Telmisartan Induced Myotoxicity: A Case-Report

The precise incidence of drug-induced myopathy is still not known, only few reports with the use of Telmisartan. There are likely around 150 agents that are associated to cause myotoxicity like statins, corticosteroids, anti-retroviral, and immunosuppressants. Therefore, as recommended by the guidelines, therapeutic drug monitoring of Telmisartan is required after the initiation of the therapy. However, the rise in serum creatinine up to 20-30% is accepted. But if serum creatinine level increases >30% then withdrawal of the therapy is recommended.

Suspicious with the previous therapy of Tab. Telmisartan as no other pathology could be detected. A causality analysis was done using the Naranjo’s algorithm and WHO-UMC Scale and the present ADR was found to be ‘Probable’ with Telmisartan. Tab. Telmisartan was withdrawn completely and was switched by another Antihypertensive -Tab. Enalapril (5mg). Gradually, the condition of the patient showed improvement in terms of both- the clinical symptoms and laboratory abnormalities. However, re-challenge of the drug was not performed in order to avoid further toxicity. After 15 days, the patient had visited Medicine Outpatient Department (OPD) again the creatinine and uric acid levels where checked which were normal and further advised to follow up every month. To be conclude, adverse drug reaction of myotoxicity associated with telmisartan is rare but quite significant. So, close monitoring is necessary to ensure safety of drug therapy especially in long term use.