Journal article

Publication year: 2023

Pages: 175-181

Journal: Zeitschrift für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie

Volume number: 161

Issue number: 02

ISSN: 1864-6697

eISSN: 1864-6743

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1055/a-1488-6912

Publisher: Thieme

Abstract: 
Differential diagnosis of muscle pain and weakness is extensive, including neurological, vertebral, arthrogenic, vascular, traumatic, immunological, endocrine, genetic and infectious aetiologies, as well as medication or toxin-related causes. Muscles are highly sensitive to a large number of drugs, especially with high doses. Although many drug classes can cause toxic myopathy, a significant number of cases are caused by lipid-lowering drugs, long-term use of corticosteroids, and, most often, alcohol misuse. Some drug interactions, e.g. those that are metabolised via the enzyme CYP3A4, can increase the serum levels of the drugs and drug-induced toxicity. A careful history of patient's drug and alcohol consumption is therefore vital. Clinical symptoms depend on the drug, dosage and patient's sensitivity. They can vary from asymptomatic increase in serum levels of creatine kinase, mild myalgia and cramps to muscle weakness, rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure and even death. The pathogenesis is often only partially known and multifactorial. Toxic myopathy is often reversible once the drug is discontinued, alternative drug therapy is started or a different dosage regimen is chosen. Complications such as acute kidney failure must be avoided, and analgesic therapy may be indicated.

Harvard Citation style: Steinmeyer, J. and Flechtenmacher, J. (2023) Drug-induced Myopathies, Zeitschrift für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie, 161(02), pp. 175-181. https://doi.org/10.1055/a-1488-6912

APA Citation style: Steinmeyer, J., & Flechtenmacher, J. (2023). Drug-induced Myopathies. Zeitschrift für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie. 161(02), 175-181. https://doi.org/10.1055/a-1488-6912