Buzz
Most prescription medications come in “child-resistant” bottles, which require a certain level of strength and dexterity to open. While these safety mechanisms are essential for preventing accidental poisoning in children, they can pose a challenge for individuals who have lost strength or fine motor skills due to injury or conditions like arthritis.
Steps
Opening the Bottle Correctly
Place the pill bottle on a flat surface to ensure a firm grip.
Check the label to identify the type of child-resistant mechanism on the bottle. There are several types of child-resistant bottles, including:
- Push down and twist - the cap will have a downward arrow or a label saying “Push down.”
- Squeeze the sides and twist - the cap will have grooves around it to help you grip and twist easily.
- Press the tab and twist - the cap will have a small tab sticking out, labeled “Press” and possibly with an arrow indicating the twist direction.
- Arrow alignment - the cap will have a downward arrow, and the bottle mouth will have an upward arrow.
Begin opening the bottle. Since each child-resistant bottle has its own locking mechanism, you need to follow the correct steps to open it. If your hands aren’t flexible enough to open the bottle without additional methods, skip this step.
- Push down and twist - press the cap down and twist until it opens.
- Squeeze the sides and twist - use the grooves around the cap to grip firmly, then squeeze and twist simultaneously to open the cap.
- Press the tab and twist - use your finger to press the tab down and twist the cap to open it.
- Arrow alignment - rotate the cap until the arrow on it aligns with the arrow on the bottle mouth. Then, lift the cap off.
Using the Edge of a Table
Find a table with a wide edge. The edge should be wide enough to provide sufficient leverage to pop the cap open.
Hold the bottle so that the lower edge of the cap rests on the table edge. Essentially, you need to position the table edge between the top and bottom parts of the cap.
Quickly pull the bottle downward while the cap is resting against the table edge. The cap will make a popping sound and come off as you pull the bottle down.
- Alternatively, position the cap under the edge of a table or kitchen counter. Hold the bottle firmly with one hand, and use the other hand to press and twist until the cap opens.
Using a Flat Surface
Flip the bottle upside down and place it on a flat surface. Use a table or kitchen counter.
Press the palm of your dominant hand onto the bottom of the upside-down bottle. Apply gentle pressure to the base of the bottle.
Twist the bottle while keeping the cap stationary using friction. If possible, use your other hand to hold the cap in place to prevent it from moving.
Stop twisting once the cap has loosened. Then, use your dominant hand to hold both the cap and the bottle, flipping them back to their original position.
- Now you can easily lift the cap off.
Using a Jar Opener Tool
Purchase a jar opener online or at a local hardware store. Look for one made of rubber with non-slip grooves, as it provides a better grip on the cap.
- Dycem jar openers are designed for individuals with limited arm mobility, as they only require a light press with your fingers or palm to open the cap.
- In a pinch, you can use a small rubber pad, as it enhances grip when opening the cap.
Place the jar opener on top of the bottle cap. If possible, use your other hand to hold the bottle steady.
- If you have an additional rubber pad nearby, place it under the bottle to keep it stable instead of using your hand.
Use your fingers or palm to twist the jar opener. The grip of the opener will make it easier to turn the bottle cap.
