Volume of ipecac-induced emesis as a function of the volume of fluids administered

Ipecac syrup is the emetic of choice for decamination of the stomach in many drug overdoses and poison ingestions. Ipecac is derived from the dried root of Cephalis ipecacuanha or C. acuminate, plants indiginous to Brazil and Central America, and cultivated in India and Malaysia. The active emetic principles in ipecac have been identified as the alkaloids, emetine and cephaeline. Ipecac is used as an emetic in the United States in the form of ipecac syrup USP. Ipecac syrup is inexpensive, readily available, easy to use, and relatively fast acting. The oral administration of fluids, given immediately prior to or immediately after ipecac syrup, is thought to be of some clinical importance as an enhancement of emesis. Anecdotal information suggests that greater amounts of fluid taken by the patient concurrently with ipecac syrup produces more effective emesis. The objective of this study was to determine if a relationship exists between volume of fluids taken with ipecac syrup and the volume of emesis produced. The results of this study indicate that there is a relationship between administration of differing amounts of fluids with ipecac syrup and the volume of emesis.