• Madeline H Renny, Riddhi H Thaker, and Peter S Dayan.
• From the Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.
• Pediatr Emerg Care. 2022 Sep 1; 38 (9): e1557e1563e1557-e1563.

ObjectivesThe aims of the study were to determine the frequency of and factors associated with leftover or expired prescription medication ("leftover medication") presence in homes with children and to assess caregivers' reported behaviors and knowledge regarding disposal of leftover medications in the home.MethodsThis study is a planned secondary analysis from a survey of primary caregivers of children aged 1 to 17 years presenting to an emergency department. The survey assessed leftover medications in the home and medication disposal practices, knowledge, and guidance. The survey was developed iteratively and pilot tested. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with leftover medication presence in the home.ResultsWe enrolled 550 primary caregivers; 97 of the 538 analyzed (18.0%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 14.8-21.5) reported having leftover medications in their home, most commonly antibiotics and opioids. Of respondents, 217/536 (40.5%) reported not knowing how to properly dispose of medications and only 88/535 (16.4%) reported receiving guidance regarding medication disposal. Most caregivers reported throwing leftover medications in the trash (55.7%) or flushing them down the toilet (38.5%). Caregivers with private insurance for their child were more likely to have leftover medications (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.99; CI, 1.15-3.44), whereas Hispanic caregivers (aOR, 0.24; CI, 0.14-0.42) and those who received guidance on leftover medications (aOR, 0.30; CI, 0.11-0.81) were less likely to have leftover medications in the home.ConclusionsLeftover medications are commonly stored in homes with children and most caregivers do not receive guidance on medication disposal. Improved education and targeted interventions are needed to ensure proper medication disposal practices.Copyright © 2022 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

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