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Ipecac oral syrup

What is this medication?

IPECAC SYRUP (IP i kak SIR uhp) is an emetic agent. It works by causing vomiting. It is used to treat some poisonings or overdoses. If a poisoning or overdose occurs, get emergency help. Do not treat a poisoning or overdose yourself. Not all poisonings should be treated with this medicine.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

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What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

•confused, not responding, or passed out

•food or medicine poisoning

•heart disease

•seizures

•an unusual or allergic reaction to ipecac, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

•pregnant or trying to get pregnant

•breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Do not take this medicine unless told to do so by a health care provider or poison control center. Follow the directions of your health care provider. Shake well before using. Use a specially marked spoon or dropper to measure each dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. Do not take with milk or food. Do not take this medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

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What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply; this medicine is not for regular use.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

•charcoal

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

•alcohol

•medicines to treat nausea and vomiting like granisetron, ondansetron

•phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

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What should I watch for while using this medication?

Contact your nearest poison control center, the National Poison Control hotline (1-800-222-1222), or your health care provider before you use this medicine. Some poisonings or overdoses should not be treated with this medicine.

Do not give this medicine to an unconscious, very confused, or drowsy person.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

•allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

•breathing problems

•chest pain

•cough

•fast, irregular heartbeat

•feeling faint or lightheaded, falls

•unusual bleeding or bruising

•unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

•headache

•diarrhea

•drowsiness

•stomach pain

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). After use, throw away any unused medicine left in the open bottle. Throw away any unopened bottles of this medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Copyright ©2024 Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Terms of use.

Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.

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