Drug-induced myopathies

Expert Opin Drug Saf. 2002 May;1(1):65-70. doi: 10.1517/14740338.1.1.65.

Abstract

Drug-induced muscle disorders represent a broad clinical spectrum, from asymptomatic elevated serum creatine kinase levels to life-threatening myopathies. An increasing number of drugs have been suspected or identified as myotoxic. It would be unrealistic to attempt to list them. In clinical practice, an iatrogenic origin must be discussed in any patient presenting with muscle symptoms in as much as drug-induced myopathies are usually reversible after discontinuation of the offending compound. The clinical and histopathological features depend on the causative agent and individual susceptibility to a given compound. Apart from isolated myalgias, drug-induced myopathies can be divided into five major categories: necrotising myopathies mainly due to lipid-lowering drugs; inflammatory myopathies, including polymyositis (especially associated with thiol compounds) and maphrophagic myofasciitis; mitochondrial myopathies, mainly due to antiretroviral nucleoside analogues; corticosteroid myopathy; and various forms of painless neuromyopathies. In some cases (e.g., statin-induced myopathies), risk factors have been clearly identified and preventive measures have been recommended.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / adverse effects*
  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / therapeutic use
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / adverse effects*
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antiviral Agents / adverse effects*
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Hypolipidemic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Hypolipidemic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Muscular Diseases* / chemically induced
  • Muscular Diseases* / classification
  • Muscular Diseases* / physiopathology
  • Pain
  • Pleurodynia, Epidemic / chemically induced*

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Antiviral Agents
  • Hypolipidemic Agents