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Reversible Ipecac Myopathy
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Reversible Ipecac Myopathy

John E Mateer, Barbara J Farrell, Samuel S. M Chou and Ludwig Gutmann
Archives of neurology (Chicago), Vol.42(2), pp.188-190
02/01/1985
DOI: 10.1001/archneur.1985.04060020106024
PMID: 2858193

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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.

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