A case of rhabdomyolysis with acute renal failure after rilmenidine tr
eatment is reported. There was no evidence of any of the metabolic, in
fectious, traumatic, ischemic, immunologic, or toxic causes of rhabdom
yolysis. Many drugs can induce rhabdomyolysis, even when given in appr
opriate dosages. This is the first case of rhabdomyolysis with acute r
enal failure for which the causal link to rilmenidine treatment seems
likely. Muscle enzyme activities and renal function parameters should
be monitored in patients given rilmenidine, especially those with any
degree of preexisting renal failure.