IPECAC

Brand & Generic Names

Ipecac Syrup

Quelidrine Cough

Basic Information

• Habit forming? No
• Prescription needed? No
• Available as generic? Yes
• Drug class: Emetic

Uses

• Used in emergencies to induce vomiting after medication overdose and in some instances of poisoning.
• Don't use if suspected substance to be vomited is strychnine or a corrosive such as lye, kerosene, gasoline, bleach, strong acid or cleaning fluid.

Dosage & Usage Information

How to take:
Call doctor, poison-control center or emergency room before giving ipecac to anyone.
Don't give to an unconscious person.
Syrup, undiluted--Carefully follow instructions on the bottle.
Drink water immediately after taking ipecac.
Place person in a head-down position to prevent aspiration of vomitus.

When to take:
Upon discovery of accidental or intentional poisoning or overdose.
May repeat in 30 minutes if vomiting doesn't occur with first ipecac dose.
Don't give more than 2 doses.

If you forget a dose:
One-time use only.

What drug does:
Irritates stomach lining and stimulates the vomiting center in the brain.

Time lapse before drug works:
20 minutes.

Don't take with:
Any other medicines (including over-the-counter drugs such as cough and cold medicines, laxatives, antacids, diet pills, caffeine, nose drops or vitamins) without consulting your doctor.

Overdose

SYMPTOMS:
Watery diarrhea, breathing difficulty, stiff muscles.

WHAT TO DO:

• Dial 911 (emergency) or O (operator) for an ambulance or medical help. Then give first aid immediately.
• See EMERGENCY Information.

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Life-threatening:

Heartbeat irregularity. Seek emergency treatment immediately.

Common:

None expected.

Infrequent:

None expected.

Rare:

None expected.

Warnings & Precautions

Don't take if:
You are drunk from any source.

Before you start, consult your doctor:
If you have heart disease (ipecac can be poisonous to a damaged heart).

Over age 60:
No special problems expected.

Pregnancy:
No studies done. Unknown effect. Consult doctor.

Breast-feeding:
Consult your doctor.

Infants & children:
Give only after consulting doctor or poison-control center.

Prolonged use:
Not intended for long-term use.

Skin & sunlight:
No problems expected.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
Don't drive or pilot aircraft until you learn how medicine affects you. Don't work around dangerous machinery. Don't climb ladders or work in high places. Danger increases if you drink alcohol or take medicine affecting alertness and reflexes.

Discontinuing:
No special problems expected.

Others:

• If you are instructed to also use activated charcoal, don't use until after ipecac has induced vomiting.
• Don't give more than 2 doses to anyone.

Possible Interaction with Other Drugs

GENERIC NAME	COMBINED EFFECT
------------------------	-----------------------
Charcoal, activated	Improves treatment. If taken for
	the same overdose, charcoal should
	follow vomiting induced by ipecac.
Other medicines or herbs	Decreased ipecac
to cause vomiting	effect.

Possible Interaction with Other Substances

INTERACTS WITH	COMBINED EFFECT
---------------	---------------
Alcohol:	Avoid. Vomiting while drunk can be
	dangerous.
Carbonated.	Stomach distention. Avoid.
Milk.	Decreased ipecac effect.
Cocaine:	Avoid.
Foods:	No problems expected.
Marijuana:	Avoid. Aspiration of vomitus could
	be fatal.
Tobacco:	No problems expected.