Drug-associated pancreatitis: facts and fiction

Pancreas. 1996 Jul;13(1):100-9. doi: 10.1097/00006676-199607000-00014.

Abstract

In the past, numerous reports on drugs probably causing acute pancreatitis have been published. However, most of these case reports were anecdotal with a lack of obvious evidence and did not present a comprehensive summary. Although drug-associated pancreatitis is rare, it is gaining increasing importance with the introduction of several potent new agents, i.e., anti-acquired immunodeficiency syndrome drugs. The following comprehensive review scrutinizes the evidence present in the world literature on drugs associated with acute or chronic pancreatitis and, based on this, categorizes in a definite, probable, or possible causality. In addition, explanations for the pathophysiological mechanisms are discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / adverse effects
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects
  • Antiviral Agents / adverse effects
  • Calcium / metabolism
  • Chronic Disease
  • Diuretics / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects
  • Pancreatitis / chemically induced*
  • Salicylates / adverse effects
  • Steroids / adverse effects

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Antiviral Agents
  • Diuretics
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Salicylates
  • Steroids
  • Calcium