What Drugs Can Cause Myopathy?

March 22, 2024 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's

Myopathy

Myopathy refers to diseases or conditions that affect the muscles, causing weakness, pain, and stiffness. Certain medications can induce myopathy as a side effect, either by directly damaging muscle tissue or by interfering with muscle function. Some drugs known to potentially cause myopathy include:

  • Statins: Statin medications, used to lower cholesterol levels, are commonly associated with a type of myopathy called statin-induced myopathy or statin myopathy. This can manifest as muscle pain, weakness, and elevated levels of muscle enzymes (creatine kinase) in the blood.
  • Corticosteroids: Long-term use of corticosteroids, such as prednisone and cortisone, can lead to steroid-induced myopathy. This condition is characterized by muscle weakness and wasting, particularly in the proximal muscles (those closest to the trunk of the body).
  • Colchicine: Colchicine, used to treat gout and certain other conditions, can cause myopathy as a side effect, particularly with high doses or prolonged use. Symptoms may include muscle weakness, pain, and elevated muscle enzymes.
  • Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine: These medications, used to treat malaria, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus, can cause a toxic myopathy characterized by muscle weakness, pain, and elevated muscle enzymes.
  • Antiretroviral Medications: Some antiretroviral drugs used to treat HIV/AIDS, such as zidovudine (AZT) and stavudine (d4T), can cause mitochondrial toxicity and lead to a type of myopathy known as HIV-associated myopathy.
  • Amiodarone: Amiodarone, a medication used to treat certain heart rhythm disorders, can cause a toxic myopathy characterized by muscle weakness, pain, and elevated muscle enzymes.
  • Colistin: Colistin, an antibiotic used to treat multidrug-resistant bacterial infections, can cause a toxic myopathy, particularly with high doses or prolonged use.
  • Leflunomide: Leflunomide, used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, can cause a toxic myopathy as a rare side effect. Symptoms may include muscle weakness and elevated muscle enzymes.
  • Interferons: Interferon therapy, used to treat certain viral infections and cancers, can cause myopathy as a side effect. Symptoms may include muscle weakness, pain, and elevated muscle enzymes.
  • Antipsychotic Medications: Some antipsychotic drugs, particularly older ones like haloperidol and chlorpromazine, can cause drug-induced myopathy as a rare side effect.

It’s important to note that while these medications can potentially cause myopathy, adverse reactions are relatively rare, and most individuals can use these medications safely under medical supervision. However, anyone experiencing symptoms of myopathy, such as muscle weakness, pain, or stiffness, while taking any medication should seek medical attention promptly for evaluation and management.

«
»

  • Recent Posts

  • Categories

  • Archives

  • Tags

    bestime Black fungus coronavirus covid19 detox drinks diagnosis and treatment Early Morning Empty Stomach Guava-benefits Healthy BreakfastFood healthy diet healthydrink immunityboosters Protein proteinpowders recipes Uterine fibroid uterus weightloss workout