Ipecac Syrup
An
estimated 2 million poisonings occur each year in
the U.S. No
one is immune from poisonings and small children
are at high risk.
If someone in your home swallows a poison,
what would you do?
The following information is intended to
help you do the right thing if this should occur.
The most important item to have in your
home when a poisoning occurs is Ipecac Syrup.
What is it?
Ipecac
is the medicine used to remove poison from the
stomach. Ipecac
is a plant extract that when swallowed, irritates
the stomach and causes vomiting.
It is the only recommended method to produce vomiting in
poison emergencies.
Why do I need it?
The
treatment of some poisonings requires removal of
the substance from the stomach before absorption
begins. Ipecac
syrup is safer than any other method for removing
these harmful substances.
Antidotes recommended on many product labels may be outdated
or incorrect.
Examples such as salt water or mustard
water are ineffective and can be dangerous.
DO NOT use them.
Finger gagging can also injure a poison victim.
Having Ipecac Syrup in your home may save
an unnecessary trip to the Emergency Department or
needless delay in treatment.
A bottle of Ipecac Syrup should be kept in
every home whether or not children are present.
If you have more than one child, have a
bottle for each child.
When do I use it?
Removal of the poison is not required in
every poison emergency.
Before using Ipecac Syrup, Call the Penn
State Poison Center to see if vomiting is
necessary. Sometimes
it is more harmful to remove the poison than to
leave it in the stomach.
DO NOT use Ipecac Syrup if the person has
swallowed a caustic substance (acid, alkali), a
petroleum product (gasoline, kerosene) or if they
are unconscious or having convulsions.
HOW
SHOULD I USE IT?
The dose of Ipecac is different for infants, children, and adults.
Penn State Poison Center will give you
complete dosing instructions.
Follow the dose with a glass of water,
juice, and/or a non-carbonated beverage.
DO NOT give milk.
Do not allow the victim to lie down.
Keep them active. Motion
helps cause vomiting.
Where can I get it?
Ipecac Syrup may be purchased at any pharmacy without a prescription in
a one-ounce bottle.
If the bottle is unopened and stored a room
temperature, it will remain potent for at least 5
years.
Is it harmful?
Ipecac Syrup is not harmful if used properly.
Sometimes mild diarrhea will develop, but this is usually not
serious. However,
it is a drug and must be kept out of the reach of
children.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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