Rhabdomyolysis associated with the combined use of hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors with gemfibrozil and macrolide antibiotics

Abstract

The hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (HMG-CoAs) are one of the most significant causes of medication induced rhabdomyolysis. The development of rhabdomyolysis is increased when the HMG-CoAs are used concurrently with certain other medications, specifically gemfibrozil and macrolide antibiotics. In this report, we describe a patient with rhabdomyolysis from the combined use of lovastatin, gemfibrozil, and clarithromycin and review the relevant literature.