emetic
<p>An <i>emetic</i>, such as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syrup_of_ipecac" title="Syrup of ipecac">syrup of ipecac</a>, is a substance that induces vomiting when administered orally or by injection. </p>
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An emetic is used medically where 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). </p>
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Inducing vomiting can remove the substance before it is absorbed into the body. Ipecac abuse can cause detrimental health effects.</p>
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salt" title="Salt">Salt</a> water and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mustard_seed" title="Mustard seed">mustard</a> water have been used since ancient times as emetics.<sup id="cite_ref-3" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emetic#cite_note-3">[4]</a></sup>
Care must be taken with salt, as excessive intake can potentially be harmful.<sup id="cite_ref-4" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emetic#cite_note-4">[5]</a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-5" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emetic#cite_note-5">[6]</a></sup></p>
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copper_sulfate" title="Copper sulfate" class="mw-redirect">Copper sulfate</a> was also used in the past as an emetic.<sup id="cite_ref-pmid4385403_6-0" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emetic#cite_note-pmid4385403-6">[7]</a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-7" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emetic#cite_note-7">[8]</a></sup> It is now considered too toxic for this use.<sup id="cite_ref-isbn0-8385-8172-2_8-0" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emetic#cite_note-isbn0-8385-8172-2-8">[9]</a></sup></p>