Syrup of ipecac

A fully stocked professional first aid kit should have a bottle of ipecac syrup, and a bottle of activated charcoal. The latter does not induce vomiting, but will absorb most chemicals to make them more inert inside the stomach.

Contraindications to using this emetic agent:

• where the airway protective reflexes may be compromised as in coma or seizure
• ingestion of corrosives such as strong acids or alkalis
• ingestion of petroleum, kerosene and other hydrocarbons or similar oil based substances
• in any patient where inducing vomiting would do more harm than good

Dosage
The United States Pharmacopeia (USP DI, 1997) recommends the following oral dosage regimen for Ipecac Syrup, USP.

Children up to six months of age: Ipecac syrup should only be administered under the supervision of a physician;

Children 6-12 months of age: 5-10 mL preceded or followed by 120-240 mL of water;
Children 1-12 years of age: 15 mL preceded or followed by 120-240 mL of water;
Adolescents and adults: 15-30 mL followed immediately by 240 mL of water.

The dose may be repeated in all age groups if emesis does not occur in 20-30 minutes.

The ingestion of milk or a drug with antiemetic properties are not contraindications to the use of ipecac. The use of ipecac that has exceeded the expiration date is not a contraindication to its use.