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Southeast Texas Poison Center

1-800-222-1222

Syrup Of Ipecac

Syrup of Ipecac is for emergency use in poisoning. It is a medicine that can be purchased in any pharmacy without a prescription that, when given to a child or an adult, will cause vomiting.

SYRUP OF IPECAC MUST NEVER BE USED BEFORE CALLING YOUR FAMILY PHYSICIAN OR THE SOUTHEAST TEXAS POISON CENTER AT 1(800) 764-7661

Normally Syrup of Ipecac should not be given at home if:
  1. The patient is less than one year old or
  2. Corrosives (lye, drain cleaners, oven cleaners, automatic dishwasher detergent, or other strong acids or bases) have been taken or burns are seen around or in the mouth or
  3. A petroleum distillate-containing product (kerosene, gasoline, paint thinner, furniture polish, etc.) has been taken or
  4. The patient is lethargic (sluggish), asleep, or commatose (unconscious) or
  5. The patient is convulsing


Directions:

For children over one year and adults
  1. Give on tablespoonful (15 ml, one half ounce) of Syrup of Ipecac.
  2. Immediatly give 8-16 oz of any fluid except milk (kool-aid, soda pop, fruit juice, etc.).
  3. Vomiting should occur in approximately 15-20 minutes.
  4. IF vomiting has not occured in 20 minutes administer an additional tablespoonful of Syrup of Ipecac. Never give more than two tablespoonfuls.