Vomiting: Vomiting will rid the body of poison only if the poison is still in the stomach. This is likely only for an hour
or 2 after ingestion. After that time, the poison has either been absorbed in the stomach or has passed farther down the
intestinal tract where it cannot be vomited up. Syrup of ipecac is a liquid that, when swallowed, causes vomiting
in 20-30 minutes. You should only give ipecac when told to do so by a medical professional. The following describes
how to give ipecac, if directed to
Give the victim a full glass of water (8-12 ounces) just before or just after drinking the ipecac.
Ipecac comes in a 2-ounce bottle. One ounce equals 30 mL; 1 tablespoon equals 15 mL, and 1 teaspoon equals 5 mL.
The dose for adults and teenagers is 15-30 mL. The dose for children aged 1-12 years is 15 mL. The dose for infants
aged 6-12 months is 5 mL.
If the victim has not vomited in 20-30 minutes, repeat the initial dose one time only.
Ipecac is sold without a prescription at most pharmacies. An unopened bottle will last several years at room temperature.
It is a good idea to keep a bottle of ipecac at home for a poisoning emergency.
When not to induce vomiting If the person has taken a sleeping pill or sedative, which has or may cause the person to
become unconscious, do not make the person vomit. Do not use ipecac. These people are at an extremely high risk of &
quot; aspirating" the vomit. Aspiration means breathing the vomit into the lungs and possibly drowning.
The victim may lose consciousness and accidentally breathe the vomit into the lungs.
If the victim swallowed a caustic substance, such as lye or Drano, it has already chemically burned the mouth and
esophagus once and would do so again when vomited.
If the victim swallowed a petroleum product, such as gasoline, kerosene, or paint thinner, these liquids can easily
enter the lungs and cause severe damage. Vomiting increases the chance of this happening.
If the person is already vomiting from the poisoning, there is no need for ipecac to bring about vomiting
If the person has swallowed a solid foreign object such as a pin, needle, fishhook, coin,
Medical Treatment
Answered by
Pammu
, an ibibo Specialist,
at
2:56 PM on October 09, 2007
