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GENERIC NAME: IPECAC - ORAL (IPP-eh-kack)

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: Ipecac irritates the stomach and stimulates the vomiting center of the brain to cause vomiting. This medication is used to empty the stomach to treat certain poisonings or drug overdoses.

HOW TO USE: This medication should only be taken when instructed to do so by your doctor, the poison center or medical emergency personnel. In some poisoning situations, use of this medication may be harmful. Follow the administration advice given by the health care professional. The patient should be sitting upright with the head forward before giving this medication. Do not give this to a person who is incoherent or unconscious. General dosing guidelines are as follows: Children 6 months to one year old should be given 1 to 2 teaspoonfuls followed by one-half to one glass of water. Children 1 to 12 years should be given 1 tablespoonful (15 ml) followed by 1 to 2 glasses of water. Adults should be given 1 to 2 tablespoonfuls (15-30 ml) followed by 3 to 4 glasses of water. In older children and adults, a second dose may be necessary if vomiting does not occur within 20 minutes. If vomiting does not occur after taking this medication, contact your doctor or the poison control center. Have the patient vomit into a bowl, bucket or pan if possible. It is helpful to save the vomitus for inspection by a health care professional so they can determine what was swallowed or if the ipecac was effective. Take this only with water. Do not take with milk, juice or soda.

SIDE EFFECTS: In addition to the expected effect of vomiting, this medication may cause drowsiness, diarrhea, and stomach ache. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Use only after contacting a healthcare professional. This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy or if breast-feeding. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.





Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

 

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.


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  • Antiemetics - Learn some of the causes of nausea and vomiting (pregnancy, motion sickness, overeating, postoperative) and read about treatments and their side effects.
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Antiemetics »

What can cause nausea and vomiting?

Nausea and vomiting occur for many reasons. Common causes include motion sickness, self-limited illnesses (viruses or food poisoning) that last a few hours to a few days, and toxins (such as certain medications).

People should consult a doctor if nausea and/or vomiting are persistent or are accompanied by other severe symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever, yellow discoloration of the skin (jaundice), or bleeding. Individuals with severe or ongoing vomiting who have other serious medical problems, are elderly, are very young, or are pregnant or nursing infants should also seek medical attention.

Motion sickness may occur in many settings including travel by car, air, or boat. This may be the best setting for the use of over-the-counter medications for nausea and vomiting. Other inner-ear problems that are related to motion sickness can create a feeling of nausea as well.

Viral infections can cause nausea...

Read the Antiemetics article »


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