Syrup of ipecac

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Syrup of ipecac (derived from the dried rhizome and roots of the Ipecacuanha plant), is a well-known emetic—a substance used to induce vomiting.

1 Mechanism of action
2 Use
- 2.1 Abuse
3 See also
4 References
5 External links

[edit] Mechanism of action

The actions of Ipecac are mainly those of its major alkaloids, emetine (methylcephalin) and cephalin. They both act locally by irritating the gastric mucosa and centrally by stimulating the medullary chemoreceptor trigger zone to induce vomiting.

[edit] Use

Ipecac was used in cough mixtures as an expectorant and from the 18th until the early 20th century. Ipecac and opium were used to produce Dover's powder, which was used in syrup form.

Pediatricians once recommended Ipecac be kept in the home as a ready emetic for use in cases of accidental poisoning.^[1] Current guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics, however, strongly advise against this and in fact recommend the disposal of any syrup of Ipecac present in the home.^[2] Many toxicological associations have also issued position papers recommending against its use as a first-line treatment for most ingested poisons.^[3], because:

There has been no evidence that syrup of Ipecac actually helps improve the outcome in cases of poisoning.
Administering syrup of Ipecac can delay administering more effective treatments, such as activated charcoal and/or antidotes.
The effects of the Ipecac itself can be mistaken for the effects of the poisoning.
Accidental overdose of Ipecac can result when administered in the home.^[4]

A 2005 review by an HRSA-funded scientific panel concluded that vomiting alone does not reliably remove poisons from the stomach. The study suggested that indications for use of Ipecac syrup were rare and patients should be treated by more effective and safer means. Additionally, Ipecac’s potential side effects, such as lethargy, can be confused with the poison’s effects, complicating diagnosis. Ipecac may also delay the administration or reduce the effectiveness of other treatments such as activated charcoal, whole bowel irrigation, or oral antidotes.^[5]

[edit] Abuse

Ipecac has been used by individuals with bulimia nervosa as a means to achieve weight loss through induced defensive vomiting. Repeated abuse is believed to cause damage to the heart, which can ultimately result in the user's death.^[6]