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Marked hepatotoxicity associated with losartan treatment
1Department of Endocrinology, Herlev Hospital, Denmark.
Blood Pressure
|May 1, 1996
Summary
Losartan, a hypertension drug, can cause rare liver enzyme elevations and thoracic pain. These adverse effects resolved after discontinuing the medication.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Hepatology
- Cardiology
Background:
- Losartan is a novel angiotensin II receptor blocker used for hypertension treatment.
- Clinical trials indicate a low incidence of adverse events with losartan.
- Hypertension management requires careful monitoring for potential drug-related side effects.
Observation:
- Two patients developed significant elevations in liver enzymes (ALT/AST) after initiating losartan.
- Patients also reported thoracic pain during the treatment period.
- These adverse events occurred shortly after starting losartan therapy.
Findings:
- Liver enzyme levels increased 8- and 15-fold above the upper limit of normal.
- Symptoms, including thoracic pain, were associated with the elevated liver enzymes.
- Discontinuation of losartan led to the resolution of both liver enzyme abnormalities and thoracic pain.
Implications:
- This case series highlights potential, albeit rare, hepatotoxicity and thoracic pain associated with losartan.
- Clinicians should consider monitoring liver function and for thoracic pain in patients treated with losartan.
- Further investigation into the mechanisms of losartan-induced liver injury may be warranted.