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Never attempt to induce vomiting unless directed by a medical professional, such as a poison control hotline operator. If the poisoned individual is not breathing, unconscious, agitated, or experiencing seizures, immediately call 115 or your local emergency services. In the U.S., you can also contact the U.S. Poison Help Hotline at 1-800-222-1222 and follow their instructions precisely. Note that inducing vomiting should never be done for non-emergency reasons, such as weight control.
Steps
Seek Medical Attention for Poisoning Cases
Quickly contact a poison control center. There is no reason to induce vomiting at home. If you or someone nearby suspects poisoning, call the poison control hotline at 1-800-222-1222 (in the U.S.). This number connects you to a poison control center where experts provide free and confidential advice.
- Call this number anytime for questions about poisoning and poison prevention.
- In other countries, locate the poison control hotline number and call immediately. For example, in Australia, the number is 13 11 26. In Vietnam, you can call emergency numbers 115 or 114 for guidance.
- Poisoning can result from chemicals, drug overdoses, or even excessive consumption of certain foods. If you suspect poisoning, do not hesitate to contact a poison control center immediately.
Follow the poison control center's instructions precisely. The staff will ask about what was ingested and the symptoms. If they advise you to go to the emergency room, act immediately.
- Again, do not induce vomiting unless specifically instructed to do so.
Bring the container of the suspected poison. If you suspect a substance, such as a medicine bottle, might have caused the poisoning, take it with you to the emergency room. This provides valuable information to medical staff for treating the victim.
Avoid Potentially Dangerous Methods
Avoid using vomiting agents unless prescribed. Over-the-counter emetics or substances that induce vomiting should be avoided unless a medical professional recommends them as a last resort. For example, syrup of ipecac was once commonly used to induce vomiting. However, such medications can complicate poisoning treatment. Ipecac is no longer manufactured as an over-the-counter product.
Do not drink saltwater. Saltwater is an old home remedy for inducing vomiting, but it can actually harm poisoning victims. This is because saltwater can push toxins deeper into the digestive tract and accelerate toxin absorption during digestion.
- Moreover, consuming large amounts of saltwater can lead to severe health complications or even death.
Be cautious with home remedies. Home methods to induce vomiting, such as consuming mustard, raw eggs, or large amounts of food, lack proven safety and effectiveness. For instance, eating excessively to induce vomiting may actually speed up toxin absorption.
Avoid using potentially harmful substances. Certain substances can induce vomiting but are not recommended. These include activated charcoal, atropine, biperiden, diphenhydramine, doxylamine, scopolamine, copper sulphate, bloodroot, lobelia tincture, and hydrogen peroxide.
Next Steps
Rinse your mouth after vomiting. Vomiting leaves an unpleasant taste in your mouth. To eliminate this aftertaste, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water.
Do not brush your teeth. Brushing immediately after vomiting can damage tooth enamel due to the corrosive stomach acid that may have risen during vomiting.
Continue following the poison control center's instructions and adhere to all their guidance. They may advise you to drink water but might recommend avoiding food or drink for a period. If they direct you to go to the hospital, follow their advice, even if you believe you have vomited most of the stomach irritants.
Advice
- Medical professionals may recommend inducing vomiting if you ingest: toxic plants, methanol, antifreeze chemicals, certain pesticides, or mercury.
- They might also suggest vomiting after overdosing on specific medications, such as painkillers, antibiotics, antidepressants, antihistamines, or opioid-based drugs.
- Lastly, they may advise inducing vomiting in cases of food allergies.
Warnings
- If you frequently induce vomiting as a weight-loss method or engage in binge eating followed by purging, you may have an eating disorder called bulimia. Chronic vomiting can lead to dehydration, enamel damage, or permanent esophageal injury. If you suspect you have an eating disorder like bulimia, consult a counselor or doctor immediately.
