Registered Malawi · PMRA

PRUNOL 0.12ML/5ML SYRUP

TINCTURE IPECACUANHA

PMPB/PL55/6 SYRUP respiratory system

What it does

Ipecacuanha is a natural medicine used to make you vomit in case of poisoning or overdose. It helps to remove harmful substances from the stomach.

Commonly used for: poisoning, overdose

Read more in plain English ↓

Plain-language summary for general understanding - not medical advice. Always follow your pharmacist/doctor.

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Answers come only from this medicine's registration record, BNF monograph and interaction data - not medical advice.

Medicine sourcing is available in Kenya only. We don't sell or dispense medicines - licensed pharmacies do.

Sourcing - Kenya only

Registration & product details

Registration no.
PMPB/PL55/6
Registration date
25/02/2001
Expiry date
30/06/2020
Status
Registered
Active ingredient
TINCTURE IPECACUANHA
Dosage form
SYRUP
Strength
-
Pack size
-
Therapeutic class
-
ATC class (WHO)
R05CA - Expectorants
Drug group
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
RxNorm RxCUI
5975
Manufacturer / MAH
-
Applicant / LTR
-
Country of origin
-

Source: Pharmacy and Medicines Regulatory Authority · fetched 2026-04-21 17:37:46 · updated 2026-09-19 04:30:23

Disclaimer: This information is sourced from Pharmacy and Medicines Regulatory Authority (Malawi). Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any medication.

About ipecacuanha

Ipecacuanha is a natural medicine used to make you vomit in case of poisoning or overdose. It helps to remove harmful substances from the stomach.

What it treats

  • poisoning
  • overdose

How it works

Ipecacuanha works by stimulating the stomach to induce vomiting, helping to clear out toxins.

Who it's for

It is used for people who have ingested toxic substances or overdosed on certain medications.

Cautions

  • • Not recommended for use in all poisoning cases, especially if the person is unconscious or having seizures.
  • • Should not be used without medical advice.

AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.

About tincture

Tincture is a liquid form of medicine that contains a plant extract or other medicinal ingredient dissolved in alcohol or another solvent.

What it treats

  • various ailments
  • pain relief
  • anxiety
  • sleep problems

How it works

Tinctures work by allowing the active ingredients from plants or other substances to be absorbed into the body quickly, providing relief from certain conditions.

Who it's for

Tinctures can be used by adults for various health issues, but it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before use.

Cautions

  • • Not suitable for people with alcohol intolerance.
  • • Use with caution in pregnant or breastfeeding women.

AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.

Clinical monograph: ipecacuanha

Ipecacuanha, derived from the roots of the plant Cephaelis ipecacuanha, is primarily known for its emetic properties. It has been historically used to induce vomiting in cases of poisoning or overdose, particularly with certain toxic substances. Although its use has declined in modern medicine due to the availability of more effective treatments, it remains a notable substance in the pharmacological landscape.

Indications

  • Acute poisoning
  • Overdose of certain toxins
  • As an emetic in specific clinical scenarios

Dosage

Children: For children, the dosage is typically 10 to 15 mL of syrup of ipecac for children aged 1 year and older. Again, it is crucial to seek guidance from a poison control center or healthcare provider.

Adults: For adults, the typical dose for inducing emesis is 15 to 30 mL of syrup of ipecac, taken orally. However, due to the risks associated with its use, consultation with a poison control center or healthcare provider is recommended for specific situations.

Mechanism of action

Ipecacuanha contains alkaloids such as emetine and cephaeline, which stimulate the chemoreceptor trigger zone in the medulla oblongata, leading to the induction of vomiting. These compounds also increase gastric motility and secretions, further contributing to its emetic effect.

Pharmacodynamics

The emetic action of ipecacuanha is dose-dependent, with lower doses potentially causing nausea without vomiting, while higher doses can lead to significant emesis. Its effects are mediated through the central nervous system and gastrointestinal tract.

