Syrup of ipecac
Syrup of ipecac (derived from the Ipecacuanha plant), is an emetic - a substance used to induce vomiting. It is used in case of accidental poisoning, and is perhaps the most well known emetic. Typical dosage for adults is one-two tablespoons (15-30ml) followed by two or three glasses of water. Vomiting is expected in under a half hour. Some recommend saving the vomitus for medical inspection. Despite its long history of effective use, syrup of ipecac has come under increased scrutiny recently. One recent scientific review concluded that vomiting alone does not reliably remove poisons from the stomach. Additionally ipecac’s potential side effects, such as lethargy, can be confused with the poison’s effects, complicating diagnosis. Ipecac has been used by anorexic and bulimic individuals as a means to lose weight. Such use has sometimes resulted in death. Ipecac has also been used by emetophiliacs: people who find vomit sexually arousing.
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