Ipecac (Oral)
CategoryDescriptionIpecac (IP-e-kak) is used in the emergency treatment of certain
kinds of poisoning. It is used to cause vomiting of the poison.
Only the syrup form of ipecac should be used. A bottle of ipecac labeled
as being Ipecac Fluidextract or Ipecac Tincture should not be used. These
dosage forms are too strong and may cause serious side effects or death. Only
ipecac syrup contains the proper strength of ipecac for treating poisonings.
Ordinarily, this medicine should not be used if strychnine, corrosives
such as alkalies (lye) and strong acids, or petroleum distillates such as
kerosene, gasoline, coal oil, fuel oil, paint thinner, or cleaning fluid have
been swallowed. It may cause seizures, additional injury to the throat, or
pneumonia.
Ipecac should not be used to cause vomiting as a means
of losing weight
. If used regularly for this purpose, serious heart
problems or even death may occur.
This medicine in amounts of more than 1 ounce is available only with your
doctor's prescription. It is available in 1/2- and 1-ounce bottles without
a prescription. However, before using ipecac syrup, call a poison control
center, your doctor, or an emergency room for advice.
Oral
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Syrup (U.S. and Canada)
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