Amiodarone-induced aseptic meningitis

Drug-induced aseptic meningitis (DIAM) is a rare but serious adverse drug reaction. A broad spectrum of medications is linked to DIAM, with NSAIDs, human IVIG, antibiotics (particularly sulphonamides and penicillins), vaccines and monoclonal antibodies being among the most frequently reported. Amiodarone is a frequently used anti-arrhythmic medication and neurotoxic effects including tremor and peripheral neuropathy are well known. We present a case of a male in his late 70s admitted to the emergency department with a 5-week history of headache, vomiting and weight loss. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis was suggestive of aseptic meningitis. The symptoms emerged after initiation of amiodarone and showed rapid resolution on withdrawal of the medication. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case to describe aseptic meningitis induced by amiodarone.

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Publication Details

Journal
BMJ Case Reports
Published
2026-05-01
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1136/bcr-2026-272079
Primary Topic
Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia detection and treatment
Type
article
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article

Amiodarone-induced aseptic meningitis

Katlijn Schotsmans, Wendy Van Daele, Lise Janssens
BMJ Case Reports
Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia detection and treatment
article

Amiodarone-induced aseptic meningitis

Katlijn Schotsmans, Wendy Van Daele, Lise Janssens
article en

Abstract

Drug-induced aseptic meningitis (DIAM) is a rare but serious adverse drug reaction. A broad spectrum of medications is linked to DIAM, with NSAIDs, human IVIG, antibiotics (particularly sulphonamides and penicillins), vaccines and monoclonal antibodies being among the most frequently reported. Amiodarone is a frequently used anti-arrhythmic medication and neurotoxic effects including tremor and peripheral neuropathy are well known. We present a case of a male in his late 70s admitted to the emergency department with a 5-week history of headache, vomiting and weight loss. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis was suggestive of aseptic meningitis. The symptoms emerged after initiation of amiodarone and showed rapid resolution on withdrawal of the medication. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case to describe aseptic meningitis induced by amiodarone.

BMJ Case ReportsVol. 19(5)
Vrije Universiteit Brussel (BE), ZNA Middelheim Hospital (BE)
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 5%
Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia detection and treatment
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