Ipecac (Oral)
Proper Use of This MedicineIt is very important that you take this medicine only as directed
.
Do not take more of it and do not take it more often than recommended on the
label, unless otherwise directed. When too much ipecac is used, it can cause
damage to the heart and other muscles, and may even cause death.
Do not give this medicine to unconscious or very drowsy
persons
, since the vomited material may enter the lungs and cause pneumonia.
To help this medicine cause vomiting of the poison, adults should drink
1 full glass (8 ounces) of water and children should drink 1/2 to 1 full
glass (4 to 8 ounces) of water immediately after taking this medicine. Water
may be given first in the case of a small or scared child.
Do not take this medicine with milk, milk products,
or with carbonated beverages
. Milk or milk products may prevent this
medicine from working properly, and carbonated beverages may cause swelling
of the stomach.
If vomiting does not occur within 20 to 30 minutes after you have taken
the first dose of this medicine, take a second dose. If vomiting does not
occur after you have taken the second dose, you must immediately see your
doctor or go to an emergency room.
If you have been told to take both this medicine and activated charcoal
to treat the poisoning, do not take the activated charcoal
until after you have taken this medicine to cause vomiting and vomiting has
stopped. This takes usually about 30 minutes
.
Dosing - The dose of ipecac will be different for different
patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions
on the label
. The following information includes only the average doses
of ipecac. If your dose is different, do not change it
unless your doctor tells you to do so.
-
For oral
dosage form (syrup):
-
For treatment of poisoning:
-
Adults and teenagers - The usual dose is 15 to 30 milliliters
(mL) (1 to 2 tablespoonfuls), followed immediately by one full glass (240
mL) of water. The dose may be repeated one time after twenty to thirty minutes
if vomiting does not occur.
-
Children 1 to 12 years of age - The usual dose is 15 mL (1 tablespoonful).
One-half to one full glass (120 to 240 mL) of water should be taken right
before or right after the dose. The dose may be repeated one time after twenty
to thirty minutes if vomiting does not occur.
-
Children 6 months to 1 year of age - The usual dose is 5 to 10
mL (1 to 2 teaspoonfuls). One-half to one full glass (120 to 240 mL) of water
should be taken right before or right after the dose. The dose may be repeated
one time after twenty to thirty minutes if vomiting does not occur.
-
Children up to 6 months of age - Ipecac must be given only under
the direction of your doctor.
Storage - To store this medicine:
-
Keep out of the reach of children since overdose is very dangerous
in children.
-
Store away from heat and direct light.
-
Keep the syrup from freezing.
-
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure
that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.
-
Do not keep a bottle of ipecac that has been opened. Ipecac may evaporate
over a period of time. It is best to replace it with a new one.
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