Ipecac

What is syrup of ipecac?

Syrup of ipecac is an over-the-counter medicine that makes people throw up. People used to use it to treat poisonings, but health care providers no longer recommend using ipecac.

What are the effects of syrup of ipecac?

Syrup of ipecac will make you throw up, but it will not stop the harmful effects of a poison. Throwing up can also cause problems:

• Some harmful items become very dangerous if you throw them up (for example, acids, gasoline and oils).
• Throwing up may delay other helpful treatments.
• Throwing up can dehydrate you.

What can you do to treat a poisoning instead of using ipecac?

Treatment depends on the substance. If someone has swallowed something that may be harmful, call the poison center at 1-800-222-1222, chat online or text POISON to 85511.