title: Gastrointestinal decontamination after poisoning. Where is the science?
abstract: The approach to the use of gastrointestinal decontamination procedures in the treatment of ingested toxins has changed in recent years. Many toxicologists and physicians have taken strong positions either for or against the use of emesis, gastric lavage, activated charcoal, or other procedures. What is the scientific basis for these positions? This article reviews and comments on the published studies comparing the effectiveness of these widely used procedures.
authors.affiliation: San Diego Regional Poison Center, University of California San Diego Medical Center, USA.
authors.forename: A S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Manoguerra
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000931:Antidotes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002606:Charcoal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004639:Emetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005746:Gastric Emptying / Q000187:drug effects*; D005751:Gastric Lavage / Q000379:methods; D005766:Gastrointestinal Contents / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007486:Ipecac / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011041:Poisoning / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000931:Antidotes; D004639:Emetics; D002606:Charcoal; D007486:Ipecac