What is Ipecac?
Ipecac is the dried root and rhizome of the tropical plant Carapichea ipecacuanha that belongs to the madder family (Rubiaceae). The scientific name for ipecac is Ipecacuanha. The medicinal use of ipecac has been prevalent since ancient times. It is used for treating poisoning by inducing vomiting and nausea. This drug is known as the ipecac syrup or ipecacuanha syrup or syrup of ipecac. Although it was earlier used as an emetic this practice has now been stopped in Western medicine with the discovery of more effective treatment options.
Ipecac Syrup
Ipecac vomit inducing properties help in treating poisoning when used in a syrup form. Ipecac medicine acts as a treatment for poisoning as it induces vomiting and brings out the poison through it. Ipecac Tincture of Ipecac Fluidextract should not be used as they may cause serious side effects resulting in death since their dosage forms are very strong.
Ipecac use as medicine to treat poisoning should not be applied if the patient has ingested any strong acids or corrosives such as alkalies (lye), strychnine, or petroleum distillates such as gasoline, kerosene, fuel oil, coal oil, cleaning fluid, or paint thinner. If given to such a patient, it may cause additional injury to the throat, seizures, or pneumonia.
Patients suffering from diseases like anorexia, bulimia, and the likes must not use ipecac to cause vomiting for losing weight. When regularly used for inducing vomit, ipecac may cause serious heart problems or even death in some cases.
Dosage
More than a one-ounce dosage of Ipecac syrup can be obtained only with a doctor's prescription. It can be obtained in 1 and ½- -ounce bottles without a prescription. Before using ipecac syrup as a medicine, one must consult the doctor or a poison control centre, or an emergency room for any medical assistance or advice.
The dose of ipecac medicine is different for different patients and it must be taken in the dosage prescribed by a doctor or as per the instructions given on the medicine label. The dosage information given below states only the average doses of this medicine and if it is different from the one prescribed by a doctor, one must follow the doctor’s prescription.
The strength of the medicine decides its dosage. The number of doses to be taken each day, the time gap between each dose and the duration for taking the medicine are decided by the medical problem for which ipecac is being taken.
Oral Dosage Form (Ipecac Syrup)
For Poisoning Treatment:
For Adults and Teenagers: The regular dose is 15 to 30 millilitres (mL) (1 to 2 tablespoonful).
For Children Between 1 - 12 Years of Age: The regular medicine dose is 15 mL (1 tbsp).
For Children Between 6 Months- 1 Year of Age: The regular ipecac medicine dose is 5 to 10 mL (1 to 2 tsp)
The dose should be immediately followed by 1 glass (240 mL) of water and can be repeated one more time after 20-30 minutes if vomiting does not happen.
For Infants Up to 6 Months of Age: Infants must be given Ipecac only when and after it has been prescribed and under the guidance of a doctor.
Precautions
Ipecac medicine should not be given to the unconscious or people in a drowsy state as when the medicine will induce vomit, it may enter the lungs, causing pneumonia.
The dosage of this medicine must always be followed by water so that it can induce vomit. 1 full glass (8 ounces) of water should be given to adults and ½ to 1 full glass (4 to 8 ounces) of water should be given to children right after a dose of ipecac. In the case of children, water can also be given before the medicine dose, to soothe the child.
Ipecac should not be consumed with carbonated beverages, milk, or milk products as these may disrupt the effect of the medicine and may cause swelling in the stomach. The second dose of the medicine can be taken if vomit does not occur 20-30 minutes after taking the first dose. If the second dose also fails to induce vomit, the patient must be taken to a doctor immediately.
If this medicine is given along with activated charcoal to treat the poisoning, activated charcoal should not be given until after this medicine has been given for causing vomiting and the vomiting has stopped.
FAQs on Ipecac
1. What is Ipecac?
Ans. Ipecac is a plant that is used to make a medicine for treating poisoning. Ipecac syrup is available both as an FDA-approved prescription medicine as well as a nonprescription drug. Ipecac medicine should be taken orally to cause vomiting in case of poisoning or suspected poisoning.
2. What are the Other Uses of Ipecac?
Ans. Ipecac is also used to treat coup-related bronchitis in children, severe diarrhoea (amoebic dysentery), and cancer. It is also used as an expectorant to thin mucus which turns dry cough into a wet cough, making coughing easier. When taken in small doses, it can also improve appetite. Ipecac is also given by IV (intravenously) occasionally by health professionals for pockets of infection (abscesses) and hepatitis.
Ipecac homoeopathic medicine is used for treating vomiting, nausea, morning sickness, stomach flu, and colic. Ipecac homeopathy treatment is also given for migraine and certain gynaecological problems like excessive menstrual flow. In homoeopathy, ipecacuanha syrup has various uses that include treating nosebleeds, headaches, morning sickness, and labour pains if there is persistent nausea.
3. What are the Side Effects of Ipecac?
Ans. When taken regularly or in case of an overdose, ipecac may have certain side effects just like any other medicine. These side effects include:
Diarrhoea
Stomach cramps or pain
Fast or an irregular heartbeat
Troubled breathing
Unusual weakness or tiredness
Nausea or vomiting (that continues for more than 30 minutes)
Weakness, stiffness, and aching of muscles, especially in the arms, neck, and legs
Some patients may also experience other side effects. In case these side effects are severe or persist for long, one must contact a doctor immediately.
