Which act requires that all oral medications be dispensed in child-resistant containers?

The Poison Prevention Packaging Act of 1970 is the legislation that mandates the use of child-resistant packaging for oral medications. The purpose of this act is to reduce the risk of children accidentally ingesting potentially harmful substances. By requiring medications to be dispensed in containers that are difficult for young children to open, the act aims to protect their health and safety.

Pharmaceutical products, particularly those that can be toxic or fatal when ingested by children, must adhere to this requirement unless specifically exempted. Exemptions can apply to certain medications, such as some oral contraceptives and specific emergency medications, where the risk-benefit ratio has been carefully evaluated.

This act represents a key component of medication safety, making it crucial for pharmacists to understand and comply with this regulation when dispensing prescriptions to ensure that all medications are properly packaged to prevent accidental ingestion by children.