Ipecac Syrup is a medicinal solution containing extract from the Ipecacuanha plant, primarily used to induce vomiting. This medication stimulates the gastric mucosa and the vagus nerve, prompting the body's natural vomiting reflex to expel harmful substances from the stomach. However, modern medicine has reduced its routine use, limiting it to specific emergency medical settings in conjunction with other treatments.
This drug is mainly used for emergency treatment of acute poisoning incidents, but must be used strictly under the guidance of healthcare professionals. Recent medical guidelines often recommend alternatives such as activated charcoal or gastric lavage, considering its use only under certain conditions (e.g., patient consciousness is intact and the ingested substance is non-corrosive).
The generic name of this medication is "Ipecac Syrup," with the international non-proprietary name being ipecac syrup. In Taiwan and Hong Kong markets, this drug is usually referred to by the original manufacturer's name, most commonly as a single-ingredient preparation without compound processing. Be aware that counterfeit products may exist on the market; verify the drug license number.
Ipecac Syrup is classified as an "emetic," a special therapeutic drug under the category of gastrointestinal system medications. Its mechanism of action is entirely different from other antiemetics or antidiarrheal drugs and is used only for specific medical indications.
The primary indication for this drug is emergency treatment of acute poisoning, which must meet the following strict conditions: the patient is conscious, the poisoning occurred within 1 hour, and the ingested substance is non-corrosive such as strong acids or alkalis. Use must be evaluated and decided by a professional healthcare provider.
Contraindications include:
Mild side effects include:
Serious side effects may include:
Use is strictly prohibited in the following patients: pregnant women, patients with gastrointestinal ulcers, and those with neurological depression. The U.S. FDA has issued a black box warning for this drug, emphasizing that use outside medical supervision can lead to severe complications.
Post-use, it may interfere with subsequent treatments such as absorption of activated charcoal or endoscopy. Breastfeeding women should suspend nursing after use, as the drug components may pass into breast milk.
Concurrent use with laxatives may enhance intestinal stimulation, and combined use with sedatives may increase the risk of consciousness impairment. Interactions with certain antitoxins or antidotes are not fully clarified; the sequence of use should be determined after evaluating the nature of the poisoning by a physician.
The standard dose is a single oral administration of 15-30 mL, followed by large amounts of water to induce vomiting. This procedure must be performed in a medical facility, with healthcare staff monitoring vital signs and vomiting response.
Do not adjust the dose or repeat use on your own: overdose may lead to circulatory failure or electrolyte disturbances. After inducing vomiting, immediate medical evaluation is necessary for further management.
This medication is typically used as a single dose, so missed dose issues do not generally apply. If a second dose is necessary due to special circumstances, it must be at least 4 hours after the first vomiting episode, with reevaluation of residual poisoning risk by a physician.
If overdose occurs, it may cause:
If vomiting is not induced within 15 to 20 minutes after ingestion, do not administer another dose. Contact the poison control center or emergency department immediately for other emergency measures. Repeated use may cause gastric mucosal damage or adverse effects.
Do I need to rehydrate or replenish electrolytes after taking Ipecac Syrup?After vomiting, it is advisable to drink small amounts of water or oral electrolyte solutions, but avoid large quantities of water immediately to prevent secondary vomiting. If vomiting persists for more than 24 hours or dehydration symptoms such as decreased urine output occur, seek medical attention promptly.
Does Ipecac Syrup interact with other laxatives or antiemetics?Combining with laxatives may increase intestinal stimulation, leading to diarrhea or abdominal pain; with antiemetics (such as metoclopramide), interactions may antagonize effects and reduce efficacy. Always inform your doctor or pharmacist of all medications you are taking before use.
Can I induce vomiting with Ipecac Syrup after accidentally ingesting a toxic substance?In most cases, self-administration of Ipecac Syrup is not recommended. Certain substances (such as strong acids, alkalis, or petroleum products) may cause secondary aspiration pneumonia if vomiting is induced. Call poison control or seek professional poisoning advice first.
What are the potential risks of long-term or frequent use of Ipecac Syrup?Long-term use may cause esophageal mucosal damage, gastric spasms, or electrolyte imbalances. The U.S. CDC has recommended since 2009 that Ipecac Syrup no longer be used as a household antidote due to concerns about its safety and efficacy.