Recently a mother brought her 2-year-old to an emergency department
(ED) after the child ingested an unknown quantity of WELLBUTRIN
SR (bupropion sustained-release) tablets. She also brought
along the prescription bottle. This allowed the ED staff to
estimate the number of tablets the child had ingested by comparing
the quantity dispensed and the date it was filled. The child
was admitted, treated, and eventually discharged in good condition.
Unfortunately, poisonings in children are not uncommon, but
the person who sent in this report was particularly concerned
that the appearance of these tablets might entice a child to
ingest them, thinking they were candy. As seen in the photo,
the various strength tablets are brightly colored and the tablet
markings (drug name and strength), when viewed upside down,
give the illusion of a happy face on the tablet. Some staff
at the ED actually commented on how cute and pleasing the tablets
looked, and that perhaps they were colored and marked this way
due to their use in treating depression.
Obviously, the importance of safety caps and keeping medications
out of children’s reach cannot be overstated. But, healthcare
practitioners should remind parents and caregivers how important
it is to educate children about poisons–especially with
so many medications resembling familiar candy such as M&M’s
and Skittles.
