Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole associated rhabdomyolysis in an immunocompetent patient: case report and review of the literature

Empiric use of antibiotics such as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) is very common in clinical practice with minimal adverse effects. However, some patients can experience serious side effects to this antibiotic such as Steven-Johnson syndrome and renal failure leading to increased morbidity and mortality. Rhabdomyolysis is a rare phenomenon which could occur due to various etiologies including extreme exertion, trauma, and drugs. Herein, we describe an 18-year-old immunocompetent female who developed rhabdomyolysis after use of TMP-SMX for urinary tract infections (UTI).