Tag: Gastric decontamination

In 2003, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) reversed its long-standing advice, recommending that syrup of ipecac should no longer be used for poison treatment in the home [1.3.2, 1.3.6]. So, what is an alternative to ipecac in a poisoning emergency? The answer involves professional medical care.

As recently as the early 2000s, syrup of ipecac was a common home remedy recommended for accidental poisoning, despite scientific research never proving it to be truly effective. The understanding of what drug is used as an emetic has drastically evolved, with medical guidelines now strongly advising against at-home use in favor of professional medical intervention.

Historically, syrup of ipecac was a common household remedy for poisoning, but its use is now strongly discouraged by medical professionals [1.2.2]. This article explores what are the most common emetics, their mechanisms, and the evolution of poison treatment.

According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers, the rate of deaths from unintentional poisoning in children under six has dramatically decreased over the decades, leading experts to re-evaluate older interventions like ipecac. The reasons why ipecac is not used anymore are rooted in safety, efficacy, and the development of better alternatives.