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IPECACUANHA. 



IPECACUANHA. 



Ipecacuanha is the dried root of Cephcclis Ipecacuanha, a perennial herb native 

 to Brazil. 



Pharmacodynamics. 



Central Nervous System. No direct action known. In frogs a central paralysis 

 is produced ; in animals, a depression of the motor side of the cord. 



Muscular System. Weakened secondarily. 



Respiration. No effect. 



Heart is slightly slowed, either reflexly or by direct action. 



Blood-pressure is lowered in large doses from splanchnic relaxation, whether 

 centric or reflex is uncertain. 



Alimentary Tract. Much irritated by local effect on mucosa. 



Secretory glands are reflexly and directly stimulated. The gastro-intestinal 

 glands are made more active. 



Metabolism. No effect. 



Temperature. Unchanged. 



Absorption is very slow, even when retained. 



Excretion is via kidneys and gastro-intestinal mucosa. 



Local Action. Irritant. 



Symptoms. 



Small Doses. 



Increased secretion of intestinal 



and bronchial glands. 

 Moderate diaphoresis. 



Therapeutics. 



Large Doses. 



Copious secretion of saliva. 



Nausea. 



Vomiting. 



Usually no depression unless dose 

 is so large as to cause re- 

 peated vomiting. 



Ipecac is used in small doses as an antiemetic, a diaphoretic, and expectorant. In 

 larger doses it becomes a very satisfactory emetic. In still larger doses, sometimes 

 combined with laudanum to lessen or prevent vomiting, it is used as a specific in 

 amoebic dysentery. Lately, its active principle, emetine, has been recommended for 

 hypodermic use. 



Dosage. 



Pulvis Ipecacuanhae et Opii (each 10%), 0.5 Gm. 



