Drug-induced myopathy

Abstract

A number of medications, including very commonly used ones, have been described as causing myopathy. Drug-induced myopathy is defined as an acute or subacute adverse effect of a drug on the muscular system, which may range from asymptomatic increase in serum creatine kinase and simple myalgias to life-threatening rhabdomyolysis. It is necessary for the treating physician to recognize these manifestations early and manage promptly; in order to prevent treatment-related morbidity and mortality. A PubMed search was conducted using the MeSH terms “drug AND myopathy” and “drug AND rhabdomyolysis.” The consensus of the authors was sought to finalize a group of 60 articles for further review. With the large number of drugs available to the treating physician today, and the significant drug interactions that can occur, knowledge about the various drugs causing myopathy, their characteristic features if any, and the optimal management of these adverse effects is imperative.

Keywords

• drug-induced
• myopathy
• myositis
• rhabdomyolysis