EMETINE

EMETINE

Emetine is the principal alkaloid of Ipecac, the ground roots of Uragoga ipecacuanha (Family Rubiaceae). It occurs as white amorphous powder, m.p. 74°; turns yellow on exposure to light and heat. It is freely soluble in methanol, ethanol, acetone, ethyl acetate, chloroform; sparingly soluble in water, petroleum ether, solutions of KOH and NaOH; moderately soluble in dilute ammonium hydroxide.

Emetine is obtained from the crude drug by first extracting the total alkaloids with a suitable solvent and then separating them into individual components by chromatographic techniques. It may be obtained synthetically by methylation of naturally occurring cephaeline.

The emetine hydrochloride occurs as a white or very slightly yellowish, odourless, crystalline powder. The salt is freely soluble in water, alcohol, and chloroform. It contains . water of crystallization varying from 3 to 8 HO. After drying at 105°, it melts at 235-255°. One gram of the hydrated salt dissolves in about 7 ml water. Solids and solutions turn yellow on exposure to light or heat. It is stored in a well-closed container and protected from light.

USES

Emetine and its hydrochloride have been used as an amoebicide and for lungworm infection. It acts principally in the bowel wall and in the liver. It is used in the treatment of severe intestinal amoebiasis and hepatic amoebiasis, although metronidazole, which is less toxic, is generally preferred Adverse effects of emetine therapy include aching, tenderness, stiffness and weakness of muscles in the area of injection following diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, dizziness and headache.