Newsletter

A recent change in policy by the American Academy of Pediatrics reverses the ages' old recommendation of administering ipecac upon the ingestion of a poisonous substance. Parents are now recommended to dig the ipecac out of the medicine cabinet and dispose of it in a safe manner.

The change was prompted by several factors, including the dramatic drop in poisoning death over the past 50 years. Also, most emergency departments have stopped using ipecac in favor of the more effective activated charcoal since ipecac doesn't work for everyone and the administration of the activated charcoal may be delayed if ipecac has been used first. There is also concern that parents may improperly dispense the drug and it may be abused by people with eating disorders such as bulimia.

Although this seems contrary from our past advise, the use of ipecac may work theoretically, but it doesn't make a difference in practice as recent research has failed to show benefit for children who were treated with it. The best advice we can give is to focus on preventing your child's access to poisonous materials by keeping them locked and out of reach. Use child resistant caps and containers and never transfer a poisonous substance to an alternate container. Be sure to safely dispose of all unused and no longer needed medicines and never refer to medicines as candy.

The number one priority is to have the local poison control phone number, 800-222-1212 posted near your phone and if ingestion occurs call poison control immediately. They are here to help. Come by the office if you need stickers for your phone with the poison control number. Take extras for grandparents or other caretakers of your kids that need it.