Abstract

A therapeutic composition is coated with a mixture of an emetic chemical and an inert material. A method for reducing absorption into the body of a being of an emetic chemical while still retaining localized emetic activity comprises combining prior to ingestion of the chemical, the emetic chemical with a material that is substantially inert to a gastrointestinal environment such that when the combination is ingested and passed along the gastrointestinal tract, localized emetic activity is available while an undesirable amount of the emetic chemical is not absorbed into the body. A method of inducing emesis in the body of a being to preclude death from accidental or intentional overdosage of a therapeutic composition, which is normally of the type which if ingested by prescription is safe, but if excessively ingested is lethal while simultaneously reducing absorption of an emetic chemical into the body. The method comprising the steps of: combining an emetic chemical with a material that is substantially inert to a gastrointestinal environment; coating the surface of said therapeutic composition with the combination; controlling the quantity of said emetic chemical coated on the surface of the therapeutic composition such that no emesis ensues if normal prescription directions are followed or if no overdosage occurs; ingesting excessive quantities by the being of said therapeutic composition; and emesising by the being of the ingested excessive quantities of coated therapeutic composition in order to render the therapeutic compositions harmless and preclude death or serious illness to the being.