Rhabdomyolysis induced by fenoverine: a case report and literature review

Fenoverine is a derivative of phenothiazine. It is commonly used in the treatment of gastrointestinal and gynecological spasmodic disorders. Myalgia is a common side effect, but rhabdomyolysis has only been scarcely reported before. A 77-year-old patient without previous history of liver diseases received fenoverine therapy for four days due to abdominal pain. Acute onset of myalgia, proximal muscle weakness and high creatinine phosphokinase (CK) occurred. The foregoing symptoms and signs and abnormal biochemistry improved gradually after discontinuation of fenoverine use. The pathophysiology of fenoverine-induced rhabdomyolysis is unclear. Some predisposing factors, especially liver cirrhosis, had been reported. However, our patient had none of the well-known precipitating factors. Physicians should be aware of the possibility of rhabdomyolysis in patients receiving fenoverine, whether they are healthy or have musculoskeletal or liver dysfunction.