Ipecac Syrup
Definition: A liquid medication that causes vomiting, once commonly kept in home medicine cabinets to treat poisoning. Ipecac syrup is no longer recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics or Poison Control and should not be used at home under any circumstances.
Parent Tip: If you have ipecac syrup in your medicine cabinet, even an old bottle saved from years ago throw it out. Do not give it to a child for any reason. If your child has swallowed something harmful, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 immediately. Like activated charcoal, ipecac syrup is no longer carried on most ambulances in my area either. The guidance for childhood poisoning has shifted significantly over the last two decades, and making a child vomit can actually make many poisonings worse, especially if the substance is caustic (like cleaners or batteries) or if there's any chance the child could inhale the vomit into their lungs. It will cause that substance to cause injury on the way out too.
Why It Matters: Ipecac syrup was a standard home poisoning treatment for decades, which is why many grandparents and longtime parents still remember it being recommended. I remember a time my parents gave it to my brother when he ate a leaf from a weird plant. Research has since shown that inducing vomiting does not improve outcomes and often causes harm. Current guidance is to call Poison Control first — they will tell you whether to watch at home, head to urgent care, or call 911.
Related Terms: Activated Charcoal, Emergency Plan, Over-the-Counter Medicine, Poison, Poison Control, Vomiting
Written and reviewed by Jeremy Manke, Firefighter / Paramedic (22 years of emergency service)