Child-resistant packaging is now common for medications. There are a variety of methods to secure medications, including caps that must be pinched or pushed down while turning. It may be required by regulation for prescription drugs, for over the counter medications, for pesticides, or for household chemicals where there is a significant risk of death from ingestion.

Patients can request medications come in non-protected bottles at their pharmacy, but this is not recommended for patients with young children in the home.] Because some children will defeat child-resistant caps, medicine should always be stored up out of reach in latched cabinets or closets.