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Severe diarrhea secondary to propranolol
Drug Intelligence & Clinical Pharmacy
|January 1, 1981
Summary
Propranolol, a common medication, can cause diarrhea and weight loss as side effects. This case report highlights the importance of considering propranolol adverse drug reactions when these symptoms occur.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Gastroenterology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Propranolol is a beta-blocker widely prescribed for various medical conditions.
- While generally safe, propranolol can elicit adverse drug reactions.
- Gastrointestinal side effects are among the reported adverse events associated with propranolol use.
Observation:
- A 71-year-old female patient developed diarrhea and weight loss.
- These symptoms were linked to the use of propranolol at a dosage of 20 mg four times daily (qid).
Findings:
- Discontinuation of propranolol led to rapid resolution of diarrhea.
- Rechallenge with a lower dose (10 mg qid) did not cause symptoms.
- Increasing the dose back to 20 mg qid reinduced diarrhea, confirming a dose-dependent adverse drug reaction.
Implications:
- The case underscores the need to consider propranolol as a potential cause of diarrhea and weight loss.
- Clinicians should be vigilant for gastrointestinal adverse drug reactions to propranolol.
- This highlights the importance of careful dose titration and patient monitoring for side effects.