Bulimia: Misuse of Ipecac Syrup

Topic Overview

Syrup of ipecac is a medicine that causes vomiting. It works by irritating the stomach lining until a person vomits. Some people who have bulimia nervosa use ipecac regularly to make themselves vomit. Misuse of ipecac can cause:

• Diarrhea.
• Drowsiness.
• Coughing or choking.
• Low blood pressure and a rapid heartbeat.
• Chest and stomach pain.
• Breathing problems.

If ipecac is misused, it can cause serious heart problems, such as cardiomyopathy, atrial fibrillation, or myocarditis, all of which can lead to death.