Ipecac is a plant extract which, when swallowed, stimulates the
central nervous system and the stomach, which induces
emesis in about twenty minutes.
The usual dose of ipecac syrup is 15 ml (1 tablespoon) for children and 30 ml (2 tablespoonsful) for an adult. Follow with four ounces of water for children and 8 to 12 for adults. Repeat one more time in half an hour if emesis has not occurred.
Do not take ipecac with milk, milk products, or carbonated beverages. These may interfere with the medication and cause it to be less effective. Drink water.
The use of syrup of Ipecac is not recommended for certain types of poisonings: ingestion of strychnine, strong acids or any bases, and petroleum products, such as gasoline, coal oil, kerosene, fuel oil, paint thinner, or cleaning fluid. Very serious side effects could result.
Some side effects:
- tiredness
- weakness
- aching muscles
- stiff muscles
- difficulty breathing
- diarrhea
- abdominal pain or cramps
- vomiting or nausea lasting longer than 30 minutes
- fast or irregular heartbeat
Ipecac is available in any drugstore, and is amazingly cheap in comparison to most medicines.
Do not use for this stuff for weight control. Extended use of Ipecac can cause severe damage to muscular and circulatory systems. Trust me, it isn't pretty.