II. Mechanism
- Induces Vomiting
III. Indications: Gastric Decontamination in poison ingestion
- Home management only (No role in the Emergency Department or Clinic)
- Not recommended for routine use
- Long anticipated delay to medical care might prompt usage (e.g. rural setting)
- Only use if directed by Poison control
- Not recommended for routine use in poison ingestion
- Does not improve outcome or reduce ER referral
- Bond (2003) Pediatrics 112:1061-4 [PubMed]
- If administered, use within 60 minutes of ingestion
IV. Advantages
- Very effective in Aspirin or Iron Ingestion
V. Contraindications
- Anticipation of advanced life support in next hour
- Children under age 6 months
- Decreased Level of Consciousness
- Ingestions with serious aspiration risk
- Corrosives (acids or bases)
- Hydrocarbons (Petroleum products)
- Sharp object ingestion
- Third trimester of pregnancy
- Protracted Emesis
VI. Complications
- Protracted Emesis
- Ineffective if over 1 hour post-ingestion
- Delays the administration of charcoal
VII. Dose
- Background
- Follow or precede with 120 to 240 ml water
- Do not use in age under 6 months
- May repeat dose if no Emesis in 30 minutes
- Dose
- Adults: 15 to 30 ml Ipecac
- Child (<12 years): 15 ml Ipecac
- Infant (6-12 months): 5-10 ml Ipecac