Ipecoside is a member of acetamides, a beta-D-glucoside, an isoquinoline alkaloid, an isoquinolinol, a methyl ester, a terpene glycoside and an olefinic compound. It has a role as a plant metabolite. It is functionally related to an ipecoside aglycone.

Emetine hydrochloride and dehydroemetine combined with chloroquine in the treatment of children with amoebic liver abscess.