Severe neuromuscular complications possibly associated with amlodipine

To document a case of severe, progressive myopathy, myalgias, arthralgias, and weakness possibly caused by amlodipine in a patient with benign essential hypertension.

A 52-year-old white woman with asthma and newly diagnosed hypertension was initiated on zafirlukast therapy for asthma and amlodipine therapy for hypertension. Two months later, the patient reported severe, generalized muscle and joint pain, muscle stiffness, and weakness. The zafirlukast was discontinued without resolution of symptoms. Laboratory tests revealed an elevated C-reactive protein. The amlodipine dosage was increased. Her symptoms persisted and further laboratory tests revealed a positive anti-nuclear antibody screen, and negative single- and double-stranded DNA antibody tests. After another amlodipine dosage increase, the patient experienced a sudden onset of left-sided facial numbness, facial weakness, and a severe headache.The patient was admitted to rule out a possible cerebrovascular event or a metabolic neurologic process. Magnetic resonance imaging showed no abnormalities. The patient discontinued the amlodipine and reported complete resolution of the neurologic symptoms after 4 days. One month later, zafirlukast was reinitiated without a return of symptoms.

Amlodipine was not initially suspected as a cause of these symptoms because these effects are not commonly associated with amlodipine therapy. However, due to the temporal relationship and progression of symptoms with increasing amlodipine dosage, drug-related causes were eventually explored. Review of the medical literature suggests myalgias and arthralgias may be adverse effects common to dihydropyridine calcium-channel antagonists.