Can Ipecac produce the same effects if its injected instead of swallowed?
The ipecac currently in use is for oral use and not hypodermic (injection). There would be an imposed danger if it is given as an injection as it is not prepared for such purpose. It is known that its actions are mainly from its major alkaloids content, emetine (methylcephaeline) and cephaline. They both act locally by irritating the gastric mucosa and centrally by stimulating the medullary chemoreceptor trigger zone to induce vomiting.Knowing its action, I could say that ifever an injectable form will be produced, it could produce just half of the actions made by the oral preparation. Injection I suggest may stimulate the medullary chemoreceptor trigger zone to induce vomiting but there will be no local irritation of the gastric mucosa. But as of now, ipecac injectable has not yet been produced so how much to be injected is yet unknown.
