Illinois Poison Center
Metropolitan Chicago Healthcare Council
STATEMENT
November 3, 2003
(Chicago) – The Illinois Poison Center (IPC) alerts consumers that syrup of ipecac is no longer a
recommended at-home treatment for poisoning or suspected poisoning cases by the American Academy of
Pediatrics (AAP). If a poisoning or suspected poisoning occurs, the IPC joins the AAP in urging individuals to
contact a regional poison center immediately at 1-800-222-1222 for free, confidential treatment
recommendations.
Individuals who currently stock syrup of ipecac in their homes should safely dispose of the product. Safe
disposal includes flushing the product down the toilet, rinsing the container in the sink and disposing of it in a
secured trash bin.
For decades, syrup of ipecac has been used as at-home treatments for poisonings; however, current medical
research indicates that this treatment option neither positively changes patient outcomes nor reduces patient
referrals to hospitals. In fact, researchers found that administration of ipecac might actually hinder hospitalbased medical care.
This IPC recommendation supports a recently revised policy on in-home use of syrup of ipecac by the
American Academy of Pediatrics, released in November 2003.
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