Managing medications with myasthenia gravis (MG) requires extra care, as certain drugs can worsen muscle weakness or trigger serious complications. Here's a breakdown of what to watch out for:
Antibiotics to avoid when possible
- Fluoroquinolones (e.g., ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin)
- Aminoglycosides (e.g., gentamicin, Show Full Answer
Managing medications with myasthenia gravis (MG) requires extra care, as certain drugs can worsen muscle weakness or trigger serious complications. Here's a breakdown of what to watch out for:
Antibiotics to avoid when possible:
- Fluoroquinolones (e.g., ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin)
- Aminoglycosides (e.g., gentamicin, tobramycin)
- Macrolides (e.g., azithromycin, clarithromycin)
- Some tetracyclines (e.g., doxycycline, minocycline) Supplements and minerals to be cautious with:
- Magnesium supplements — especially intravenous (IV) magnesium, which can trigger a myasthenic crisis, a life-threatening breathing emergency
- High-dose Vitamin D — can raise calcium levels in the blood, worsening muscle weakness Antidepressants vary in safety — some can worsen MG symptoms, so always check with your neurologist before starting one.
Always inform your entire healthcare team, including your pharmacist, about every medication and supplement you take. A pharmacist can be especially helpful in spotting drug interactions with your MG medications.
May 14
Metronidazole (antibiotic) threw me into a flare recently. Just coming out of it. Not severe but bad enough to have issues-, but face drooping, fatigue, leg muscles feeling like concrete blocks. Today is first day that I've been out of house and I still have to rest every 10 minutes while watering plants. But! I was able to bathe in one go and then cut my hair, so I am definitely on the mend. Be careful! Just because a med isn't on 'the list' doesn't mean it won't cause you problems. Where do we report these drug reactions, besides our doctors?
May 14