Emetic

Emetics

An emetic, such as syrup of ipecac, is a substance that induces vomiting when administered orally or by injection. An emetic is used medically when a substance has been ingested and must be expelled from the body immediately. For this reason, many toxic and easily digestible products such as rat poison contain an emetic. This presents no problem for the effectiveness of the rodenticide as rodents are unable to vomit. Inducing vomiting can remove the substance before it is absorbed into the body. Emetics can be divided into two categories: those that produce their effect by acting on the vomiting center in the medulla, and those that act directly on the stomach itself. Some emetics, such as ipecac, fall into both categories: they initially act directly on the stomach, while their further and more vigorous effect occurs by stimulation of the medullary center.