title: Reversible ipecac myopathy.
abstract: 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.
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Mateer
authors.forename: B J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Farrell
authors.forename: S S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Chou
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Gutmann
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D007486:Ipecac