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- $Unique_ID{BRK02335}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{Is There any Danger In the Use of Ipecac?}
- $Subject{medication medications esophagus stomach behavior behaviors lifestyle
- lifestyles syrup ipecac fluid toxin toxins toxic poison poisons induce induced
- vomiting vomit vomitus emesis antidote purge purging}
- $Volume{R-10,R-23}
- $Log{}
-
- Copyright (c) 1992,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
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- Is There any Danger In the Use of Ipecac?
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-
- QUESTION: Our school had a "Health Night" during which the school nurse told
- parents to keep Ipecac at home to induce vomiting in case our children swallow
- any dangerous substances. Is there any danger in the use of Ipecac itself?
-
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
- ANSWER: Yours is a frequently asked questions, so let's run it down again. To
- date, syrup of Ipecac is one of the safest and most effective way of
- eliminating toxic materials from the stomach. Adverse reactions to Ipecac are
- extremely rare, and are usually associated with its abuse, either through a
- massive overdose, chronic use by anorexia nervosa or bulimia sufferers, or a
- pre-existing congenital condition. However, in case of accidental poisoning,
- it is always best to check with your doctor or the local poison control center
- before administering any antidote.
- An earlier, fluid form of Ipecac was far more toxic, and is no longer on
- the market. Check your medicine cabinet right now, and if Ipecac "fluid" is
- on the shelf, dispose of it and replace it with "syrup" of Ipecac immediately.
- Syrup of Ipecac is an inexpensive, widely available nonprescription item that
- no home with small children should be without.
-
- ----------------
-
- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
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-