title: Gastrointestinal decontamination in the management of the poisoned patient.
abstract: Ipecac syrup is the agent of choice to promote emesis in awake, alert, and cooperative patients who have ingested poison. Lavage is a reasonable alternative when ipecac fails or emesis is contraindicated. Activated charcoal is effective in minimizing absorption of ingested toxins, and saline cathartics may be useful to hasten the elimination of activated charcoal and possibly of enteric-coated or sustained release medications.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001058:Apomorphine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002400:Cathartics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002606:Charcoal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004064:Digestive System; D005751:Gastric Lavage; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007408:Intestinal Absorption / Q000187:drug effects; D007486:Ipecac / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D011041:Poisoning / Q000628:therapy*; D014839:Vomiting / Q000209:etiology; D014867:Water / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D002400:Cathartics; D014867:Water; D002606:Charcoal; D007486:Ipecac; D001058:Apomorphine