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Labetalol-induced toxic myopathy
British Medical Journal (Clinical Research Ed.)
|June 6, 1981
Summary
Labetalol, used for hypertension, can cause muscle pain and elevated muscle enzymes, indicating potential toxic myopathy. Discontinuation and reintroduction confirmed the drug
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Neurology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Labetalol is a commonly prescribed antihypertensive medication.
- While generally safe, rare side effects like myopathy have been anecdotally reported.
Observation:
- A patient with essential hypertension experienced significant leg muscle pain during labetalol treatment.
- Clinical examination revealed no neurological deficits, but elevated serum muscle enzyme levels were detected.
Findings:
- Electromyography and electron microscopy suggested a toxic myopathy.
- Rechallenging with labetalol precipitated symptom recurrence and elevated enzyme activity, confirming a causal link.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering labetalol-induced myopathy in hypertensive patients presenting with unexplained muscle pain.
- Monitoring muscle enzymes may be beneficial in patients on long-term labetalol therapy.