Prescription painkillers are a common medication. The containers all say "Keep Away from Children." But according to a new study -- done by the nation's poison control centers -- each year thousands of small children in this country, under the age of six -- swallow pain medications found in their homes.

To kids pain pills can look like candy. They don't know the danger.

Most of the cases involved some form of hydrocodone or oxycodone -opiate-based medications sold under the brand names Vicodin, Oxycontin, and Percocet. These drugs are so powerful a single pill can kill a small child.

The younger the child, the more likely the outcome was tragic -- death or permanent disability.

The experts caution parents to keep all pain medications far from young children. Don't store them in a nightstand drawer, in a pocket or purse. They need to be out of sight and out of reach -- preferably locked up in a drawer.

Remember that child resistant pill containers can slow down a child -- but they're not childproof.

If a child gets into your medication, contact the Washington Poison Center right away. You can talk to a medical professional who can advise you on what to do and can be reached 24 hours a day. The toll-free number is 1-800-222-1222.