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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Seriously panicking.

81 replies

needingadvice12 · 09/05/2025 19:47

Stupidly went for a shower earlier with 5 y/o DS watching tv
Were in a flat so I can see him, he is ND.

Came out of the bathroom to find he’s been in my work bag, opened my paracetamol capsules and all the powder is on the floor. I didn’t even realise my work bag was on the floor.

I don’t think he’ll have eaten any of it, he said no but I am still so panicked. There was a lot of the powder.

Anyone advise?

OP posts:
ThejoyofNC · 09/05/2025 19:48

How many tablets were in there?

Doggymummar · 09/05/2025 19:48

Can you make him vomit? But to be honest they taste so bad I'm sure he would be crying if he tasted it

FloraBotticelli · 09/05/2025 19:48

Do you know how many capsules you had and how many are left? (Roughly)

Don't panic yet

JLou08 · 09/05/2025 19:49

I'd call 111 to be on the safe side.

Original poster
needingadvice12 · 09/05/2025 19:50

He’s emptied 6 of them. I know there was a lot of the stuff on the floor. I can’t smell it on his hands or anything and he is averse to medicine anyway.

OP posts:
Kittkats · 09/05/2025 19:50

I’d go to A&E for paracetamol levels, just in case (unless you know for sure he’s had access to less than the maximum dosage)

Original poster
needingadvice12 · 09/05/2025 19:51

He wouldn’t have eaten the maximum dosage in the powder. He won’t even take calpol. He’s just dumped it on the floor

OP posts:
CallItHome · 09/05/2025 19:52

Take him to A and E. Liver damage can be delayed and he could have no symptoms until it’s too late. He needs bloods and a paracetamol level done. If you take him now, there will be no harm done. Better safe than sorry. You will be stressed all night anyway so it’s better to go now. Good luck x

YesThatsATurdOnTheRug · 09/05/2025 19:52

Go to A&E. Not worth the risk.

clinellwipe · 09/05/2025 19:53

A&E I’m afraid. Asked my medical husband who has a very high threshold for taking our kids into hospital and he said unfortunately you really should. I know A&E is last place you want to be with a ND child but they should see you relatively quickly and get you a cubicle quick.

Original poster
needingadvice12 · 09/05/2025 19:54

Thank you. I’ll go now.
I feel so stupid. I’m not going to get into trouble am I. It’s never ever happened before.

OP posts:
Anotherolivia · 09/05/2025 19:56

It’s extremely bitter so I very much doubt he’s had any. But medical folk are saying get him checked so listen to them.

You won’t get in to trouble.

Psychologymam · 09/05/2025 19:56

CallItHome · 09/05/2025 19:52

Take him to A and E. Liver damage can be delayed and he could have no symptoms until it’s too late. He needs bloods and a paracetamol level done. If you take him now, there will be no harm done. Better safe than sorry. You will be stressed all night anyway so it’s better to go now. Good luck x

absolutely - paracetamol is one of the more dangerous things to overdose on and the dose is low for children. Take him in, not worth the risk. And as I’m sure you will in future - all medications in locked cabinet up high.

AstonUniversityPotholeDepartment · 09/05/2025 19:56

You won't get in trouble. People coming in with children who have tampered with tablets happens every day in A+Es. It's a routine check.

Original poster
needingadvice12 · 09/05/2025 19:57

They usually are put away. I feel so fucking stupid. The only reason they were in my bag was because I’ve had a headache all day.

OP posts:
Balloonhearts · 09/05/2025 19:58

Take him. I'm 99.999999% sure that he wouldn't have eaten any because it tastes absolutely vile but paracetamol poisoning is serious so wouldn't take the chance.

mumofoneAlonebutokay · 09/05/2025 19:58

I think you're fine tbh, but I'm not a doctor 😅

Maybe call 111 first?

You won't get into trouble though, as you've been upfront and told them what's happened x

Original poster
needingadvice12 · 09/05/2025 19:58

I’m petrified I’ll end up with bloody social services.

OP posts:
Balloonhearts · 09/05/2025 20:00

needingadvice12 · 09/05/2025 19:58

I’m petrified I’ll end up with bloody social services.

They'll take one look and write it off, kids gey into everything, you can't have eyes on them 24/7. They'll see it was just a mistake.

artdecomirror · 09/05/2025 20:02

i work in a senior child protection role. my daughter got into a bottle of liquid ibuprofen despite the child proof cap and glugged a decent amount. i got a 'home safety' advice phone call from the health visitor and that was it.
not seeking medical advice especially given the uncertainty of what was ingested due to his ND would be viewed dimly should he become unwell over the next few days (which is the big worry with paracetamol). however, it's unlikely he has had anything more than the therapeutic dose due to how bitter it tastes. he probably just thought it was a fun game of open and empty. if you have pets make sure you thoroughly hoover the area to prevent them having a taste.
happens to the best of us so try not to panic

Original poster
needingadvice12 · 09/05/2025 20:03

It’s all been hoovered thankfully
I just worry so much. I’ll order us a taxi now.

OP posts:
TheOtherRaven · 09/05/2025 20:03

needingadvice12 · 09/05/2025 19:58

I’m petrified I’ll end up with bloody social services.

Absolute worst case if you do they'll have a quick chat, sympathise, possibly ask your GP/health visitor if all ok, and wish you luck as they wave you goodbye. They're not looking for work, just to screen out children in actual need. You've whisked him to A&E as soon as you found out which is exactly what a responsible parent would do, and this can happen so easily.

So sorry you're having such a horrible evening!

Edited to add: cross post with ArtDeco who would know best in their role

GeorgianaM · 09/05/2025 20:03

I’d phone before going to A&E on a Friday evening.

Original poster
needingadvice12 · 09/05/2025 20:04

I’m absolutely certain he’s not had any. He won’t take medicine nevermind the powder. And when I did smuggle antibiotics into his food he wouldn’t go near it. I just feel absolutely stupid

OP posts:
IAmTheLogLady · 09/05/2025 20:04

Call 111.
They will advise you.
When my dts were around 16 months one of them managed to get a bottle of calpol. DP popped the calpol on top of the cupboard so he could give dt1 a dose and dt2 managed to grab it off tge side. He had obviously grown we didn't realise he could reach and it happened so fast. Tge next second he was crying with a face full of calpol. DP was ready to take him to A&E but we called 111 and they gave us advice. They reassured us that he would be fine.
Social services didn't get involved.
Everything and everyone was fine.