PEDIATRICS Vol. 31 No. 1 January 1963, pp. 21
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SYRUP OF IPECAC

The Poison Control Program (The National Clearinghouse for Poison Control Centers) of the Division of Accident Prevention is re-emphasizing to physicians who write prescriptions, and to pharmacists who fill them, the dangerous situation that arises when Ipecac Syrup is confused or mistakenly identified as Ipecac Fluid Extract. Despite the periodic warnings in the medical literature, as well as in controlled-circulation publications, reports continue to be received of instances in which a child is the victim of an error by a pharmacist, or a physician, or both.

The National Clearinghouse for Poison Control Centers, therefore, strongly advises that any person who writes or fills a prescription for Ipecac Syrup do so with the greatest precaution, in order that it may not be confused with Ipecac Fluid Extract from which it is prepared and which has an estimated toxicity of 14 times the Syrup. When physicians prescribe this substance, it is recommended that they always write the full title, "Ipecac Syrup"; also, any pharmacist receiving a prescription should dispense only "Ipecac Syrup." The physician should be contacted if any other form is prescribed.

The Poison Control Program further advises that Ipecac Fluid Extract be discarded from areas in which it is not necessary for the preparation of Ipecac Syrup, and when it is, that it be separated from the former and labeled clearly.

(Poison Control Branch, Division of Accident Prevention, Public Health Service, U. S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, Washington 25, D.C.)