Peripheral nerve injuries from intramuscular injection of drugs

17 patients who were treated at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital for peripheral nerve paralysis resulting from intramuscular injection of drugs are analyzed. Ten of them were below the age of 5 years. Sciatic nerve was affected in 16 patients and only one patient had median nerve paralysis. Penicillin, ampicillin, tetracycline, paraldehyde and optalgin were some of the offending drugs. The prognosis was poor as only three patients achieved a partial recovery of function in the paralyzed nerves. With determination and public education, this iatrogenic tragedy could be eradicated.