Most prescription drugs are packaged in childproof containers, which require a certain amount of manual skill and arm strength to get them opened. Childproof caps are specifically designed to prevent children from accidental poisoning. But at times, you may also find it challenging to open childproof pill containers if you suffer a temporary loss of strength due to injury or arthritis. Certain situations require you to adopt techniques of bottle opening to your advantage. Keep reading to learn how to open childproof caps.
How Does a Childproof Cap Work?
Child-resistant packaging, with a distinct safety cap or childproof cap, is a unique packaging used to reduce the risk of children ingesting hazardous materials. This child-resistant packaging can be a problem for some adults or people with disabilities. There are many different childproof caps designs available. The most common is one that you must push down and turn at the same time.
The cap is made of two caps, one inside the other, the cap has threads that screw into the container, and the outside cap has the grippy edges that allow you to twist it easily. The two caps can turn one inside the other. If you push down hard, the grippy flat surfaces between the two caps will mesh or connect and allow you to unscrew the inside cap from the bottle, by spinning it through the outside lid. The childproof cap is a notable invention that paved the way for medicine safety and accident prevention for decades. Not every adult is an expert at doing the skillful opening, and it is a necessity to have an idea on how to open childproof caps.
Ways to Open Childproof Caps
There are many ways to open a childproof cap. You can do it by opening the container properly as directed, using the edge of a table, using a flat surface, or using a bottle opener. Keep reading to know which technique on how to open childproof caps, will work best for you.
Opening the Container Properly
With this method, you need to place the container on a flat surface for a good grip on the container. Check the label first to know what type of childproofing is on the bottle. Childproof containers have their particular locking mechanism, and it’s essential to use the right motions to open it. Some would have the “push and turn down” instruction where the lid has an arrow that points down. With this, you need to squeeze the sides and turn, push down the tab and turn, and try opening the container.
Using the Edge of a Table
If you opt for this method, you need to find a table with a wide edge to provide you with enough leverage to rotate the cap. First, hold the container, so the bottom part of the cap or lid rests against the table’s top edge. The top and the bottom part of the cap must be placed between the edge of the table. Next, pull the container in a quick, downward motion against the side of the table. The cap will click and release as you move it down against the edge. It is an effective way of how to open childproof caps.
Using a Flat Surface
For this method, you will be turning the container over on a flat surface. Use a table or a counter to press your palm down on the base of the inverted container. Apply only light pressure to the base. Then, rotate the bottle while keeping the lid motionless through friction. Try to hold the cover with your other hand, so it doesn’t move. Stop rotating once the cap clicks or releases. Then, you have to keep both the lid and container in your hand and turn both of them over. This way, you will lift the lid off and open the pill container.
Using a Bottle Opener
This last method requires a bottle opener. You need to use one made of rubber and have non-slip grooves, to provide you with a good grip. This type of bottle opener is designed for individuals with limited arm mobility, as it only requires you to use your fingers or palm, and light pressure in opening a container. Place the bottle opener on the lid of the container and hold it in place with your other hand as much as possible. It will help if you have an extra rubber mat lying around to be placed under the bottle, so it remains secure, and you do not need to use your other hand to hold it in place. Use your fingers or palm to rotate the bottle opener. The firm grip of the opener rotates the container properly, allowing you to open it easily.
Conclusion
Children naturally love to explore, and at times may place anything in their mouths. That is why childproof seals around pill bottle tops are provided to protect your medications and reduce the danger of your child from accidentally consuming what’s inside. But these cap designs are something that many adults and older adults struggle to open.
Child-resistant caps are necessary. You may find a childproof cap challenging to open, but it’s not impossible. You only need to learn the techniques on how to open childproof caps to assist you and put an end to that struggle. Know more about childproofing.