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Methyldopa-induced pancreatitis
Abstract:
An acute febrile illness associated with gastrointestinal upset developed in a patient within one week after starting treatment with methyldopa. The illness was characterized by prompt subsidence of symptoms when the patient withdrew therapy secondary to gastrointestinal upset, and recrudescence of symptoms when methyldopa therapy was reinitiated. This was associated with hyperamylasemia, hyperlipasemia, hyperpyrexia, and epigastric pain, both on admission to the hospital and upon rechallenge with methyldopa. Although gastrointestinal upset has been reported as an untoward side effect of methyldopa, this is the first report to our knowledge of documented methyldopa-induced hyperamylasemia and hyperlipasemia secondary to pancreatitis.
Insights
Methyldopa can cause acute pancreatitis, leading to gastrointestinal upset, fever, and elevated digestive enzymes. Symptoms resolved upon drug discontinuation and returned upon reintroduction, confirming methyldopa as the cause.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Clinical Pharmacology
Background:
- Methyldopa is a commonly prescribed antihypertensive medication.
- Gastrointestinal upset is a known potential side effect of methyldopa therapy.
Observation:
- A patient developed acute febrile illness with gastrointestinal symptoms shortly after initiating methyldopa.
- Symptoms improved upon methyldopa withdrawal and recurred upon rechallenge.
Findings:
- The patient presented with hyperamylasemia, hyperlipasemia, hyperpyrexia, and epigastric pain.
- This case documents methyldopa-induced pancreatitis, a rare but significant adverse effect.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider pancreatitis in patients on methyldopa presenting with relevant symptoms.
- This highlights the importance of recognizing drug-induced pancreatitis for timely diagnosis and management.