Reversible ipecac myopathy.
The abuse of ipecac syrup for three years resulted in painless, nonfatigable, chiefly proximal weakness in a 27-year-old woman. Electromyography (EMG) and a muscle biopsy revealed features of a myopathy similar to those previously reported in experimental emetine myopathy. Clinical weakness and EMG abnormalities improved after discontinuation of ipecac administration. A direct toxic action of ipecac (acting through its active alkaloid, emetine hydrochloride) on muscle fibers seemed to be responsible for the weakness in this patient.
Mateer
J E
JE
Farrell
B J
BJ
Chou
S S
SS
Gutmann
L
L
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007486:Ipecac / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009135:Muscular Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis
D007486:Ipecac