Syrup Of Ipecac
Syrup of Ipecac is for emergency use in poisoning. It is a medicine that can be purchased in any pharmacy without a prescription that, when given to a child or an adult, will cause vomiting.
SYRUP OF IPECAC MUST NEVER BE USED BEFORE CALLING YOUR FAMILY PHYSICIAN OR THE SOUTHEAST TEXAS POISON CENTER AT 1(800) 764-7661
Normally Syrup of Ipecac should not be given at home if:
1. The patient is less than one year old or
2. Corrosives (lye, drain cleaners, oven cleaners, automatic dishwasher detergent, or other strong acids or bases) have been taken or burns are seen around or in the mouth or
3. A petroleum distillate-containing product (kerosene, gasoline, paint thinner, furniture polish, etc.) has been taken or
4. The patient is lethargic (sluggish), asleep, or commatose (unconscious) or
5. The patient is convulsing
Directions:
For children over one year and adults
1. Give on tablespoonful (15 ml, one half ounce) of Syrup of Ipecac.
2. Immediatly give 8-16 oz of any fluid except milk (kool-aid, soda pop, fruit juice, etc.).
3. Vomiting should occur in approximately 15-20 minutes.
4. IF vomiting has not occured in 20 minutes administer an additional tablespoonful of Syrup of Ipecac. Never give more than two tablespoonfuls.
Ipecac Abuse
Some eating disordered individuals participate in the dangerous activity of using ipecac syrup as a means of purging. Ipecac syrup is a plant extract from the ipecacuanha scrub found in Brazil. When ingested, Ipecac syrup stimulates the central nervous system and the stomach, causing the person to vomit. Ipecac’s sole purpose is to facilitate vomiting in an individual who has ingested poison or overdosed on medication. The use of Ipecac is for a single use, and the intent is for Ipecac syrup to never to be used on multiple occasions.
The misuse of Ipecac syrup can cause significant and severe medical complications and even result in death. Karen Carpenter the recording artist who suffered from an eating disorder, actually died from the misuse of Ipecac syrup. The alkaloid emetine from the Ipecac syrup had caused severe damage to her heart, which eventually led to her going into cardiac arrest and subsequently dying. Complications of the misuse of Ipecac include but are not limited to:
Cardiac Arrest
Cardiac Arrhythmias
Irreversible damage to the muscles of the heart
Seizures
Shock
Hemorrhaging
Blackouts
High blood pressure
Respiratory complications
Dehydration
Electrolyte abnormalities
Death
Rader Programs understands and can successfully help individuals who have misused Ipecac syrup. Our multidisciplinary treatment team has the expertise and experience to address the medical and psychological components of the misuse.
For more information or to arrange for a free
confidential consultation, call
1-800-841-1515
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