Pancreatitis associated with losartan treatment

Authors

  • Jonathan Luis Gonzabay Muñoz

Keywords:

pancreatitis, treatment, hypertension, losartán, Pancreatic necrosis.

Abstract

Acute pancreatitis is a potentially lethal disease with a prognosis dependent on the development of organ failure and secondary infection of pancreatic or peripancreatic necrosis. Despite advancements in its treatment, severe acute pancreatitis remains associated with high mortality rates. This study aimed to interpret, through a literature review, pancreatitis associated with losartan treatment, an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB). An exhaustive search was conducted in PubMed for articles published between 2014 and 2024, selecting eight relevant studies. The results indicate that losartan is not significantly associated with an increased risk of acute pancreatitis in hypertensive patients, according to case-control and cohort studies. Additionally, renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors, including losartan, exhibit anti-inflammatory properties that may benefit patients with inflammatory diseases such as chronic pancreatitis. However, isolated cases of pancreatitis induced by losartan overdose and liver injuries associated with its combined use with other medications were reported. It is concluded that losartan and other ARBs appear to be safe and effective for treating hypertension in patients at risk of pancreatitis, also offering anti-inflammatory and protective benefits. Nevertheless, careful monitoring is required for patients receiving multiple pharmacological therapies to optimize treatment safety. These findings highlight the need for further research to better understand the interactions between losartan and pancreatitis and to develop more effective management strategies.

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Published

2024-11-06

How to Cite

1.
Gonzabay Muñoz JL. Pancreatitis associated with losartan treatment. Rev Cubana Inv Bioméd [Internet]. 2024 Nov. 6 [cited 2025 Dec. 8];43. Available from: https://revibiomedica.sld.cu/index.php/ibi/article/view/3541