Syrup of Ipecac

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: emetic

Generic and brand names: ipecac, oral; syrup of ipecac, oral

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is used to cause vomiting after certain kinds of poison are swallowed or after an overdose of certain drugs.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Call your healthcare provider or the poison control center before you use this medicine. Not all poisons should be treated with this medicine. The National Poison Control Hotline (1-800-222-1222) will connect you to the nearest Poison Control Center. Do not use this medicine if lye, strong acids, or petroleum products such as kerosene, gasoline, paint thinner, fuel oil, or cleaning fluid have been swallowed. These substances burn tissues when they are swallowed and again when they are vomited. They can also get into the lungs and cause pneumonia. Contact your healthcare provider, a poison control center, or a hospital emergency room right away if one of these substances was swallowed.

Before taking this medicine, tell the healthcare provider if you have a history of heart disease or other serious medical problems.

Use the syrup of ipecac only. Do not use ipecac tincture or fluid extract. These are too strong and could cause serious side effects or death.

Females of childbearing age: If you are pregnant, contact your healthcare provider before taking syrup of ipecac to cause vomiting. Follow your healthcare provider's advice or the advice of the poison control center.

How do I use it?

Take this medicine exactly as directed. Do not take more or take it more often than directed by your healthcare provider or poison control center.

Do not give this medicine to anyone who is drowsy or unconscious. Get the person to a hospital emergency room right away.

Keep the person active and moving after this medicine is given. Vomiting may not occur for 20 to 30 minutes after giving this medicine.

Do not give this medicine with milk or carbonated drinks. These may prevent vomiting.

Give syrup of ipecac with lots of water (1 or 2 glasses for children; 3 or 4 glasses for adults) to cause vomiting.

You may be told to take activated charcoal. Take the ipecac first. Then take the charcoal after you vomit.

What if I overdose?

If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.

Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: vomiting, fast or irregular heartbeat, diarrhea, weakness, dizziness, fainting.

What should I watch out for?

Do not use this medicine to cause vomiting in order to lose weight.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious (report these to your healthcare provider): Severe diarrhea, nausea and vomiting that lasts more than 30 minutes, vomiting blood, irregular heartbeat, stomach cramps, trouble breathing.

Other: Stomach upset, mild diarrhea, muscle weakness or aching muscles.

What products might interact with this medicine?

Do not take activated charcoal before taking syrup of ipecac. Charcoal can be taken after vomiting takes place to absorb any remaining poison.

Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

Do not keep an opened or outdated bottle. Throw away any unused portion after opening the bottle. Check the expiration date and replace the bottle if it is out of date.

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This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.

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