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Use of Syrup of Ipecac in Day Care Centers

The syrup of ipecac was required in the first-aid kits at day care centers in every state for many years, to be administered in case of accidental poisoning. Since 2003, the American Association of Pediatrics has stopped endorsing the use of ipecac for many reasons. Every state has guidelines for day care regulations; on the national level, syrup of ipecac is no longer required for use in day care centers.

  1. Function

    • Syrup of ipecac is used to eliminate poisons that are accidently ingested. It is an emetic, which means it causes vomiting when ingested. It induces vomiting by irritating the gastric mucosa of the stomach and sending a message to the brain to vomit. By vomiting, the ingested toxic substance or a good portion of it is expelled from the body.

    Uses

    • According to Poison.org, there are 2 million poisonings reported to the Poison Control Center a year. Of those 2 million, 53 percent are poisonings of children under the age of 6. Some of the most common forms of exposure are personal care products, cosmetics, household cleaners and plants. Because day care provides sufficient opportunities for exposure to these substances, it was deemed necessary to include syrup of ipecac in first-aid kits. Check with your state on the updates and requirements for use of syrup of ipecac in day care centers.

    Regulations

    • The National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care no longer allows the use of syrup of ipecac in child care programs as of 2009.

      Some state guidelines still have an up-to-date bottle of it in first-aid kits. This should change over time. It is best to check the governing body of your state and make sure you are receiving the newest guidelines and requirements for day care.

    Appropriate Action

    • In the event that a child consumes a toxic substance while at day care, immediately call the Poison Control Center. The number should be posted right next to the telephone in case of emergency. Find your local Poison Control Center at aapcc.org (American Association of Poison Control Centers) or use the national universal phone number 1-800-222-1222. Call 911 if the child in your care starts having convulsions, stops breathing or loses consciousness.

    Warnings

    • There are several dangers associated with syrup of ipecac. It should never be given without instructions from the Poison Control Center. Ipecac syrup is administered according to body weight. If too much is consumed, it may lead to overdose, which can be fatal. Ipecac syrup may also cause the child to have excessive vomiting, which can lead to low blood pressure and other adverse reactions. Taking ipecac syrup with corrosive poisons such as gasoline will cause excessive damage to the esophagus and other problems. It is extremely important to contact the Poison Control Center before even considering giving ipecac syrup.

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