Ipecac-induced toxicity in eating disorders

Abstract

A review of the medical literature provides evidence that ipecac-induced toxicity occurs in patients with eating disorders. However, the reported number of clinical studies is small compared with the number of patients consuming ipecac syrup. The purpose of this article is to inform the healthcare professional of the metabolic consequences, myopathy and death, of ipecac abuse. The patient's medical history, clinical signs and symptoms, laboratory data, and muscle biopsy are important in diagnosing ipecac-induced toxicity. In some clinical situations, the deleterious effects of ipecac syrup are reversible when the patient stops consuming the drug. Thus, the healthcare professional can play an important role by educating these patients about the serious medical problems associated with ipecac abuse.