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Losartan-induced angioedema.
1Cooperative Pharmacy Program, University of Texas Austin, USA. JRivera@utep.edu
The Annals of Pharmacotherapy
|September 24, 1999
Summary
This case study highlights a rare instance of angioedema, a serious allergic reaction, linked to the medication losartan. The findings suggest losartan can cause late-onset angioedema that may recur.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Medicine
- Adverse Drug Reactions
Background:
- Angiotensin II receptor antagonists (ARBs) like losartan are commonly prescribed for hypertension.
- Angioedema is a known, albeit rare, side effect associated with Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.
- The incidence and characteristics of angioedema specifically related to losartan are not well-established.
Observation:
- A 45-year-old male patient developed two episodes of angioedema within 10 hours of initiating losartan/hydrochlorothiazide.
- The patient had a history of hypertension and gout, was on allopurinol and colchicine, and had normal renal function.
- Notably, the patient had no prior exposure to ACE inhibitors, and the angioedema reaction was of late onset and recurred.
Findings:
- This case suggests that losartan, an ARB, can induce angioedema.
- The observed angioedema was characterized by late onset and recurrence.
- The reaction occurred in a patient with normal renal function, distinguishing it from some previously reported cases.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider losartan as a potential cause of late-onset angioedema, even in patients with normal renal function.
- The potential for recurrence of losartan-induced angioedema warrants careful patient monitoring.
- Further research is needed to determine the precise incidence and risk factors for angioedema associated with losartan and other ARBs.