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Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Brand Name
Bm Ipecacuanha
Generic Name
Ipecacuanha
Active Ingredient
IpecacCategory
Non-Standardized Insect Allergenic Extract [EPC]
Variants
1
Different strengths and dosage forms
| Strength | Form | Route | NDC |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 [hp_C]/1000mg | GLOBULE | ORAL | 85816-5110 |
Detailed information about Bm Ipecacuanha
This page is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Before using any prescription or over-the-counter medication for Bm Ipecacuanha, you must consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Ipecac is a botanical medicinal agent traditionally used as an emetic to induce vomiting in specific poisoning scenarios. It belongs to the class of non-standardized plant extracts and contains alkaloids that act on both the stomach lining and the brain's vomiting center.
For the induction of vomiting in adults, the standard dose of Syrup of Ipecac is typically 15 to 30 mL (1 to 2 tablespoons). This is usually followed by 240 mL (8 ounces) of water. If vomiting does not occur within 20 to 30 minutes, a second dose may be administered if directed by a medical professional.
Specific adjustments are not well-defined for acute use, but caution is advised due to the slow elimination of alkaloids through the kidneys.
Because emetine accumulates in the liver, patients with pre-existing hepatic disease may be at higher risk for systemic toxicity.
Elderly patients are at a higher risk of aspiration (inhaling vomit) and electrolyte imbalances; use must be supervised by a clinician.
Ipecac should only be taken when specifically instructed by a doctor or poison control center. It should be taken with water, not milk or carbonated beverages, as these can delay the emetic effect. The patient should remain active (walking) to help stimulate the stomach.
As Ipecac is typically used as a one-time emergency treatment, missed doses are not applicable. Do not repeat doses unless instructed by a healthcare provider.
Signs of Ipecac overdose or chronic toxicity include tachycardia (rapid heart rate), cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat), severe muscle weakness, and hypotension (low blood pressure). Chronic misuse (often seen in bulimia nervosa) can lead to fatal cardiomyopathy (weakening of the heart muscle).
> Important: Follow your healthcare provider's dosing instructions exactly. Do not attempt to induce vomiting for any substance without first contacting a poison control center.
> Warning: Stop using Ipecac and call emergency services immediately if you experience:
Ipecac is not intended for long-term use. Chronic ingestion, often associated with eating disorders, leads to the accumulation of emetine. This can result in Ipecac Myopathy, characterized by profound muscle weakness and potentially fatal congestive heart failure.
There is currently no FDA Black Box Warning for Ipecac syrup, but the FDA has considered reclassifying it as a prescription-only drug due to the high risk of misuse and the potential for cardiac toxicity when used inappropriately.
Report any unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider or the FDA's MedWatch program.
Ipecac should never be used to induce vomiting if the patient has swallowed corrosive substances (acids or lye), petroleum distillates (gasoline, kerosene), or if the patient is unconscious or convulsing. In these cases, vomiting can cause more damage to the esophagus or lead to fatal aspiration.
No FDA black box warnings for Ipecac are currently listed, though clinical guidelines from the AAP (2003) strongly advise against its routine use in home settings.
If a patient is hospitalized after Ipecac use, healthcare providers will monitor:
Ipecac causes significant drowsiness and physical distress. Do not drive or operate machinery after taking this medication.
Alcohol should be avoided as it can worsen the CNS depression and gastric irritation caused by Ipecac.
Ipecac is an acute, single-use medication. There are no withdrawal syndromes associated with a single dose, but chronic users require medical supervision to taper and monitor for cardiac recovery.
> Important: Discuss all your medical conditions with your healthcare provider before using Ipecac in a clinical setting.
Ipecac does not have many documented interactions with laboratory tests, but the physical act of vomiting can temporarily elevate certain markers like serum amylase or cause electrolyte shifts (hypokalemia).
> Important: Tell your doctor about ALL medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking, especially if you have recently ingested a toxic substance.
Patients with known hypersensitivity to plants in the Rubiaceae family may experience allergic reactions to Ipecac extracts.
> Important: Your healthcare provider will evaluate your complete medical history and the nature of the toxin before considering Ipecac.
Ipecac is classified as FDA Pregnancy Category C. There are no adequate studies in pregnant women. The physical strain of vomiting can induce premature labor or cause uterine contractions. It should only be used in pregnancy if clearly needed for a life-threatening ingestion.
It is unknown if ipecac alkaloids pass into breast milk. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in the nursing infant, caution is exercised. Most clinicians recommend pumping and discarding milk for a period after use.
While once common, the AAP (2003) now recommends against keeping Ipecac in the home. It is not approved for infants under 6 months of age. In children, the risk of dehydration and lethargy is significantly higher than in adults.
Older adults are at an increased risk of cardiac complications and aspiration. Renal clearance is often reduced in the elderly, potentially leading to higher systemic levels of emetine.
Because the kidneys are responsible for the eventual excretion of Ipecac alkaloids, patients with GFR < 30 mL/min should be monitored closely for signs of delayed toxicity.
Emetine is sequestered in the liver. Patients with cirrhosis or hepatitis may experience prolonged effects or increased systemic toxicity.
> Important: Special populations require individualized medical assessment by emergency professionals.
