Ipecac is for emergency use to treat drug overdose or poisoning. Ipecac works on the stomach and on the vomiting center in the brain to produce vomiting.

Ipecac Facts
Brand name (manufacturer):
Ipecac* (various manufacturers)
*Available over the counter (without a prescription)

Type of drug: Emetic

Ingredient: Ipecac

Dosage form: Oral syrup (with 1% or 2% alcohol)

Storage: Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container. Do not refrigerate or freeze.

Treatment

Before administering ipecac, call a poison control center, emergency room, or physician for advice.

You must administer ipecac with adequate amounts of water (1/2 glass for infants less than 1 year old; 1 to 2 glasses for children and adults) so there is adequate fluid in the stomach. If vomiting does not occur within 20 minutes after a second dose has been given, call again IMMEDIATELY for instructions.

Side Effects

Minor: Ipecac can cause diarrhea, drowsiness, nausea, or vomiting that continues for more than 30 minutes. These side effects should disappear within several hours.

Major: Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or particularly bothersome. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about aching or stiffness of the muscles, difficulty in breathing, palpitations, stomach cramps or pain, or weakness as soon as possible.

Interactions

Ipecac oral syrup should not be administered with milk or with carbonated beverages; these fluids may affect how quickly ipecac works. In addition, activated charcoal will absorb ipecac. If both activated charcoal and ipecac oral syrup are to be administered, give the activated charcoal only after successful vomiting has been produced by the ipecac.

Warnings
  • Vomiting is not the proper treatment in all cases of possible poisoning: Ipecac should not be used if gasoline, oils, kerosene, acids, alkalies (lye), corrosives, or strychnine has been swallowed, since vomiting of these substances may cause seizures, additional throat burns, or pneumonia.

  • Unless otherwise directed by a health professional, ipecac should probably not be used if the poisoned patient has heart disease; is in shock, losing consciousness, or having seizures; or lacks a gag reflex.

  • Muscle and heart disorders and at least one death have been reported as a result of the chronic use of ipecac by young women who were using it to induce vomiting for weight loss.

  • Ipecac is available over the counter (without a prescription) and can be purchased from most pharmacies. Parents should have on hand a one-ounce bottle of ipecac for each child in the house. Always call a poison control center, emergency room, or physician for instructions BEFORE administering ipecac.

  • Be sure to tell your doctor if the overdose or poisoning victim is pregnant. Although ipecac appears to be safe, studies in pregnant women have not been done.