Syrup of Ipecac

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

• Do not give the child anything to eat or drink for the next 1 to 2 hours. After this time, you may give the child:
  • First, clear liquids such as apple juice or clear sodas.
  • Then, solid foods, if the child keeps down the liquids.
• Keep the child as quiet as possible for the next 2 hours.
• During naptime, the child should lie on the stomach or side in case vomiting occurs.
• For a while after vomiting, the child may have belly pain or loose bowel movements.
• Poison-proof your home. Lock up or put out of reach medicines and other things that could do harm. Keep syrup of ipecac on hand.
• Have the telephone number of your local Poison Control Center handy and call the Center immediately if you think your child has swallowed something dangerous.

Call Your Doctor If...

• The child has more than 3 or 4 episodes of vomiting, or if vomiting lasts more than 1 to 2 hours.
• The child has severe stomach cramps or pain or diarrhea lasting longer than 4 to 6 hours.
• The child develops any other sign or symptom that your doctor warned about.

Seek Care Immediately If...

• The child is hard to awaken or has trouble breathing. Dial 911 or 0 (operator) immediately. Do not try to drive the child to the hospital yourself.
• The child has a seizure.

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