Review Article

The eating disorders medicine cabinet revisited: A clinician's guide to ipecac and laxatives

  1. Kristine J. Steffen Pharm.D.1,2,3,*,
  2. James E. Mitchell M.D.1,2,
  3. James L. Roerig Pharm.D., BCPP1,2,
  4. Kathryn L. Lancaster B.A.1

Article first published online: 8 MAR 2007

DOI: 10.1002/eat.20365

Issue

International Journal of Eating Disorders

International Journal of Eating Disorders

Volume 40, Issue 4, pages 360–368, May 2007

Additional Information

How to Cite

Steffen, K. J., Mitchell, J. E., Roerig, J. L. and Lancaster, K. L. (2007), The eating disorders medicine cabinet revisited: A clinician's guide to ipecac and laxatives. Int. J. Eat. Disord., 40: 360–368. doi: 10.1002/eat.20365

Author Information

  1. 1

    Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, Fargo, North Dakota

  2. 2

    Department of Neuroscience, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Grand Forks, North Dakota

  3. 3

    Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, College of Pharmacy, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota

*The Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, PO Box 1415, Fargo, ND 58107

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 28 MAR 2007
  2. Article first published online: 8 MAR 2007
  3. Manuscript Accepted: 22 NOV 2006

Funded by

  • National Institute of Health. Grant Numbers: R01-MH59100, R01-MH59674, R01-H/DK58820
  • McKnight Foundation

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Keywords:

  • ipecac;
  • laxatives;
  • eating disorders;
  • bulimia nervosa

Abstract

Objective:

To describe the frequency of alternative medication use in bulimia nervosa (BN), and to review available nonprescription emetic (ipecac) and laxative products and their potential toxicities.

Method:

Survey data were collected from 39 consecutive treatment-seeking patients with BN or subthreshold BN. Survey data of the available nonprescription and herbal products from local retail stores were also collected. Toxicology information was reviewed on these agents from MEDLINE and herbal textbooks.

Results:

Ipecac use occurred in 18% of the 39 patients. Laxatives had been used at some point to control weight or “get rid of food” by 67% of the patients. Of these, 31% had abused laxatives during the month prior to evaluation. In the product survey, 248 laxative-containing products were identified.

Conclusion:

There are numerous laxative products readily available to patients, and many of them have significant associated toxicities. Patients with BN tend to endorse high rates of laxative use. While ipecac is used infrequently, it can have deleterious consequences. Patients with BN should be screened for use of both ipecac and laxatives and should be educated about the potential consequences associated with the misuse of these agents. © 2007 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2007

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