Bezoars: implicated drugs and avoidance strategies

A wide variety of drugs or combinations of drugs have the potential to form bezoars. In the majority of patients presenting with bezoars there is a clear predisposing factor. This article highlights those drugs or groups of drugs which have been implicated in bezoar formation. Although bezoars are rare, it is important that the clinician is aware of the possibility of their development, particularly in susceptible individuals. This is because bezoars often develop in the elderly and in those with serious coexistent disease. They may be difficult to diagnose and recourse to laparotomy is frequently required to treat them. As a result, they are associated with a significant morbidity and mortality.