Syrup of Ipecac

In 2003, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) announced its new policy on poison treatment in the home. The most notable change:

The AAP no longer recommends ipecac as a home treatment.

• Syrup of ipecac should no longer be used as a poison treatment in the home.
• Parents and other caregivers should safely dispose of any syrup of ipecac currently in their homes.
• Activated charcoal also should not be given in the home because its effectiveness and safety have not been proven.
• If you suspect a child has ingested a poisonous substance, call the Poison Control Center immediately.