Clarithromycin-induced myoclonic status epilepticus

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Myoclonus involves sudden, brief, involuntary muscle activity, classified as either epileptic or non-epileptic.
• Myoclonic seizures are characteristic of certain epilepsies like juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, Dravet syndrome, and Doose syndrome.
• Adults can experience myoclonic seizures due to various conditions, including stroke, Alzheimer's disease, and toxic-metabolic disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of myoclonic status epilepticus.
• To highlight the potential ototoxicity of clarithromycin.

Main Methods:

• Case report.
• Literature review.

Main Results:

• A patient developed myoclonic status epilepticus.
• The condition was attributed to clarithromycin use.

Conclusions:

• Clarithromycin can induce myoclonic status epilepticus.
• This adverse effect should be considered in patients presenting with myoclonic seizures.