Nutritional Supplement

Ipecac

Side Effects

When used as directed for poisoning, ipecac will cause severe nausea, vomiting, and intestinal cramps. If too much ipecac is ingested, it may cause dizziness, rapid heartbeat, and palpitations. Cases have been reported of people with bulimia who abused ipecac by taking it frequently to induce vomiting and developed severe muscle damage or heart damage, and, in some cases, died.12,13 Since emetine is removed from the body slowly, the amounts can build up with repeated use and cause damage later. Ipecac should not be used during pregnancy or breast-feeding.

References

1. Izaddoost M, Robinson T. Synergism and antagonism in the pharmacology of alkaloidal plants. Herbs Spices Med Plants 1986;2:137-58 [review].

2. Schmeller T, Wink M. Utilization of alkaloids in modern medicine. In: Roberts M, Wink M (eds). Alkaloids—Biochemistry, Ecology and Medicinal Applications. New York: Plenum Press, 1998, 435-59 [review].

3. Covington TR, Hussar DA, Lasagna L, et al (eds). Drug Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis: Facts and Comparisons, 1998, 3599.

4. Oelkers HA. Studies on anthelmintics. Arzneim Forsch 1962;121:810-2.

5. Wright CW, Phillipson JD. Natural products and the development of selective antiprotozoal drugs. Phytother Res 1990;4:127-39 [review].

6. Oelkers HA. Studies on anthelmintics. Arzneimittelforschung 1962;121:810-2.

7. Wright CW, Phillipson JD. Natural products and the development of selective antiprotozoal drugs. Phytother Res 1990;4:127-39 [review].

8. Schmeller T, Wink M. Utilization of alkaloids in modern medicine. In: Roberts M, Wink M (eds). Alkaloids—Biochemistry, Ecology and Medicinal Applications. New York: Plenum Press, 1998, 435-59 [review].

9. Schmeller T, Wink M. Utilization of alkaloids in modern medicine. In: Roberts M, Wink M (eds). Alkaloids—Biochemistry, Ecology and Medicinal Applications. New York: Plenum Press, 1998, 435-59 [review].

10. Evans WC. Trease and Evans' Pharmacognosy, 13th ed. London: Baillière Tindall, 1989, 595-9.

11. Covington TR, Hussar DA, Lasagna L, et al (eds). Drug Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis: Facts and Comparisons, 1998, 3599.

12. Palmer EP, Guay AT. Reversible myopathy secondary to abuse of ipecac in patients with major eating disorders. New Engl J Med 1985;313:1457-9.

13. Adler AG, Walinsky P, Krall RA, Cho SY. Death resulting from ipecac syrup poisoning. JAMA 1980;243:1927-8.

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The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2024.