.
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.
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.
Summary of Interactions for Ipecac
| Depletion or interference | None known |
|---|---|
| Adverse interaction | None known |
| Side effect reduction/prevention | Potassium |
| Supportive interaction | None known |
| Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability | Activated charcoal Carbonated beverages Milk |
For the convenience of the reader, the information in the summary is categorized as follows: “Depletion or interference” indicates the drug may deplete or interfere with the absorption or function of the supplement or herb. “Adverse interaction” indicates that the supplement or herb used together with the drug may result in undesirable effects. “Side effect reduction/prevention” indicates the supplement or herb may reduce the likelihood and/or severity of a potential side effect caused by the drug. “Supportive interaction” indicates the supplement or herb may support or aid the function of the drug. “Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability” indicates that the supplement or herb may decrease the absorption and/or activity of the drug in the body. An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
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.
Copyright © 2002 VitaminLore, Inc. All rights reserved. www.VitaminLore.com
Please read the disclaimer about the limitations of the information provided here. Do NOT rely solely on the information in this article.
Click here Buy Vitamins and Nutritional Supplements at very low prices..
Buy Brand name Vitamins for less from www.vitaminlore.com. Safetychecker.
The information presented in VitaminLore 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.