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Amiodarone-induced aseptic meningitis

Lise Janssens1,2, Wendy Van Daele3, Katlijn Schotsmans3

  • 1Department of Neurology, Algemeen ziekenhuis ZAS Middelheim Neurologie, Antwerp, Belgium lise.janssens@vub.be.

BMJ Case Reports
|May 8, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Drug-induced aseptic meningitis (DIAM) is a rare adverse drug reaction. This case report highlights amiodarone as a potential new cause of DIAM, with symptoms resolving after medication withdrawal.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Neurology
  • Clinical Medicine

Background:

  • Drug-induced aseptic meningitis (DIAM) is a rare but serious adverse drug reaction.
  • Various medications, including NSAIDs, IVIG, antibiotics, vaccines, and monoclonal antibodies, are associated with DIAM.
  • Amiodarone, a common anti-arrhythmic, is known for neurotoxic effects like tremor and peripheral neuropathy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report the first known case of aseptic meningitis induced by amiodarone.
  • To increase awareness of amiodarone as a potential cause of DIAM.

Main Methods:

  • Case presentation of a male patient in his late 70s.
  • Clinical evaluation including a 5-week history of headache, vomiting, and weight loss.
  • Cerebrospinal fluid analysis suggestive of aseptic meningitis.

Main Results:

  • Patient symptoms emerged after initiating amiodarone therapy.
  • Cerebrospinal fluid analysis findings were consistent with aseptic meningitis.
  • Symptoms showed rapid resolution upon discontinuation of amiodarone.

Conclusions:

  • Amiodarone should be considered a potential cause of drug-induced aseptic meningitis.
  • This case expands the spectrum of known adverse drug reactions associated with amiodarone.
  • Prompt recognition and withdrawal of amiodarone are crucial for managing amiodarone-induced aseptic meningitis.
Keywords:
Drug interactionsDrugs: CNS (not psychiatric)Headache (including migraines)

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