Which medication is known for the side effect of rhabdomyolysis?

Statins are a class of medications primarily used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. One notable side effect associated with statins is rhabdomyolysis, a serious condition that involves the breakdown of muscle tissue, leading to the release of muscle fibers into the bloodstream. This condition can result in elevated levels of creatine kinase (CK) and can potentially cause kidney damage if not addressed promptly.

The mechanism behind the risk of rhabdomyolysis with statin use is believed to be related to the drug's impact on muscle metabolism and function. Some patients may experience muscle pain, weakness, and elevated CK levels, which can escalate to rhabdomyolysis in more severe cases. Factors such as high doses of the medication, interaction with other drugs, or underlying conditions may increase the risk of this side effect.

While gentamicin, corticosteroids, and levodopa can have their own sets of side effects, they are not typically associated with rhabdomyolysis in the same manner as statins. Gentamicin primarily presents risks related to nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity, corticosteroids may cause a variety of metabolic and physical effects, and levodopa is mainly