Table 1

The most common substances ingested in child and adolescent self-poisoning events to NSWPIC and VPIC, 2006–2016 (n=33 501)

5–14 years15–19 yearsGrand total
Paracetamol*190160287929
Ibuprofen*78527823567
Fluoxetine42816632091
Ethanol20717861993
Quetiapine31315341847
Paracetamol/opioid*26612571523
Sertraline16613151481
Escitalopram91762853
Cough/cold preparations: paracetamol based*129704833
Diazepam113718831
Methylphenidate317500817
Promethazine*168549717
Caffeine*200463663
Venlafaxine 61476537
Aspirin/acetylsalicylic acid*112425537
Valproic acid114398512
Clonidine221259480
Olanzapine64408472
Temazepam 63405468
Ibuprofen, combinations*82365447
Bleach*138304442
Fluvoxamine86349435
Risperidone146286432
Mirtazapine60343403
Citalopram62326388
Miscellaneous medicine% 88276364
Oxycodone47306353
Herbal preparations*82265347
Desvenlafaxine 26314340
Ecstasy (MDMA)20310330
Amitriptyline66253319
Marijuana47264311
Doxylamine* 52253305
Amphetamines (illicit)23248271
Alprazolam44221265
Diclofenac* 59204263

  • Shaded rows: prescription medicine not approved for children in manufacturer product information.

  • Bold: not approved for children in manufacturer product information and not in Australian Medicines Handbook Children’s Dosing Companion (see the Methods section for further details).

  • Italics*: available over the counter/unscheduled.

  • %: includes cases where the medication was unknown, or purchased overseas/over the internet (not marketed in Australia).

  • MDMA, methylenedioxymethamphetamine; NSWPIC, New South Wales Poisons Information Centre; VPIC, Victorian Poisons Information Centre.