Tennessee Poison Center

April 9, 2025

Tennessee Poison Center provides critical services and emergency support statewide

It offers guidance to the public and health care professionals on preventing and managing poisonings caused by exposure to drugs, chemicals, plants, animals and other substances.

By Sophie Raffo
March 14, 2024

Pain medication. Cosmetics. Cleaning supplies. Tennessee Poison Center’s message: lock them away.

TPC’s help hotline —1-800-222-1222 — is staffed by nurses, pharmacists, physicians and board-certified medical toxicologists who are specially trained to assist callers.

By Jessica Pasley
holiday poisoning
December 19, 2023

Holiday hazards: Poinsettias are not as bad as you think, but keep toddlers away from Grandma’s purse

What toxicology hazards occur during the holidays? A specialist from the Tennessee Poison Center has a roundup.

By Scott Muir
Vanderbilt experts say there are potential hazards associated with using glow sticks.
October 25, 2022

Glow sticks are creepy, kooky, mysterious and spooky. Here’s how to be sure they’re also safe.

Vanderbilt experts urge caution when using the popular items to light the night

By Jessica Pasley
Physicians are seeing an increase in children who have ingested THC-infused edibles.
July 28, 2022

Increase seen in children ingesting THC-infused edibles

Clinicians at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt are seeing an increase in the number of young children requiring treatment after ingesting THC-infused products.

By Jessica Pasley
July 21, 2022

Children’s Hospital sees increase in children poisoned by THC in marijuana edibles

They resemble candy. They taste like candy. Some children have ended up in intensive care.

By Jessica Pasley
January 27, 2022

Tennessee Poison Center director Seger retires

By Kylie Avery
November 27, 2019

Zantac recalled for carcinogen levels above FDA standards

The popular heartburn drug ranitidine, commonly known as Zantac, was voluntarily recalled due to the contamination of a human carcinogen that could potentially cause cancer. The recall includes oral tablets, capsules, and syrup.
By VUMC News and Communications
May 9, 2019

Team Hope collects 35 pounds of medication at ‘Take Back Day’ event

About 35 pounds of over-the-counter and prescription medication were collected on April 12 at a Drug Take Back event hosted by Team Hope, in collaboration with the Tennessee Poison Center and Vanderbilt University Police Department.
By Holly Fletcher
April 25, 2019

Expert advice on how to deal with a snakebite: Do stay calm and call poison control. Don’t apply a tourniquet. And back away from the jumper cables.

Stay away from Copperhead Road. Also Rattlesnake Alley and Cottonmouth Boulevard.
By Justin Loden
November 16, 2018

Give thanks, eat up, and be safe

The last thing anybody wants is to be sick during the holidays. Serving and keeping food safely helps keep everybody healthy.
By Tavia Smith
February 12, 2018

Tennessee Poison Center celebrates 30th anniversary

The Tennessee Poison Center (TPC) is celebrating its 30th anniversary this month, following a year in which it received more than 50,000 emergency calls from residents, healthcare professionals, emergency departments and intensive care units.
By Craig Boerner
November 30, 2017

Tennessee Poison Center at Vanderbilt offers advice on how to avoid food poisoning this holiday season

Enjoy the meal while you're having it, and remember it fondly afterward.
By Kristin Smart