A frantic mother calls and tells you her toddler has just ingested some pills. What are some reasonable recommendations for her?
I. Call a poison control center for information on the use of ipecac.
II. Have the toddler take some ipecac immediately-liberal amounts until emesis occurs.
III. Use activated charcoal-it is safer than ipecac, but call a poison control center first.
IV. Ipecac is associated with several contraindications including lack of a gag reflex and its use may lead to serious adverse effects with the ingestion of certain caustic agents. It should be used cautiously and after consultation with a poison control center.
