Ipecac: What It Is and Why You Probably Shouldn’t Use It at Home

Ipecac syrup used to be the go-to home treatment to make someone vomit after swallowing something poisonous. It contains plant-based chemicals that trigger the vomiting center in the brain and irritate the stomach. Sounds handy, right? But medical experts stopped recommending it because forcing vomiting can make things worse.

If someone swallows a dangerous substance, the right first step is to call your local poison control or emergency number. In the U.S. you can call 1-800-222-1222. They ask what was swallowed, how much, and how long ago, then give specific directions. Don’t try to guess or improvise—poison control knows the safest move for each situation.

Why ipecac fell out of favor

Research showed that giving ipecac at home didn’t improve outcomes and sometimes caused harm. Vomiting can lead to aspiration (breathing vomit into the lungs), which can cause severe lung injury. If the swallowed substance is a strong acid or base, or a petroleum product (like gasoline), vomiting can cause more damage on the way back up. That’s why experts stopped putting ipecac in home first-aid kits and emergency departments rarely use it anymore.

What to do instead of using ipecac

Call poison control right away for step-by-step advice. In many cases they will tell you to bring the person to the emergency room. Medical teams may use activated charcoal, which binds many poisons in the stomach and gut. Activated charcoal should only be given by trained staff because the dose and timing matter, and it also carries an aspiration risk.

If the person is unconscious, having trouble breathing, seizing, or if the poison is a corrosive or a hydrocarbon, do not try to induce vomiting. These are reasons to call emergency services immediately. While you wait for help, remove any contaminated clothing, rinse skin or eyes with water if exposed, and keep the person calm and lying on their side if vomiting starts on its own.

Also know that chronic misuse of ipecac—people using it repeatedly to control weight—can cause serious heart and muscle damage. That’s a separate medical problem but worth mentioning because ipecac is not harmless.

Bottom line: ipecac syrup is mostly historical. It works to make you vomit, but it often does more harm than good. Reach out to poison control or emergency services for the safest, up-to-date advice. If you’re unsure who to call, contact local emergency services right away.