Ipecac
Mechanism :
The actions of ipecac are mainly those of its major alkaloids, emetine and cephaeline. They both act locally by irritating the gastric mucosa and centrally by stimulating the medullary chemoreceptor trigger zone to induce vomiting.
Indication :
Contraindications :
Corrosive poisons.
Dosing :
Available as 7% Oral solution
<6 months:
Used only under the supervision of a physician
6-12 months:
5 to 10 mL preceded or followed by 120 to 240 mL (½ to 1 cup) of water
1-12 years:
15 mL preceded or followed by 120 to 240 mL (½ to 1 cup) of water
Adolescents:
5 to 30 mL followed immediately by 240 mL (1 cup) of water; can be repeated once with 15 ml if there is no vomiting within 20-30 minutes.
Adverse Effect :
Aspiration, pneumomediastinum, CNS depression, prolonged vomiting, Mallory-Weiss tear, vomiting-induced vagal bradycardia.
Interaction :
Do not administer with activated charcoal.
Hepatic Dose :
No dose adjustments are recommended.