[Occurrence of chloroquine-induced myopathy after low-dose treatment of rheumatoid arthritis for seven years]

Z Rheumatol. 2005 May;64(4):274-6. doi: 10.1007/s00393-005-0576-0.
[Article in German]

Abstract

The myotoxicity of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine has been known for decades. Limb-girdle weakness due to a vacuolar myopathy may occur occasionally in a dose-dependent manner during the first 24 months on chloroquine. However, we report on a case in which muscular weakness developed after a daily intake of 250 chloroquine phosphate (= 155 mg chloroquine base) for a period of 7 years. Even after long-term and apparently well-tolerated chloroquine treatment, the occurrence of severe side-effects is possible.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Antirheumatic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antirheumatic Agents / adverse effects
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / drug therapy*
  • Chloroquine / administration & dosage*
  • Chloroquine / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscle Weakness / chemically induced*
  • Muscle Weakness / diagnosis*

Substances

  • Antirheumatic Agents
  • Chloroquine