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$Title{IPECAC}
$Subject{Ipecac (various manufacturers)}
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Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


IPECAC
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BRAND NAME (Manufacturer):
     Ipecac (various manufacturers)
     Note:  This product is available without a prescription.
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Emetic
INGREDIENT:
     ipecac
DOSAGE FORM:
     Oral syrup (with 1.5% or 2% alcohol)
STORAGE:
     Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container.

USES

     Ipecac is for emergency use to treat drug overdose or poisoning.  Ipecac
works on the stomach and on the vomiting center in the brain to produce
vomiting.

TREATMENT

     Before administering ipecac, call a poison control center, emergency
room, or physician for advice.
     It is important to administer ipecac with adequate amounts of water (1/2
glass for infants less than 1 year old; 1 to 2 glasses for children and
adults) to ensure that there is adequate fluid in the stomach.  If vomiting
does not occur within 20 minutes after a second dose has been given, call
again IMMEDIATELY for further instructions.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Ipecac can cause diarrhea, drowsiness, or nausea or vomiting that
continues for more than 30 minutes.  These side effects should disappear
within several hours.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
aching or stiffness of the muscles, difficulty in breathing, palpitations,
stomach cramps or pain, or weakness.

INTERACTIONS

     Ipecac oral syrup should not be administered with milk or with carbonated
beverages; these fluids may affect how quickly ipecac works.  Activated
charcoal absorbs ipecac.  If both activated charcoal and ipecac oral syrup are
to be used, give the activated charcoal only after successful vomiting has
been produced by the ipecac.

WARNINGS

     * Vomiting is not the proper treatment in all cases of possible
poisoning; ipecac should NOT be used if gasoline, oils, kerosene, acids,
alkalies (lye), corrosives, or strychnine has been swallowed, since vomiting
of these substances may cause seizures, additional throat burns, or pneumonia.
     * Ipecac should probably not be used if the poisoned patient is losing
consciousness, has no gag reflex, is in shock, is having seizures, or has
heart disease unless directed by a health professional.
     * Muscle and heart disorders and at least one death have been reported as
a result of the chronic use of ipecac by young women who were using it to
induce vomiting in order to lose weight.
     * Ipecac is available over-the-counter (nonprescription) and can be
purchased from most pharmacies.  Mothers should have a one-ounce bottle of
ipecac for each child in the house.  Always call a poison control center,
emergency room, or physician for instructions BEFORE administering ipecac.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if the overdose or poisoning victim is
pregnant.  Although ipecac appears to be safe, extensive studies in pregnant
women have not been conducted.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
