Chemical Poisoning and Syrup of Ipecac

The danger of chemical poisoning:

Common sources of chemical poisoning include household products, agricultural products, plants, and industrial chemicals. Identifying the poison is critical to successful treatment of these types of poisonings.

What are the symptoms of a chemical poisoning?

The following are common symptoms of chemical poisoning. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

• severe throat pain
• difficulty in breathing
• burns on the lips or mouth
• sudden behavior changes, such as unusual sleepiness, irritability, or jumpiness
• unexplained nausea or vomiting
• stomach cramps without fever
• unusual drooling or odd odor on the breath
• unexplained stains on the clothing
• convulsions or unconsciousness (in very serious cases only)

When a person has swallowed a poison, vomiting should be induced quickly unless the poison could cause further damage if vomited. Examples of substances that should not be vomited include sharp objects, petroleum products, lye, and acids.

Syrup of ipecac is generally used to induce vomiting.

What is syrup of ipecac?

Syrup of ipecac is an emetic (an agent that causes vomiting) made from the dried root of a plant called ipecacuanha that is grown in Brazil. Many physicians recommend that keeping syrup of ipecac on hand in case of emergencies, but it should only be used with guidance from a healthcare professional.

When should you give syrup of ipecac?

In some cases, vomiting may be dangerous, so never administer syrup of ipecac unless your physician, poison control center, or other healthcare professional instructs you to do so.

Strong acids (such as toilet bowl cleaner) or strong alkalis (such as lye, drain or oven cleaner, or dishwasher detergent) can burn the throat and vomiting could cause further damage.

How should you give syrup of ipecac?

Give syrup of ipecac in the amount recommended by your physician, poison control center, or healthcare professional. Once vomiting begins, save the vomit in a large container for inspection. If vomiting does not begin within 20 minutes of giving syrup of ipecac, call the poison control center or your physician again for further instructions. Sometimes, a second dose of syrup of ipecac is needed.