Reversible ipecac myopathy
J. E. Mateer, B. J. Farrell, S. S. Chou and L. Gutmann
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.
