Don't Treat Swallowed Poison with Syrup of Ipecac

Parents should not use the old standby poison remedy of ipecac syrup and instead call poison control centers when children ingest toxic substances. This is a reversal of a long-standing position of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Since the 1960s, physicians have recommended that parents keep a bottle of ipecac to induce vomiting when children ingest something poisonous. The antidote, made from roots of the tropical ipecac plant, induces vomiting. The main reason for the change is the lack of evidence showing any benefits in treating an ingested poison. Moreover, most emergency departments have stopped using ipecac in favor of the more effective activated charcoal. Also, ipecac has been abused by people with eating disorders (eg, bulimia).

Abuse of ipecac can lead to heart problems and even death. The AAP stresses utilizing more preventive measures and the use of the new national phone number for poison control centers: 1-800-222-1222. In cases of unresponsiveness, breathing cessation, or seizures, parents should call 9-1-1.

Source: Pediatrics, November 2003.

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