Acute poisoning emergencies. Resolving the gastric decontamination controversy.

As in all medical emergencies, in acute poisoning the cornerstone of management is good supportive care. Aggressive support of the cardiovascular, respiratory, and central nervous systems, along with appropriate gastric decontamination, greatly reduces morbidity and mortality and improves patient outcome. Ipecac is generally reserved for home use, where it can be given to induce emesis immediately after ingestion of toxins, and it is given only in cases of mild or moderate toxicity. Activated charcoal should replace ipecac in the emergency department for cases of mild or moderate toxicity. Gastric lavage and administration of activated charcoal should be considered in cases with life-threatening potential. A cathartic should be considered after activated charcoal has been administered, but only in cases where it will not have a detrimental effect.