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SYN: ipecacuanha.
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1) the dried rhizome and roots of either of two tropical American plants (Cephaelis acuminata and C. ipecacuanha) of the madder family used esp. as a source of emetine and cephaeline also either of these plants
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ip·e·cac (ipґə-kak) [USP] the dried rhizome and roots of Cephaelis ipecacuanha (Brotero) Rich. (Rubiaceae) (Rio or Brazilian i.) or of C. acuminata Karsten (Cartagena, Nicaragua, or Panama i.). Originally introduced as a remedy for dysentery, it has been replaced by its alkaloid emetine for that purpose, and is now used in syrup as an emetic, particularly in cases of poisoning. It also has expectorant properties.Medical dictionary. 2011.