Ipecac Disease Interactions

Ipecac induces vomiting of gastrointestinal contents that can be aspirated. Therapy with ipecac should not be administered to patients who are less than fully conscious, severely intoxicated, in shock, having seizures, or lack gag reflexes.

Ipecac may be absorbed if vomiting does not take place. Cardiotoxicity such as tachycardia, hypotension, dyspnea, ECG changes or arrhythmia have occurred. Chronic use to induce vomiting by patients with eating disorders has resulted in myocarditis, cardiac arrest and failure. Therapy with ipecac should be administered cautiously in patients with or predisposition to cardiovascular dysfunction.

Ipecac induced vomiting can increase blood pressure. Vomiting and retching associated with ipecac therapy may increase the risk of hemorrhage in patients with sclerotic or other pathologic changes in blood vessels. Therapy with ipecac should be administered cautiously in patients with altered vascular physiology.