The use of Ipecac to induce vomiting can minimize the effects of some poisons. Syrup of Ipecac is available at the pharmacy. Your pharmacist can sell you a one-ounce bottle without a prescription. If stored at room temperature, Ipecac will keep for several years. Syrup of Ipecac should not be used when poisoning is due to swallowed caustics.
Caustics are powerful agents that can cause burns.
Both acids and alkaline corrosives are caustic substances that can burn the skin, eyes, lips, tongue, mouth, throat and stomach. Substances that can burn the throat and stomach on the way down will burn on the way back up, increasing the injury. There are some cleaning products that are sufficiently caustic and concentrated enough to cause severe and even permanent damage to the body. Toilet bowl cleaners, oven cleaners, drain openers, lye, mildew removers, and lime or rust stain removers contain strong acids or alkaline corrosives. Petroleum products such as gasoline, lamp oil, or charcoal lighter fluid should also not be vomited.