Past, present, and future role of ipecac syrup

Historically, ipecac syrup has played a principal role in the management of acute poisonings and overdoses. Presently, its role largely has been releg ated to prompt decontamination of acute childhood poisonings for which emes is is not contraindicated, However, even this specific and limited role has undergone rigorous re-evaluation, and many toxicologists have discouraged against its use in any circumstance. This article reviews the history, scie ntific literature, and public health implications of ipecac syrup that supp ort its present clinical application. Curr Opin Pediatr 2000, 12:153-162 (C ) 2000 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.