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Clarithromycin-induced rhabdomyolysis: a case report
Giuseppe Pasqualetti1, Giacomo Bini, Sara Tognini
1Geriatrics Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
International Journal of General Medicine
|April 17, 2012
Summary
Clarithromycin, an antibiotic, can cause rhabdomyolysis, a skeletal muscle condition. This case highlights a rare instance of clarithromycin-induced rhabdomyolysis in an elderly patient.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Rhabdomyolysis is a syndrome of skeletal muscle breakdown with diverse causes.
- Clarithromycin, a macrolide antibiotic, inhibits CYP450 3A4, affecting drug metabolism.
- Interactions between macrolides and statins can lead to rhabdomyolysis.
Observation:
- A 90-year-old male presented with dyspnea at the University Hospital of Pisa.
- The patient developed rhabdomyolysis during clarithromycin administration.
- This case represents one of the few documented instances of clarithromycin-induced rhabdomyolysis.
Findings:
- Clarithromycin administration was associated with the onset of rhabdomyolysis in an elderly patient.
- The patient's presentation underscores a potential adverse drug reaction.
- This finding adds to the limited literature on clarithromycin as a direct cause of rhabdomyolysis.
Implications:
- Healthcare providers should be vigilant for rhabdomyolysis in patients taking clarithromycin, especially the elderly.
- Understanding drug interactions and potential toxicities of antibiotics like clarithromycin is crucial for patient safety.
- Further research may be warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms and incidence of clarithromycin-induced rhabdomyolysis.
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