Ipecac

Cephaelis ipecacuanha

Description: This is a perennial, evergreen, leafy plant about 40 centimeters high with a thick rhizome and fibrous roots that may become tubers. The stem occasionally bears adventitious roots. This plant is indigenous to the sparse woods of Brazil, but it can be found cultivated in India. The medicinal parts are the pulverized subterranean parts of the 3 to 4 year old plants which have been dried in the sun.

Composition: Contains isoquinoline alkaloids of the emetine type (emetine, cephaelin).

Properties: The drug affects the stomach. In small doses it is secretory, but in larger doses it acts as an emetic. Spasmolytic. Expectorant.

Uses: Expectorant. Emetic in cases of poisoning. Assist coughing up thick phlegm.

Side Effects: No health hazards known with proper administration when used as an expectorant. Extended administration periods may lead to myopathias. Frequent contact with the drug may trigger allergic reactions of skin or mucous membranes.

Cautions: High dosages of the drug can cause nausea (it may be used therapeutically as an emetic). Toxic dosages can lead to mucous membrane erosion in the gastrointestinal tract, tachycardia, drop in blood pressure, disorders of cardiac rhythm and respiratory function, convulsions, shock, and coma.

Administration: Used orally as a tincture.