Adverse effects of emetine therapy
Ramachandran, S.
Ceylon Medical Journal 18(3): 138-143
1973
ISSN/ISBN: 0009-0875 PMID: 4793727 Document Number: 4962
Electrocardiographic changes were observed in 59.2 per cent of the eases receiving emetine for the treatment of amoebic infections. The commonest single change was a lowering of, flattening or an inversion of the T waves. These electrocardiographic changes were of minor significance and though accompanied by alterations in the blood pressure or pulse rate in the majority of the cases, they themselves were no contraindication to emetine therapy. The absence of serious cardiovascular toxicity could be related to the lower dose regimen used in these cases. It was interesting to note that using this drug schedule the toxic effects observed were not of serious proportions while the response to therapy was very satisfactory. Gastrointestinal disturbances were infrequent and local reactions at the injection site were not observed. Delirium tremens occurring in severe alcoholics would be a non specific adverse effect while a simple confusional state in a non alcoholic would appear to be a specific effect. Two cases with a myasthenia of the face, mainly affecting the eye lids, with a response to edrophonium, marked in one of the cases, have been described. The possible cause of this unusual neurological feature has been discussed in the light of recent experimental work where a curare like action of emetine has been demonstrated. The occurrence of neuromuscular toxicity is an indication for the termination of emetine therapy.
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