Syrup of ipecac is an
emetic made from the dried roots of the ipecacuanha plant.
Syrup of
ipecac is used in certain cases of
poisoning where
vomiting is necessary to help remove the toxin. Ipecac should not be given except under the advice of the
poison control center or
physician because with some types of poisoning, the damage caused by the poison passing back through the throat is worse than leaving the poison in the
stomach and using other agents to counteract or
absorb the poison.
Unfortunately, ipecac is used by many who suffer
eating disorders. Also unfortunately, ipecac is a poison which can weaken the
heart and cause
heart attacks, irregular heartbeats,
chest pains, breathing problems, and rapid heart rate even after only one use (
Karen Carpenter died of a heart attack due to
casual ipecac use).