Emetics

Emetics

Emetics are used to induce vomiting in a person who has ingested toxic substances. Ipecac syrup is used to induce vomiting in early management of oral poinsoning or drug overdose.

Controversy?

The use of ipecac syrup has become controversial, however, because it delays the use of activated charcoal. There’s a risk of potential abuse by individuals with eating disorders. The American Academy of Pediatrics no longer recommends the routine use of ipecac syrup. The first action parents or caregivers should take if a child has ingested a poisonous substance is to call the poison control center and emergency medical services.

Pharmacokinetics

Little information exists concerning the absorption, distribution, and excretion of ipecac syrup. After administration of ipecac syrup, vomiting occurs within 10 to 30 minutes.

 

Measuring success

The success of treatment is directly linked to fluid intake with ipecac administration.

Pharmacodynamics

Ipecac syrup induces vomiting by stimulating the vomiting center located in the brain’s medulla.

Pharmacotherapeutics

Ipecac syrup is used to induce vomiting in the early management of oral poisoning and drug overdose in individuals who are fully conscious. It shouldn’t be used after ingestion of petroleum products, volatile oils, or caustic substances, such as lye, because of the risk of additional esophageal injury or aspiration.

Drug interactions

Because ipecac syrup is used only in acute situations, drug interactions rarely occur. If poisoning results from ingestion of a phenothiazine, the phenothiazine’s antiemetic effect may decrease the emetic effect of ipecac syrup. Ipecac syrup shouldn’t be administered concurrently with activated charcoal, which will absorb and inactivate it.

Warning!

Adverse reactions to ipecac syrup

Ipecac syrup rarely produces adverse reactions when used in the recommended dosages. However, prolonged vomiting (for more than 1 hour) or repeated vomiting (more than six episodes in 1 hour), lethargy, and diarrhea may occur with regular dosage as well. Some people are very sensitive to ipecac syrup.