What Exactly is Ipecac or Syrup of Ipecac and How Does it Work?

It is often recommended that every first aid kit and medicine cabinet include a bottle of syrup of ipecac. But, have you ever wondered just exactly what it is and how it works and why it's used? Read on to find out all you ever wanted to know about syrup of ipecac.

Ipecac is a medicine that is derived from the roots of a plant called ipecacuanha (Psychotria ipecacuanha) that is native to Brazil. It was introduced to Europe in 1672 and the formula for the commonly used medicinal version became part of public medical care in France in 1688. Before antibiotics and more "advanced" forms of medicine became available, ipecac was even more widely used and became known especially for it's effectiveness with respiratory infections and illnesses.

One of the active ingredients of ipecac, a substance called emetine, is still used for the treatment of various forms of dysentery. There are several different versions and preparations of medicine made from ipecac and these have various strengths and purposes. It is possible to overdose with ipecac and has been known to cause accidental overdoses and poisonings.

Syrup of ipecac is what is known as an emetic, or a substance used to induce vomiting. Vomiting usually occurs within 20-30 minutes after having been given the appropriate dose. Dosage depends on the age and size of a person and syrup of ipecac should not be given to babies under the age of six months without first consulting a doctor. Ipecac is always given with water.

Historically, syrup of ipecac has been given to induce vomiting in the instance of poisoning or ingesting toxic substances. It has recently fallen into increasing disfavor for this purpose, as it is thought to be too slow-acting. Now, the treatment of choice is activated charcoal, which operates much more quickly and effectively in cases where the ingestion of poison is suspected.

Ipecac has also been used to help loosen the congestion caused by bronchitis and croup. It has been believed that inducing vomiting can help loosen the phlegm and congestion making breathing difficult in these conditions.

Ipecac is also a known tool of those with eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia, who use the substance to induce vomiting and prompt weight loss. Abuse of ipecac has been found to cause damage to the heart, however, which can cause heart failure and eventually death. (The death of singer Karen Carpenter has been attributed to the abuse of syrup of ipecac as part of her eating disorder.)

Despite the recent disfavor, syrup of ipecac is still a traditional mainstay of most first aid kits and medicine cabinets. And, it doesn't show signs of being completely eliminated or replaced any time soon.