What substance is used to induce vomiting in a poisoning situation?

In scenarios involving poisoning, syrup of ipecac was historically used to induce vomiting. This substance acts as an emetic, which means it prompts the body to expel its contents through vomiting. This action can potentially remove harmful substances from the stomach before they are absorbed into the bloodstream.

However, it's essential to highlight that the use of syrup of ipecac is no longer routinely recommended in poisoning management due to evidence suggesting that it may not effectively improve outcomes and can sometimes lead to complications, such as aspiration.

While activated charcoal can be administered in certain poisonings to absorb toxins in the gastrointestinal tract, it does not induce vomiting but rather helps prevent absorption. Calamine lotion is used for skin irritations and does not apply to ingestion poisoning, and antibiotics are prescribed for bacterial infections and do not induce vomiting or treat poisoning directly. Understanding these distinctions highlights the importance of following current medical guidelines and practices when dealing with poisoning situations.