Drug-induced neuropathies

Although drug-induced neuropathies account for only 2-4% of referrals, their identification is important. Numerically, chemotherapy and antiretroviral drugs are the most important worldwide. Research is currently focused on elucidating pathogenic mechanisms and the earliest presymptomatic changes using neurophysiological and pharmacogenetic techniques in order to avoid the drug or make dosage changes before irreversible damage occurs. Chemoprotectants against chemotherapy-induced neuropathy are also an active area of research. This chapter focuses on the pathophysiology of drug-induced neuropathies in general, followed by detailed reviews of neuropathy due to; newer compounds such as TNF (tumor necrosis factor) α antagonists and antibiotics such as linezolid; chemotherapeutic agents, old and new, where significant progress has been made; antiretroviral drugs; and amiodarone, which is unusual in that it causes a demyelinating neuropathy. The controversial issue of statin-induced neuropathy is also reviewed.