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Rhabdomyolysis associated with naltrexone
S Zaim1, D B Wiley, S A Albano
1Division of Cardiology, Brooklyn Veterans Affairs Hospital, NY, USA.
The Annals of Pharmacotherapy
|April 14, 1999
Summary
This case report suggests a potential link between naltrexone treatment and rhabdomyolysis, a muscle breakdown condition. Elevated muscle enzymes normalized after discontinuing naltrexone, indicating a possible drug-induced effect.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist used for alcohol dependence and depression.
- Rhabdomyolysis is a condition involving muscle breakdown and release of myoglobin into the bloodstream.
Observation:
- A 28-year-old male patient developed elevated creatine kinase and aspartate aminotransferase levels during naltrexone therapy.
- The patient was asymptomatic and had no signs of renal insufficiency.
- Enzyme levels returned to normal within eight days of naltrexone discontinuation.
Findings:
- This case suggests a possible association between naltrexone and rhabdomyolysis.
- Rhabdomyolysis has not been previously reported with naltrexone use.
- Other potential causes, including alcoholism and concurrent medications, were ruled out.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of monitoring for rhabdomyolysis in patients receiving naltrexone.
- Further research is needed to confirm the causal relationship between naltrexone and rhabdomyolysis.
- Clinicians should consider naltrexone as a potential cause of rhabdomyolysis in patients presenting with relevant symptoms.