title: Ipecac abuse: a serious complication in bulimia.
abstract: Ipecac abuse among bulimics is being increasingly reported. The case presented is a 19-year-old female with significant eating-related problems, including frequent binges and daily use of ipecac to induce vomiting. Medical evaluation revealed significant muscle weakness, cardiac impairment, and altered levels of serum enzymes. The physical debilitation caused by the ipecac use dissipated following apparent discontinuation of ipecac ingestion. The symptom presentation and management problems in this case are discussed to alert clinicians involved in consultation about ipecac abuse.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002032:Bulimia / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007486:Ipecac; D010349:Patient Compliance; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation
chemical_list: D007486:Ipecac