Syrup of ipecac
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Syrup of ipecac (derived from the Ipecacuanha plant), is an emetic - a substance used to induce vomiting. It is used in case of accidental poisoning, and is perhaps the most well known emetic.
Typical dosage for adults is one to two tablespoons (15-30ml) followed by two or three glasses of water. Vomiting typically happens within 15 to 20 minutes. If the patient has not vomited within 20 to 30 minutes, a second dose can be administered. Saving the vomitus is recommended for medical inspection.
Though it has a long history of use, syrup of ipecac has come under recent scrutiny. One recent scientific review concluded that vomiting alone does not reliably remove poisons from the stomach. Additionally ipecac’s potential side effects, such as lethargy, can be confused with the poison’s effects, complicating diagnosis.
Recently (2005) an expert panel concluded that indications for use of ipecac syrup were rare and patients should be treated by more effective and safer means. See Clinical Toxicology (Phila). 2005;43(1):13-5 for more information. The current first-line treatment for most ingested poisons is now activated charcoal, which operates much more quickly and effectively than ipecac treatments.
Ipecac has been used by anorexic and bulimic individuals as a means to lose weight. Repeated abuse is believed to cause damage to the heart, which can ultimately result in the user's death. The death of singer Karen Carpenter in 1983 has been popularly attributed to her abuse of ipecac for weight control; it is not known for certain if Carpenter was abusing ipecac, or what, if any, role that abuse played in the heart attack that lead to her death. Ipecac has also been used by emetophiliacs: people who find vomit sexually arousing.
From the 18th until the early 20th century, ipecac and opium were used to produce Dover's powder, which was also used in syrup form.
In the series four Family Guy episode "8 Simple rules to buying my teenage daughter", Peter, Stewie, Chris and Brian play a game to see who is the last to start vomitting uncontrollably after each drinking some Ipecac. See: http://www.spikedhumor.com/articles/1555/Family_Guy_IPECAC_Race.html