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Potential misuse of ipecac

K Wrenn1, L Rodewald, L Dockstader

  • 1Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine, New York.

Annals of Emergency Medicine
|September 1, 1993
PubMed
Summary
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Ipecac syrup was inappropriately used in 20% of cases, often due to delays or contraindications like altered mental status. Healthcare providers need education on ipecac contraindications to improve patient safety.

Area of Science:

  • Toxicology
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Ipecac syrup has been historically used for poison treatment.
  • Concerns exist regarding the appropriate and safe use of ipecac.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the appropriateness of ipecac use by healthcare professionals.
  • To identify common contraindications and situations where ipecac was misused.

Main Methods:

  • A descriptive case series analyzing one year of calls to a regional poison center.
  • Appropriateness of ipecac use was determined by consensus of three poison center professionals based on predetermined contraindications.

Main Results:

  • Ipecac use was inappropriate in 20% of cases reviewed.

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  • Common reasons for inappropriate use included excessive time elapsed since ingestion, ingestion of substances causing altered mental status (adults), or ingestion of nontoxic substances (children).
  • Poison centers recommended ipecac less inappropriately than emergency departments (EDs), particularly in pediatric cases.

    • Conclusions:

    • Ipecac syrup carries potential adverse consequences and should not be used routinely.
    • Enhanced education for emergency care providers regarding ipecac contraindications is crucial to minimize inappropriate use and potential harm.