Drug Name

Ipecac Syrup

Drug Uses

Ipecac Syrup is used for causing vomiting in emergency situations (eg, poisoning, overdose).

How to use

Use Ipecac Syrup as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Follow the directions for using Ipecac Syrup provided by a health care provider, doctor, emergency personnel, or poison control center.
• Drink 1 to 2 glasses of water (8 to 16 ounces/240 to 480 mL) after taking Ipecac Syrup.
• If vomiting does not occur within 30 minutes, repeat the dose. If the second dose does not cause vomiting, contact a health care provider immediately.
• If you are unable to use Ipecac Syrup as prescribed, contact your doctor immediately.
• If you miss a dose of Ipecac Syrup, contact your doctor right away.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Ipecac Syrup.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Ipecac Syrup is an emetic. It works by irritating the stomach lining and stimulating the vomiting center of the brain.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Ipecac Syrup, contact your doctor right away.

Storage

Store Ipecac Syrup at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Keep Ipecac Syrup out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do NOT use Ipecac Syrup if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Ipecac Syrup
• you have swallowed strychnine, an alkaline (eg, lye), an acid, kerosene, gasoline, coal oil, fuel oil, paint thinner, or cleaning fluid
• you have already been given activated charcoal
• you are unconscious, semiconscious, very drowsy, severely drunk, or having seizures

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Ipecac Syrup:
Some medical conditions may interact with Ipecac Syrup. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have heart disease, an impaired gag reflex, or seizures, or you are in shock

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Ipecac Syrup. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
Activated charcoal because it may decrease the effectiveness of Ipecac Syrup

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Ipecac Syrup may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

Possible Side Effects

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Diarrhea; drowsiness; stomach cramps; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); continued vomiting; fast or irregular heartbeat.

More Information

If you have any questions about Ipecac Syrup, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Ipecac Syrup is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.