Opium-Induced Rhabdomyolysis and Acute Renal Failure in a Patient Taking Opium Habitually: a Case Report

A 60-year-old male hypertensive and diabetic patient who took opium habitually for six months was sent to our hospital from a private hospital because of muscle weakness, rhabdomyolysis and acute renal failure. The laboratory tests revealed high serum creatine kinase, creatinine, myoglobin and lactate dehydrogenase. Intravenous hydration, bicarbonate and mannitol treatment were applied. During the follow-up period, the serum creatine kinase level and renal function tests gradually normalized. Although acute opiate drug intoxication can cause rhabdomyolysis, one of the causes of rhabdomyolysis is taking opium habitually. Here, we report a patient who presented with rhabdomyolysis and acute renal failure while using opium regularly. Physicians should keep in mind that habitual opium use can cause rhabdomyolysis and associated acute renal failure.