Background
- Syrup of ipecac, used medicinally since the 1500s, is made from the dried root and rhizome (underground stem) of the ipecacuanha plant (Cephaelis ipecacuanha). This plant grows in Brazilian rainforests and other locations in Central and South America. Ipecac's primary medicinal use is to cause vomiting after a person takes in a toxic substance. The induced vomiting reportedly removes toxic substances from the stomach, hinders their absorption, and speeds recovery. Currently, many experts recommend abandoning ipecac use in both home and clinical settings and employing other therapies such as activated charcoal, which has been shown to be effective and lacking in potential for abuse.
- Another ipecac use is to treat gastrointestinal infections caused by amoeba. While ipecac is active against the amoebic form of dystentery (diarrhea), it is ineffective against bacterial dysentery.
References
Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to . Selected references are listed below.
- Albertson TE, Derlet RW, Foulke GE, et al. Superiority of activated charcoal alone compared with ipecac and activated charcoal in the treatment of acute toxic ingestions. Ann Emerg Med 1989;18(1):56-59.
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View Abstract - Pond SM, Lewis-Driver DJ, Williams GM, et al. Gastric emptying in acute overdose: a prospective randomised controlled trial. Med J Aust 1995;163(7):345-349.
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View Abstract - Rashid N. Medically unexplained myopathy due to ipecac abuse. Psychosomatics 2006;47(2):167-169.
View Abstract - Silber TJ. Ipecac syrup abuse, morbidity, and mortality: isn't it time to repeal its over-the-counter status? J Adolesc Health 2005;37(3):256-260.
View Abstract - Steffen KJ, Mitchell JE, Roerig JL, et al. The eating disorders medicine cabinet revisited: a clinician's guide to ipecac and laxatives. Int J Eat Disord 2007;40(4):360-368.
View Abstract - Tandberg D, Diven BG, McLeod JW. Ipecac-induced emesis versus gastric lavage: a controlled study in normal adults. Am J Emerg Med 1986;4(3):205-209.
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