Activated charcoal- will absorb ipecac syrup. If both are used, give the activated charcoal only after vomiting has been produced by the ipecac syrup.

Overdose/poisoning

Diarrhea, drowsiness, coughing or choking in association with emesis, mild CNs depression, GI upset.

Semiconscious or unconscious patients. Do not use if strychine ,corrosives such as alkalis and strong acids or petroleum distillates have been ingested.

Special precautions: absorption- Ipecac syrup can be cardiotoxic. If not vomitted and allowed to be absorbed. Absorption of emetine may occur and cause heart conduction disturbances, atrial fibrillation or fatal myocarditis.

Warnings- Syrup/Fluid ectract- do not confuse ipecac syrup ipecac fluid extract, which is 14 times stronger and has caused deaths.

Call an emergency room- poison control center or physician before using , if vomiting does not occur within 30 to 45 minutes after the second dose, perform gastric lavage. Ipecac syrup abuse may occur- in bulimic and anorexic patients .

It has been implicated as the causative factor of severe cardiomyopathies and even death, in several persons with eating disorders who used it regularly to induce vomiting.

Pregnancy- it is not known whether the drug can cause harm when administerd to a pregnant woman.

Lactation- excercise caurtion if ipecac syrup is used for treatment of a nursing woman.

Indication: Overdosing/poisoning

Dosage: Adults- 15 to 30ml followed by 3 to 4 glasses of water Children- more than 1 year- to 12 years- 15ml followed by 1 to 2 glasses of water. children- below 1 year- 5 to 10ml then 1/2 to 1 glass of water, under medical supervision.

Overdosage- Symptoms Ipecac is cardiotoxic if absorbed and may cause cardiac conduction, atrial fibrillation, hypotension, . or facial myocarditis.

Treatment

1.Activated charcoal may be given to absorb ipecac syrup

2.Support cardiovascular system by symptomatic treatment.

Pharmacology:

Ipecac produces vomiting by a local irritant on GI mucosa and a central medullary effect. The centre effect is caused by emetine and cephaeline, the two alkaloids. An adequate dose causes vomiting within 30min in about 90% of patients.

Pregnancy:

Not known whether the drug can cause harm when administered to pregnant woman.

Lactation: Not known whether the drug can be used for treatment of a nursing woman.