Pharmacokinetics

Ipecacuanha is absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract, with peak plasma concentrations occurring within 1-3 hours after administration. The elimination half-life and specific metabolic pathways of the active components are not well characterized, but they are believed to be metabolized in the liver and excreted primarily in urine.

Contra-indications

  • Hypersensitivity to ipecacuanha
  • Use in patients with a known or suspected bowel obstruction
  • Concurrent use of emetics or in cases of poisoning with corrosive substances

Adverse effects

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Drowsiness
  • Cardiac arrhythmias
  • Hypotension

Interactions

  • May interact with other emetics or central nervous system depressants
  • Potential for altered absorption of orally administered medications due to vomiting

Precautions

  • Use with caution in patients with a history of cardiac issues
  • Monitor for dehydration due to vomiting
  • Not recommended for use in children without professional supervision

Pregnancy

Ipecacuanha is not recommended during pregnancy due to potential for adverse effects.

Breast-feeding

Caution is advised when using ipecacuanha while breastfeeding, as it may affect the infant.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.

Formulations

  • Syrup
  • Powder
  • Capsules

AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.

Clinical monograph: tincture

Tinctures are concentrated herbal extracts made by soaking plant materials in alcohol or vinegar to extract their active ingredients. They are typically used for their therapeutic benefits and can be administered sublingually, added to water, or used topically, depending on the formulation. Tinctures often serve as a convenient way to deliver herbal medicine in a liquid form, allowing for easier absorption and dosage adjustments.

Indications

  • Herbal remedy for anxiety
  • Support for digestive health
  • Anti-inflammatory support
  • Antimicrobial effects
  • Pain relief
  • Support for immune function

Dosage

Children: Refer to specific tincture product instructions for dosage, as this varies significantly based on the plant and concentration.

Adults: Refer to specific tincture product instructions for dosage, as this varies significantly based on the plant and concentration.

Mechanism of action

The mechanism of action of tinctures depends on the specific herbs or plants used in their preparation. Generally, the active compounds extracted from the plant material interact with various biological pathways, including receptor modulation, enzyme inhibition, and antioxidant activity. For example, flavonoids and alkaloids found in many tinctures may exhibit anti-inflammatory, analgesic, or antimicrobial effects through their interaction with cellular signaling pathways.

Pharmacodynamics

The pharmacodynamics of tinctures is influenced by the specific constituents of the herbal material. These constituents may exert effects such as enhancing or inhibiting neurotransmitter activity, modulating inflammatory responses, or influencing metabolic pathways. The effects can vary widely among different tinctures based on the plant used, the extraction method, and the concentration of the active ingredients.

Pharmacokinetics

The pharmacokinetics of tinctures involves absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of the active compounds. After administration, the alcohol or vinegar solvent aids in the rapid absorption of these compounds through the mucosal membranes or gastrointestinal tract. Once absorbed, the compounds are distributed throughout the body and may undergo metabolic transformations primarily in the liver. The elimination half-life varies based on the specific herb and its active constituents, with some compounds being excreted unchanged while others are metabolized into active or inactive metabolites.

Contra-indications

  • Hypersensitivity to any component of the tincture
  • Severe liver disease
  • Pregnancy (specific tinctures may vary)

Adverse effects

  • Skin irritation
  • Allergic reactions
  • Gastrointestinal upset
  • Drowsiness or sedation (depending on the active ingredient)

Interactions

  • May interact with alcohol, increasing sedative effects
  • Potential interactions with other CNS depressants
  • May affect the metabolism of certain drugs via hepatic pathways

Precautions

  • Use cautiously in patients with a history of substance abuse
  • Monitor liver function in patients with liver disease
  • Caution in operating machinery or driving due to potential drowsiness

Pregnancy

Generally not recommended during pregnancy due to potential risks associated with alcohol and other active ingredients.

Breast-feeding

Caution is advised, as components may pass into breast milk and affect the infant.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep tightly closed and out of reach of children.

Formulations

  • Tinctures of various herbs and compounds, including but not limited to: echinacea, valerian, and calendula

AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.

This drug in other countries

The same active ingredient registered across other registries we cover - including different brands.