Which of the following is TRUE regarding child resistant packaging?

Child-resistant packaging is specifically designed to reduce the risk of children ingesting dangerous substances. The regulations surrounding child-resistant packaging are outlined to ensure the safety of not only prescription medications but also certain over-the-counter drugs and hazardous substances.

The statement regarding hazardous substances is true because the Poison Prevention Packaging Act (PPPA) mandates that certain household hazardous substances must be packaged in a manner that makes them resistant to being opened by children. This requirement includes household cleaning products, lawn care products, and specific medications that present a risk to children.

While prescription medications and many over-the-counter medications are required to be in child-resistant packaging, there are exceptions based on specific situations or requests for easier access (such as with certain elderly patients or those with disabilities) or if the product is classified as non-hazardous. However, the necessity for child-resistant packaging of hazardous substances is unequivocal, underscoring its critical role in safeguarding children from accidental poisonings.

Thus, recognizing the comprehensive nature of packaging regulations for hazardous substances is essential for pharmacy practice and public health.