Levofloxacin-induced acute rhabdomyolysis: A case report

Quinolones can cause rhabdomyolysis, but rhabdomyolysis secondary to quinolone use is uncommon, and few reports associate rhabdomyolysis with levofloxacin use. We report a case of acute rhabdomyolysis associated with levofloxacin use. A 58-year-old Chinese woman developed myalgia and difficulty walking ~ 4 days after taking levofloxacin for a respiratory infection. Blood biochemistry revealed elevated peripheral creatine kinase and liver enzyme levels, but the patient did not develop an acute kidney injury. Her symptoms resolved after discontinuation of levofloxacin. This case report highlights the need for monitoring of blood biochemistry in patients taking levofloxacin to enable early diagnosis and treatment of potentially life-threatening myositis.