Ipecac (Ipecac)
Overview of Ipecac
Ipecac is used as an expectorant. its larger doses are used for emergency treatment of ingested poison in children.
Indication of Ipecac
Ipecac is primarily indicated in conditions like Acute oral drug overdose, Emesis induction in oral poisoning, Productive cough.
Contraindication of Ipecac
Ipecac is contraindicated in conditions like Unconciousness,Poisoning with corrosive agents,Ingestion of petroleum distillates,Ingestion of CNS stimulants,Antiemetic poisoning.
Side Effects of Ipecac
The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Ipecac, which give rise to further complications include Diarrhoea, Hypotension, Proteinuria, Hypotension, Ventricular tachycardia, Dyspnea, Oedema, Persistent vomiting, Ventricular ectopics, Chest pain, ECG abnormalities, Atrial tachycardia, Proteinuria, proteinuria.,Ipecac produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Convulsions, Gastric damage, Pneumomediastinum, Diaphragmatic rupture, Neuropathy, Mallory-weiss syndrome, Retropneumoperitoneum, Myopathy, Aspiration pneumonia, Diaphragmatic rupture. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Ipecac therapy.,The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Ipecac include Bloody vomiting, GI hemorrhage, Bloodstained diarrhea, Circulatory collapse, Myocardial damage.,The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Ipecac are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Drowsiness, Diarrhea, Abdominal pain, Lethargy, Allergy.
Precautions of Ipecac
Ipecac should not be used as an emetic in patients whose condition increases the risk of aspiration or patients in shocks. It is not recommended for use during pregnancy or lactation. Ipecac should not be adminsitered to a person who may be poisoned by hydrocarbon ingestion (Petroleum distillate), strong acid ingestion, or alkali ingestion, unless directed to do so. The drug should be used with extreme caution in the patient with strychnine toxicity or seizures, cardiac diseases or arteriosclerosis. If emesis does not occur, cardiovascular function can also be affected through systemic absorption of cardiotoxin contained in Ipecac, increases the risk in these patients.