What Do I Do? 

Remain Calm

For UNCONSCIOUS patients, CONVULSIONS, or any DIFFICULTY BREATHING, call 9-1-1.

Otherwise call the Poison Control Center
1-800-222-1222

Information the Poison Center Specialist Will Need:

• AGE and WEIGHT of the person.
• WHAT was ingested. Have the bottle or container with you.
• HOW MUCH was taken. This will help the Poison Center Specialist determine the severity of the incident.
• HOW the victim is feeling or acting right now.
•     Your NAME and PHONE number.

What is Syrup of Ipecac?

Available in 1-ounce bottles at drugstores, without a prescription. Cost: about $2.00.

Ipecac is a medicine used to induce vomiting. USE IT ONLY AS DIRECTED BY A PHYSICIAN OR THE POISON CENTER. Never give ipecac after swallowing drain or oven cleaner, gasoline, turpentine, furniture polish, bleach or detergent.

Dose

• DO NOT give to babies under one year old.
• AGE 1-12: give one tablespoon (1/2 ounce).
• OVER 12: give whole one-ounce bottle. Follow with one glass of water. If vomiting has not occurred within 30 minutes call the Poison Center or physician again for further advice.

EYE

Flood the eye with lukewarm water Repeat for 15 minutes. Encourage patient to blink while flushing the eye. Do not force the eyelid open.

SWALLOWED MEDICINE

Do not give anything by mouth until calling for advice

CHEMICAL OR HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS

Unless patient is unconscious, having convulsions, or cannot swallow - give a small amount of water. Then call for professional advice to find out if patient should be made to vomit. Do NOT induce vomiting unless recommended by your physician or the Poison Center.

INHALED

Immediately get patient to fresh air. Avoid breathing fumes. Open doors and windows. If victim is not breathing, call for help and start assisted (mouth-to-mouth) breathing.

SKIN

Remove contaminated clothing and flood skin with water for 15 minutes. Then wash gently with soap and water and rinse.