropriate amount of medication was consumed by children – particularly in households with multiple children.
“Kids can be curious and ‘try out’ their siblings’ medication, underscoring the importance of storing medicines safely out of reach,” Professor Thompson said.
She said it was also crucial that families take extra caution to ensure medication is carefully separated and labelled so as to reduce the risk of the parent giving the wrong medicine to the wrong child.
Simple precautions
Health authorities encourage parents to take these simple precautions to help reduce the risk of accidental overdoses or poisonings at home:
• Keep all medications securely stored and out of reach of children.
• Never refer to medicine as “lollies”, as this can lead to confusion and accidental ingestion.
• Maintain clear communication between caregivers – write down when doses are given to avoid double dosing.
• Double-check instructions and seek clarification from pharmacists or doctors if uncertain.
• With ADHD prescriptions continuing to rise across Australia, awareness and safe storage practices are more important than ever.
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Originally published as Child poisonings from popular ADHD drugs quadruple amid dosing confusion
