The effect of fluid volume on syrup of ipecac emesis time

G A Grande1, L J Ling

  • 1Hennepin Regional Poison Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Insights

Forcing large fluid volumes with syrup of ipecac does not speed up emesis in children. This study found no significant link between fluid intake and the time it takes for children to vomit after ipecac administration.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Toxicology
  • Emergency Medicine

Background:

  • Syrup of ipecac was historically recommended with large fluid volumes to induce emesis in pediatric poisoning cases.
  • Concerns exist regarding potential adverse effects of large fluid intake in children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between fluid volume administered and the time to emesis in children treated with syrup of ipecac at home.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of fluid administration in hastening ipecac-induced emesis.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study of 121 children treated for poisoning at home under the guidance of a regional poison center.
  • Parents recorded the volume of fluid given and the time to first emesis after ipecac administration.

Main Results:

  • The time to emesis ranged from 6 to 58 minutes (mean 20.6 minutes).
  • Fluid volumes ranged from 0 to 28 ounces (mean 6.7 ounces).
  • No significant correlation was found between the volume of fluid administered and the time to emesis in responding children.

Conclusions:

  • The traditional recommendation to administer large fluid volumes with syrup of ipecac does not appear to expedite the onset of emesis in pediatric patients.
  • Clinical practice regarding fluid administration with ipecac may not require forced large volumes.

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