Open a Child Proof Pill Container

Most prescription drugs are packaged in 'child-proof' containers, which require a certain amount of manual dexterity-- and arm strength-- to get them open. While it’s important that child proofing works properly to prevent children from accidental poisoning, it can be difficult to open child proof pill containers if you’re an adult who is suffering from a loss of arm dexterity or strength due to injury or arthritis.

Steps

Opening the Container Properly

  1. Place the container on a flat surface. This will ensure you get a good, even grip on the container.
  2. Check the label to determine what type of child-proofing is on the container. There are several possible types, including:[1]
    • Push and turn down - the lid will have an arrow pointing down or a label that says Push.
    • Squeeze the sides and turn - the lid will have grooves around the lid to help you squeeze and turn it easily.
    • Push down the tab and turn - the lid will have a small raised tab that says Push on it and possibly arrows to indicate a turning motion.
    • Line up the arrows - the lid will have an arrow pointing downward and another arrow on the lip of the container pointing upward.
  3. Try to open the container. Because each child proof container has it's own particular locking mechanism, it's important to use the right motions to open it. If you are not mobile enough to open the lid without an additional method, disregard this step.
    • Push and turn down - push the lid downward and push it until it rotates and opens.
    • Squeeze the sides and turn - use the grooves around the lid to get a good grip on it, then squeeze and turn the lid at the same time until it opens.
    • Push down the tab and turn - use your palm to push down the tab and turn the lid until it opens.
    • Line up the arrows - rotate the lid until the arrow on the lid is in line with the arrow on the lip of the container. Then, lift the lid off the container.

Using the Edge of a Table

  1. Find a table with wide edge. The wide edge will provide enough leverage to rotate the cap.[2]
  2. Hold the container so the bottom part of the cap is resting against the top edge of the table. Essentially, you want to place the edge of the table between the top and the bottom part of the cap.
  3. Pull the container in a quick, downward motion against the edge of the table. The cap should click and release as you move it downward against the edge.
    • Another trick you can try is placing the cap underneath the edge of a table or kitchen counter. Holding the container firmly in one hand, apply pressure and rotate it until the cap clicks and releases.[3]

Using a Flat Surface

  1. Turn the container over on a flat surface. Use a table or a counter.
  2. Press the palm of your 'good' hand down on the base of the inverted container. Apply light pressure to the base.
  3. Rotate the container while keeping the lid motionless through friction. If you can, hold the lid with your other hand so it doesn’t move.
  4. Stop rotating once the lid clicks or releases. Then, hold both the lid and container in your 'good' hand, and turn both of them over.
    • You should now be able to lift the lid off and open the pill container.

Using a Bottle Opener

  1. Purchase a bottle opener online or at your local hardware store. Look for one made of rubber that has non slip grooves, as this will provide good grip.[4]
    • The Dycem Bottle Opener is designed for individuals with limited arm mobility, as it only requires you to use your fingers or the palm of your hand and light pressure to open a container.[5]
    • In a pinch, you can also use a small rubber mat, as it will provide enough grip to help you open the container.
  2. Place the bottle opener on the lid of the container. Hold the bottle in place with your other hand, if possible.
    • If you have an extra rubber mat lying around, place it under the bottle so it will remain secure and you do not need to use your other hand to hold it in place.
  3. Use your fingers or the palm of your hand to rotate the bottle opener. The strong grip of the opener should allow you to rotate the container properly and open it.

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-make-Evil-Childproof-caps-easy-to-open/?ALLSTEPS
  2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_9EBT1DHi8
  3. ↑ http://lifehacker.com/5975897/turn-a-childproof-pill-bottle-into-an-easy-open-one
  4. ↑ http://www.arthritistoday.org/what-you-can-do/everyday-solutions/do-it-easier/health-at-home/opening-bottles.php
  5. ↑ http://www.arthritissupplies.com/dycem-bottle-opener.html

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