Ipecac contains two major isoquinoline alkaloids: emetine and cephaeline. These molecules act as local irritants on the gastric mucosa. Once absorbed into the bloodstream, they cross the blood-brain barrier to stimulate the Chemoreceptor Trigger Zone (CTZ) in the medulla. This dual peripheral and central stimulation triggers the vomiting reflex.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Bioavailability | Variable (limited by emesis) |
| Protein Binding | Not well-characterized |
| Half-life | Emetine: ~5 days (terminal elimination up to 60 days) |
| Tmax | 20–30 minutes |
| Metabolism | Hepatic |
| Excretion | Renal (slow) |
Ipecac is classified as an Emetic and is also categorized under Non-Standardized Plant Allergenic Extracts [EPC] for its use in immunology.
Common questions about Bm Ipecacuanha
Ipecac is primarily used as an emetic to induce vomiting in individuals who have swallowed certain types of poisons or overdosed on specific medications. It works by irritating the stomach lining and stimulating the brain's vomiting center. However, its use has declined significantly in recent years as medical professionals now often prefer activated charcoal or gastric lavage. It should only be used under the direct guidance of a poison control center or a healthcare provider. It is never used for substances like bleach or gasoline, as vomiting those can cause more harm.
The most frequent side effects include prolonged vomiting, nausea, and a feeling of lethargy or tiredness. Some individuals may also experience mild stomach cramps or diarrhea after the initial vomiting episodes subside. In children, drowsiness is particularly common and must be monitored closely to prevent aspiration. Most of these effects are temporary and resolve once the medication has cleared the stomach. If vomiting persists for more than a few hours, medical attention is required.
No, alcohol should not be consumed if Ipecac has been administered. Alcohol can increase the central nervous system depression (drowsiness) caused by Ipecac and may further irritate the stomach lining. Furthermore, alcohol can interfere with the body's ability to protect the airway during vomiting, increasing the risk of inhaling stomach contents into the lungs. Since Ipecac is used in emergency poisoning situations, the presence of alcohol can complicate the medical assessment. Always inform emergency responders if alcohol was involved in the ingestion.
Ipecac is generally not recommended during pregnancy unless the life of the mother is at risk from a toxic ingestion. It is classified as Pregnancy Category C, meaning there is a lack of controlled data in humans. The physical strain and abdominal pressure caused by forceful vomiting can potentially lead to uterine contractions or other complications. If a toxic ingestion occurs during pregnancy, the first step should be to contact a poison control center for specialized guidance. Healthcare providers will weigh the risks of the toxin against the risks of inducing emesis.
After taking the recommended dose of Syrup of Ipecac followed by water, most people will begin to vomit within 15 to 30 minutes. If vomiting does not occur within 20 to 30 minutes, a second dose is sometimes administered if a doctor or poison control center advises it. If the patient still does not vomit after a second dose, they must be taken to an emergency room for gastric lavage (stomach pumping). The effectiveness of Ipecac can be delayed if it is taken with milk or on an extremely full stomach. It is important to stay upright and active to help the medication work.
Ipecac is intended as a single-use emergency medication, so 'stopping' it in the traditional sense does not apply to most patients. However, for individuals who have been misusing Ipecac chronically (such as those with eating disorders), stopping suddenly is necessary but must be done under medical supervision. Chronic use leads to the accumulation of emetine in the heart and muscles, and a doctor needs to monitor for cardiac recovery. For the average person treated for an accidental poisoning, no tapering is required. Always follow the follow-up instructions provided by the emergency department.
Since Ipecac is an acute medication used only in emergencies, there is no set schedule for doses. If a healthcare provider instructed you to take a dose and you forgot, you should contact them or a poison control center immediately. Do not take a 'makeup' dose unless specifically told to do so, as the window of time where inducing vomiting is helpful is very narrow (usually within 60 minutes of the poisoning). If too much time has passed, different treatments like activated charcoal may be required. Always prioritize professional medical advice over self-administration.
Ipecac does not cause weight gain; in fact, it has historically been misused by individuals seeking to lose weight through induced vomiting. This misuse is extremely dangerous and can lead to fatal heart conditions and severe muscle weakness. Chronic use of Ipecac for weight control leads to electrolyte imbalances and the buildup of toxic alkaloids in the body. There is no medical or safe use for Ipecac in weight management. If you or someone you know is using Ipecac for weight loss, seek medical and psychological help immediately.
Ipecac has significant interactions with several other medications, most notably activated charcoal, which can neutralize Ipecac and prevent it from working. It should also not be taken with anti-nausea medications (antiemetics), as they will block the intended effect. If the patient has taken other drugs that cause drowsiness, the risk of choking on vomit increases significantly. Always provide a full list of any medications the patient has taken to the poison control operator. This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter meds, and herbal supplements.
Yes, Ipecac was traditionally available as a generic over-the-counter syrup. However, many manufacturers have discontinued production of the OTC syrup due to changes in clinical guidelines that no longer recommend its use in the home. It may still be available in hospital settings or through specific pharmaceutical suppliers for clinical use. It is also found in some generic homeopathic preparations, though these are much less potent. If you are looking for Ipecac for a first-aid kit, be aware that poison control centers now generally recommend calling them first rather than self-treating.
Other drugs with the same active ingredient (Ipecac)