Ipecac
By: Dr. Dawn Ruben

Overview

Ipecac is derived from the roots of certain plants. It belongs to a class of drugs known as emetics. Similar drugs include apomorphine.

Ipecac acts by irritating the stomach lining and stimulating the impulse to vomit. Vomiting will generally occur within 30 minutes of administration.

Ipecac is available over the counter but should not be administered unless under the supervision and guidance of a veterinarian.

This drug is not approved for use in animals by the Food and Drug Administration but it is prescribed legally by veterinarians as an extra-label drug.

Brand Names and Other Names

This drug is registered for use in humans only.

Human formulations: Ipecac is supplied by numerous drug companies with a variety of trade names and various generic preparations

Veterinary formulations: None

Uses of Ipecac

The sole purpose of ipecac is to induce vomiting.

Ipecac is primarily used to induce vomiting after ingestion of a toxic substance or a foreign object.

Precautions and Side Effects

While generally safe and effective when prescribed by a veterinarian, ipecac can cause side effects in some animals.

Ipecac should not be used in animals with known hypersensitivity or allergy to the drug.

Ipecac should be avoided in animals with heart disease or breathing difficulty. It should also be avoided in an animal that is minimally responsive, convulsing or comatose.

If an animal has already been vomiting, ipecac should not be used.

Do not use ipecac to evacuate corrosive ingestions or toxins that can lead to aspiration pneumonia.

When used properly and vomiting occurs, there are little adverse effects associated with ipecac.

If vomiting does not occur, there is a potential for serious heart toxicity. For this reason, other emetics may be recommended.

How Ipecac Is Supplied

Ipecac is available in a 15 ml or 30 ml syrup.

Dosing Information

Medication should never be administered without first consulting your veterinarian.

To induce vomiting, 0.5 to 1 ml per pound (1 to 2 ml/kg) is recommended.

If no vomiting occurs, a second dose can be administered.

If there is still no vomiting, examination and treatment by your veterinarian is recommended.

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Ipecac
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