Also indexed as: Ipecacuanha Emetic Mixture
Ipecac syrup is a drug used to induce vomiting in the treatment of drug overdoses and in
certain poisonings. In addition, people with
eating disorders, such as bulimia and anorexia nervosa, occasionally abuse ipecac to avoid
weight gain. In emergency situations, a local poison control center should be contacted before
ipecac is given.
Summary of
Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
In some cases, an herb or supplement may appear in more than one category, which may seem
contradictory. For clarification, read the full article for details about the summarized
interactions.
 May Be Beneficial: Side effect
reduction/prevention—Taking these supplements may help reduce the likelihood and/or
severity of a potential side effect caused by the medication. |
Potassium
|
Avoid: Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability—Avoid these supplements
when taking this medication since the supplement may decrease the absorption and/or activity
of the medication in the body. |
Activated charcoal
Carbonated beverages
Milk
|
| Depletion or interference |
None known
|
| Supportive interaction |
None known
|
| Adverse interaction |
None known
|
An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the
interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific
evidence.
Interactions with Dietary Supplements
Potassium
In order to lose weight, some individuals who are overly zealous, as well as those with eating
disorders, occasionally induce vomiting with ipecac. However, chronic abuse of ipecac can
result in low blood levels of potassium,1 which might result in an irregular heart
rhythm. Though avoidance of this behavior is the best form of prevention, individuals who
abuse ipecac should supplement with potassium or high-potassium foods to prevent potassium
deficiency.
Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds
Milk and
carbonated beverages
Some references have suggested that taking ipecac along with milk or carbonated beverages
might reduce the effectiveness of the drug.2 However, controlled studies have shown
that drinking neither milk3 nor carbonated beverages4 inhibits the
action of ipecac. Consequently, ipecac can be given with or without milk or carbonated
beverages.
Activated charcoal
In the treatment of certain poisonings, activated charcoal is used to reduce the amount of
poison absorbed into the body. Some references have suggested that people avoid giving ipecac
and activated charcoal together.5 However, controlled studies have shown that
activated charcoal may not completely block the effects of ipecac,6 and that the
combination is effective when activated charcoal is given ten minutes after ipecac
treatment.7 Until more information is available, individuals should probably wait
to give activated charcoal until after the ipecac-induced vomiting stops.
References:1. Sansone RA. Complications of hazardous weight-loss methods. Am Fam
Physician 1984;30:141–6 [review].
2. Olin BR, ed. Miscellaneous Products, Antidotes. In Drug Facts and
Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, 1993, 2695.
3. Klein-Schwartz W, Litovitz T, Oderda GM, et al. The effect of milk on
ipecac-induced emesis. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 1991;29:505–11.
4. Uden DL, Davison GJ, Kohen DP. The effect of carbonated beverages on
ipecac-induced emesis. Ann Emerg Med 1981;10:79–81.
5. Olin BR, ed. Miscellaneous Products, Antidotes. In Drug Facts and
Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, 1993, 2695.
6. Krenzelok EP, Freeman GE, Pasternak S. Preserving the emetic effect of
syrup of ipecac with concurrent activated charcoal administration: a preliminary study. J
Toxicol Clin Toxicol 1986;24:159–66.
7. Freeman GE, Pasternak S, Krezelok EP. A clinical trial using syrup of
ipecac and activated charcoal concurrently. Ann Emerg Med 1987;16:164–6.