Clinically Relevant Drug-Induced Myopathies

Clinically identified myopathies can occur with administration of medications such as statins, glucocorticoids, antibiotics, antirheumatics, and retinoids. While the frequency of drug-induced myopathies is unclear, they are an important group of disorders in anyone presenting with muscular symptoms and should be considered in patients with symptoms ranging from mild myalgia or muscle cramping to profound muscle weakness without a known etiology. Certain medications are commonly associated with myopathy and frequently prescribed (glucocorticoids, statins); a few are more likely to occur with exercise, whereas others have myopathy as a rare side effect. Developing a greater understanding of underlying mechanisms and symptoms of drug-induced myopathy can promote enhanced awareness, early recognition, and improved patient care because many drug-induced myopathies are potentially reversible at early stages.
Source: Topics in Geriatric Rehabilitation - Category: Geriatrics Tags: Pharmacology for the Older Adult: A Primer for the Fine Print Source Type: research